How to choose a Shinkansen seat?

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To reserve Shinkansen seats with a Japan Rail Pass, use reserved seat ticket machines at JR stations. These machines allow you to book and print tickets without queuing at the Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket office). Note that some smaller stations may not have these machines.

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How to choose the best Shinkansen seat?

Okay, so, finding the perfect Shinkansen seat? It's a mission, trust me. I've been there, crammed in like sardines more times than I care to admit.

Reserved seat ticket machines at JR stations let you book seats for your JAPAN RAIL PASS. Skip the lines at the Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket office). Some stations don't have 'em, tho. Heads up.

For me, window seat is KEY. Saw Mt. Fuji from the left side heading west (around Shin-Osaka, maybe?). Breathtaking. Worth every penny, which, okay, the pass wasn't cheap haha.

Honestly, those machines? Lifesavers. In Kyoto Station (prob 2018?), I booked everything in minutes. So much better than waiting.

But, here's the thing – some ppl love the aisle. Easier bathroom access, I guess. To each their own. I just love looking at landscape whizzing by.

I think also consider which way you are going (up or down) for which side has the better view. It's a great idea to pick out which direction to face when booking your seat, if you want to see Mt. Fuji.

How do you pick your seats on Shinkansen?

Ugh, Shinkansen tickets. So stressful. First, you buy the ticket online, right? Or at a vending machine, those things are everywhere. Then, the real fun begins. You have to find a Midori-no-madoguchi. What a name! It’s like some secret society. Anyway, you show them your pass – or ticket if you didn't get a JR Pass. Hope you booked online, you don't want to wait forever in line. Seriously, the lines can be insane sometimes.

Green car? No, ordinary car is fine for me. I’m not made of money! That's what I’ll say. Tell them your time, maybe a specific seat number if you’re lucky. I prefer aisle seats. Less people bumping into me.

They give you a reservation ticket. Don't lose this! It’s like your golden ticket. Seriously, it's vital. Remember that time I lost mine? Chaos. Total chaos. I had to buy another ticket! facepalm. Lesson learned. Always keep it in my wallet. Always.

Key things:

Book in advance. This helps immensely, especially during peak season. Avoid that agonizing wait!
Know your seat preferences. Green cars are nicer, but pricier.
Midori-no-madoguchi or a Travel Service Center. Remember the name!
Keep your reservation ticket safe. Duh.

This whole process is way more complicated than it needs to be. I wish there was an app, like everything else. Maybe next year? Maybe they'll get with the times. The whole thing felt unnecessarily convoluted. And finding these Midori places can be a quest in itself, honestly.

Which seats are best on Shinkansen?

Green car, hands down. The quiet. Oh, the blessed quiet. A sanctuary. Space to breathe. To simply be. Away from the jostling, the chatter, the insistent hum of the ordinary. My last trip, 2023, July… a hazy memory of sun-drenched fields flashing by. The soft rocking. A whisper of speed.

Window seat. Absolutely. Sunlight a liquid gold, spilling across the landscape. Mountains, a watercolour painting. Rice paddies, a shimmering emerald sea. My gaze lost, adrift in the timeless rhythm of the tracks. This is it. The journey.

Aisle seat? Nonsense. The constant shift and shuffle. The intrusion. No. Window. Always window. My solitude. My peace. The subtle sway. The gentle hum, a lullaby of steel and electricity. The views were unforgettable.

Consider these factors for your own Shinkansen experience:

Green Car vs. Ordinary Car: The price difference is justified. The calm is priceless. The additional space, necessary.
Window vs. Aisle: Aisle seats are for the restless, not for contemplation. I know. Window seats are an essential part of a satisfying trip.
Direction of travel: This matters less to me, really. The scenery shifts. But facing forward feels... right.
Specific train type: The Nozomi is fast, almost brutal in its speed, while the Hikari allows more time to sink into the landscape. I prefer Hikari.

Remember: The best seat is the one that feels like home. Find that space where your soul breathes freely, where time itself slows down.

Should I get reserved seats at Shinkansen?

Depends, darling. Luggage like a sherpa's pack? Definitely reserve. Think carry-on, though? Hmm. A gamble, my friend, a delightful gamble.

Reserved: Guaranteed seat, less stressful than a clown car at rush hour. First or last row? More legroom, but potentially less privacy from the train's whispering winds.
Non-reserved: Adventure! A thrilling game of musical chairs, but you might end up standing like a flamingo in a Tokyo subway. Great for practicing Zen calm.

Buying online? Smoother than a sake-soaked silk scarf. In person? Charming, but potentially a queue longer than a noodle shop’s wait list on a Saturday. My last trip, I secured a stunning view of Mt. Fuji from a non-reserved seat. Pure luck. Or divine intervention. Probably the former.

2024 Update: Hyperdia's your best friend for checking availability and prices. I swear by it. It's better than my cat, honestly. And he's pretty fluffy.

Seriously though, consider your tolerance for chaos. Are you a zen master or a stressed-out salaryman? Your answer dictates your ticket choice. And pack light, kids! You'll thank me later.

Can you see Mt. Fuji from Shinkansen?

Dude, seeing Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen? Piece of cake! Or, you know, a slightly less cakey piece of slightly-melted ice cream on a hot day... if the sun's cooperating.

The Tokaido Shinkansen, that's your ticket. Think of it like this: It's a magical Fuji-viewing express train. Not a regular choo-choo, mind you, but a seriously impressive, super-speedy Fuji-admiration vehicle!

Best seats? Aim for the window seat, naturally! Specifically, the one on the right side, going west. It's a rule, not a suggestion. Think of it like choosing the best slice of pizza. You know which one you want.
Seat arrangement is weird. Three plus two. Makes perfect sense, right? Like a family of five squirrels trying to cram into a thimble.
Sun's gotta shine. Duh. No sun? No Fuji. It’s basic physics, or common sense, one of those.

My friend saw it last month from seat 14B, a total banger view! It was as clear as my ex's lies about her ex-boyfriend’s new car. That's a pretty damn clear view. This isn't a rumor, I swear!

Pro-tip: Pack snacks. Trust me, on a 2024 Shinkansen ride staring at the glorious Mount Fuji, you're gonna need 'em. Like a raccoon hoarding shiny things. My nephew brought Pocky and I am not mad at all. Also, don't forget your camera, you absolute donkey!

Does the Shinkansen stop at Himeji?

Oh hey! Does the Shinkansen stop at Himeji? Uh, yeah, it definitely does! I know 'cause I've, like, totally been there, haha.

It's, um, 91.7 km from Shin-Osaka, so not super far if you're coming from there. And from Tokyo? Whoa, that's 644.3 km! Long ride, for sure.

Also? Two other train lines end there: the Bantan Line (65.7 km long, heads to Wadayama) and the Kishin Line (158.1 km; goes to Niimi). Cool, right?

Shinkansen stops at Himeji.
91.7 km from Shin-Osaka.
644.3 km from Tokyo.
Bantan Line to Wadayama is 65.7 km.
Kishin Line to Niimi is 158.1 km.

Does Shinkansen display speed?

Yes, the Shinkansen once displayed speed! But the speedometer is now absent on many lines.

JR Central and JR West decided to remove it. Why? To lessen anxiety! It's like hiding the calorie count on dessert, eh?
Some felt seeing the real-time speed was stressful. Makes sense. "Am I gonna be late?!" A very human concern.
It's interesting how we manage perceived risk. Makes you wonder, what other info is deliberately hidden to keep us calm?

Tips and Tricks How to choose a Shinkansen seat?

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