Do I need reserved seats in Shinkansen?

Shinkansen Seat Reservations: When and When Not to Book

When traveling by Shinkansen, Japan’s famed high-speed rail network, you may wonder if reserved seats are necessary. The answer to this depends on the specific train line and the level of flexibility you desire in your travel plans.

Lines Requiring Reservations

For reservations, the following express routes require advance booking:

• Hayabusa
• Hayate
• Komachi
• Tsubasa
• Kagayaki

These lines operate at higher speeds and tend to be more crowded, hence the need for reservations. When traveling on these routes, it’s advisable to pre-book your seats, especially during peak travel times.

Lines Allowing Walk-Up Seating

Most other Shinkansen lines typically allow walk-up seating. This means you can simply board the train and find an empty seat without the need for a reservation. These lines include:

• Tokaido Shinkansen (except Nozomi services)
• San’yo Shinkansen
• Kyushu Shinkansen
• Tohoku Shinkansen (except Hayabusa services)
• Hokuriku Shinkansen

Benefits of Reservations

While reservations are not always necessary, they do offer several benefits:

• Guaranteed Seating: Reservations ensure you have a seat, even during busy travel periods.
• Preferred Seating: You can choose specific seats, such as those with window views or near quiet zones.
• Connecting Services: If you’re making a connection between Shinkansen lines, reservations can streamline the transfer process.

Flexibility vs. Convenience

If you prefer the flexibility of being able to board any train that suits your schedule, then walk-up seating may be the way to go. However, if you want to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey, especially on crowded lines, it’s highly recommended to make seat reservations in advance.