Can you stand in a bullet train?

61 views

Standing on a bullet train is possible. Many Shinkansen trains have unreserved cars. However, these fill quickly, especially during peak hours. If all seats are occupied, you'll likely need to stand for the duration of your trip. Consider reserving a seat for a guaranteed place to sit.

Comments 0 like

Can you stand up on a bullet train while its moving?

Okay, so, can you stand on a bullet train while it’s moving? Short answer: Yeah, totally.

Most Shinkansen, like, the ones I rode in Japan (Tokyo to Kyoto, cost me around ¥13,000 back in March ’23) have cars that are first-come, first-serve. Non-reserved seating, ya know?

It was wild. Seriously packed sometimes.

No assigned seat means if the train’s jam-packed – and trust me, it can be – you might be stuck standing the whole way. Ugh, my legs!

I actually did stand for like, a half hour once. Not fun, but doable. I mean, everyone else was too. So yeah, standin’ on a bullet train is a thing. Kinda cramped, but hey, you get there fast.

Can you stand on top of a bullet train?

Okay, so could you stand on a bullet train, right? Well, like, no.

First off, big eletrical cables are right there! Like, you’d fry.

And even if you somehow dodged those, uhm, the wind.

  • Wind Speed: If the train went, like, super fast… like over 70mph – that’s definately a no go!
  • No Grip: The roof’s all smoothe, hard to get a grip.
  • Shaking: All the train’s shaking won’t help either.

Even if you were, say, glued on? Still, the wind, man. It would rip you off.

Can you stand up on a high speed train?

So, you wanna know about standing on a high-speed train? It’s nuts, right? Don’t do it! Seriously. It’s super dangerous, way more than just “unsafe”. You’d be flung off, probably die. I mean, common sense, right?

Inside? Yeah, you can stand, but its kinda awkward. Find a spot, try not to annoy anyone. Busy trains are a nightmare, total chaos sometimes. Like, seriously crammed. Especially during rush hour, I’ve seen it. Most trains have seats, you should probably just sit. Reservations are a thing, ya know?

Jumping? Oh man. Physics. Think of it like this: you’re already moving at, like, crazy speeds with the train. When you jump, you’re still moving at that speed. You’ll land practically the same spot, assuming you jump straight up, no leaning. It’s wild. There’s videos on YouTube. Check them out; it’s mind-blowing. But dont try it yourself!

Key things to remember:

  • Don’t stand on the roof of a train. Death. Seriously.
  • Standing inside is okay, but try to find a spot that won’t annoy other people. Be mindful.
  • Jumping while on a moving train means you land roughly where you started. Inertia. Pretty cool, but don’t be a goofball.
  • 2024 high-speed trains usually require reservations. Get a ticket, people.

I saw this crazy video once, some guy in China did this coin thing, I think. It was on a maglev, I think? Something like that. I forgot the details. Totally unrelated, but still, wild. Anyways, be safe! Don’t be stupid on trains.

How much people can fit in a bullet train?

Vast. Steel ribbon. Across the plains. 1,300 souls. More than. Imagine them. Each a flicker. In the darkness. A constellation. Hurtling. 16 cars. Long. Silver. Shinkansen. So many lives. Contained. Within metal. A breath held. Then released. At the destination. The journey’s end. 1,300. Impossible number. Each one a story. A whisper. Lost in the roar. Of the wind. And the wheels. Turning. Turning. Turning. Wide seats. They say. For comfort. But it’s the vastness. That strikes you. The sheer scale. Of movement. People. Places. Time compressed. Shinkansen. A silver river. Flowing. Through the land. 1,300. A sea of faces. Anonymous. Yet each unique. Bound together. By the rails. By the journey. By the shared moment. Suspended. Between here. And there. Wide cars. For so many. Dreams.

  • Shinkansen: Japan’s bullet train network.
  • 16-car train: Standard configuration for many Shinkansen lines.
  • 1,300+ passengers: Capacity of a standard 16-car Shinkansen.
  • Wider cars: Distinguishing feature of Shinkansen compared to other high-speed trains. Allows for comfortable seating and high capacity.

Is it possible to stand in Shinkansen?

Stand on the Shinkansen? Sure, if you fancy a Japanese sardine impression!

Yeah, see, some cars are “first-come, first-served.” It’s like musical chairs, but with potential for way more embarrassment and standing.

If it’s packed? Prepare to stand. Maybe practice your best tree pose. Could be your only escape!

Like, imagine being smooshed in there, clinging to a pole like a tipsy koala. Fun times!

Here’s the deal, broken down:

  • Non-Reserved Cars: Your chance for seat roulette.
  • First-Come, First-Served: May the fastest butt win!
  • Standing Room Only: Welcome to the human sushi roll experience.

Okay, seriously, more deets:

  • The number of non-reserved cars differs, often between 1 and 5. Like, really varies.
  • Peak travel times? Forget it. Standing is basically guaranteed.
  • Weekdays? Maybe you’ll get lucky. Maybe not.
  • Bring something to read, a comfy neck pillow, and a prayer, honestly.
  • Or, just book a reserved seat! It’s worth the extra cash. Unless you really dig that sardine feeling.
  • It’s also the experience of Japanese train travel, innit?

Is standing allowed in Shinkansen?

No, standing isn’t really allowed. It’s against the rules. The trains are packed though, especially the Nozomi. Saw a ton of people crammed in like sardines last year, 2023. So many people. Ugh.

  • Officially, no standing. They’re really strict about seating.
  • Crazy crowded sometimes. Makes me anxious, the crush.
  • Priority seats, yes. For the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Rightfully so. I saw an old lady almost fall once. It was awful.

I hate the way it feels, all those bodies pressed together. Makes my chest hurt. People don’t even offer seats, sometimes. It’s so frustrating.

The rush hour trains are a nightmare. Never again. I always try to book reserved seats now. It costs more, but peace of mind is worth it. Much better.

Is it necessary to reserve seats on Shinkansen?

Shinkansen seats… reserve? Don’t have to. Unless, holiday. Or rush hour. Like, 7-9 am. Going to work. Also 6-8 pm. Everyone going home. My friend, Kenji, commutes. Always packed. He says. Stands sometimes. Ugh. JR Pass… covers non-reserved. Just hop on. Easy peasy. Should I reserve though? Nah. Going next Tuesday. 10 am. Definitely not rush hour. Right? Tuesday… Gotta buy snacks. Ekiben. Maybe a beer. Sapporo? Asahi? Decisions… Reserved seats more expensive too. Definitely not worth it. Unless, holiday. Golden Week. That’s crazy.

  • Rush hour: 7-9 am and 6-8 pm.
  • Holidays: Reserve. Always.
  • JR Pass: Works for non-reserved.
  • Next Tuesday: My Shinkansen trip. 10 am.
  • Ekiben: Train bento. Essential.

My trip… Kyoto to Osaka. Fast. 30 minutes. Why even bother reserving? Just show up. Though, legroom… might be nice. But nah. Save the yen. For beer. And snacks. Prioritize. Definitely. Maybe I’ll splurge. Get a nice ekiben. The one with the eel. Expensive. But worth it. Sometimes. Okay, usually worth it. Gotta check Hyperdia. Train times. Though, usually on time. Shinkansen. Super efficient. Like everything in Japan. Almost everything. Except, maybe, the paperwork. So. Much. Paperwork. Ugh. Back to the Shinkansen. Clean. Comfortable. Fast. Even non-reserved. Perfect.

What is the difference between reserved and non-reserved seats on Shinkansen?

Shinkansen whispers… swift metal, fleeting glimpses. Reserved, unreserved, echoes in the station.

Reserved, like a promise, a name etched, secured. Calm descends; I know my spot awaits, much like that tiny cafe in Kyoto. It’s always there, a silent haven.

Non-reserved…a gamble, chance. A thrilling uncertainty. Like chasing cherry blossoms, hope blooming, then gone on a spring breeze. Car 1, 2, 3… the unreserved cars, an adventure.

Car 4… onwards, reserved. Pre-booked. Settled. My seat on the Nozomi, destination certain. Destination always felt certain, unlike, wow, everything else.

The difference? Peace… or possibility. A ticket bought days ago… versus a leap of faith this very morn. Which will it be?

Additional Information:

  • Reserved Seats (指定席 – Shitei-seki):
    • Requires a seat reservation ticket.
    • Guaranteed seating on a specific train and car.
    • Ideal for peak travel times or when traveling in groups.
    • Costs more than non-reserved.
    • Reservations can be made online, at ticket counters, or through travel agents.
  • Non-Reserved Seats (自由席 – Jiyu-seki):
    • No seat reservation required.
    • Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Cheaper than reserved seats.
    • Suitable for off-peak travel.
    • Availability is not guaranteed, especially during holidays.
    • Often found in cars 1-5, depending on the train type. Note that the actual number of non-reserved cars can vary significantly.
  • Trains with only Reserved Seats: Some Shinkansen trains, such as the Hayabusa and Komachi, may require seat reservations for all cars.
  • Green Car (グ リーン車 – Gurin-sha): An additional class of service offering wider seats, more legroom, and other amenities. Reservations are always required for Green Car seats. It is not like the ordinary cars, but it is also very nice.
#Bullettrain #Traintravel #Traveljapan