When you travel by the JR express train in Japan, you have a few choices of the seat. Most of the JR express trains offer two classes, Green and Ordinary. Those are like business class seat and economy class seat on the fight. And the highest class seat, “Gran class” is available on some of the Shinkansen lines. Some express trains in Kyushu offer Deluxe Green class. And there are some trains which offer the compartment.
Green class is better than Ordinary class definitely. But it is pricey. Before choosing the class of seat, you should know how much better Green class is than Ordinary class. And you should know what the benefit of Green class is. Especially if you intend to buy JR Pass, you will consider which you will get, Green seat pass or Ordinary seat pass.
In this post, I would like to focus on the seat of JR trains. You will know the layout of the seat, a leg space, benefit of higher class seat. I believe you can judge which seat is your choice after reading this post.
The types of JR train’s seat
Gran class seat | The Tohoku Shinkansen, The Hokkaido Shinkansen, The Hokuriku Shinkansen |
DX Green class seat | Some of the Limited Express trains in Kyushu area |
Green compartment | Limited Express Super View Odoriko Some of the Limited Express trains in Kyushu area |
Green class seat | Most of the Shinkansen trains Most of the Limited Express trains Rapid trains in Greater Tokyo area |
Ordinary compartment | Resort Shirakami |
Ordinary class seat | All trains |
Gran class seat
Gran class is the highest category of seat in all JR trains. It is like First Class seat on the train in Japan. There are only 18 seats in the car. And the seat layout is 2+1.
- Leg space – 1,300 mm
- Width – 520 mm
There is an exclusive staff in Gran class car. The light meal is served on board. You can choose Japanese style or western style. The amount of the food is very small. Please do not expect a full size of meal.
Coffee, tea, green tea, pop, juce, beer, Japanese sake and wine are also included. You can drink as much as you can. And the tea snack is served too.
Green class seat
Gran class is the highest category of JR trains’ seats but it is available on the specific trains only. Green class is more common choice for the passenger who wants the higher class seat. Green class seat has more spacious in the leg space than Ordinary class seat. Green class seat has nicer head rest, the leg rest and this seat reclines much deeper than Ordinary class seat. Green class does not offer any meal and/or drink services on board.
Since Green class seat is available on most of limited express trains, the seat size, the leg space and the seat functions are varied by the train.
- Leg space – 1,100 to 1,200 mm
- Width – 460 to 490 mm
- Seat layout – 2+2 or 2+1
2+1 layout is more spacious definitely. I would like to show you some of Green seat.
Green class seat on the Shinkansen
All Green class seat on the Shinkansen has 2+2 layout and this layout is the standard of the Shinkansen. The Shinkansen train fleet is wider than the trains on the conventional lines. This 2+2 seat layout on the Shinkansen lines offers same amenity as 2+1 seat layout on the conventional trains.
However the Akita Shinkansen and the Yamagata Shinkansen are different. These two Shinkansen train fleets are same width of the conventional trains.
As you saw the photo above, everything is more narrow than the standard of the Shinkansen. The seat itself is not bad. This seat has lots of the leg space. But the armrest is narrow.
If you take Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” or Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”, Green class seat is smaller than other Shinkansen trains. Please expect this and do not disappoint.
Green class seat of the limited express train on the conventional lines
The limited express train is the fastest and most comfortable train on the conventional line. This train runs on the route which the Shinkansen does not run. The seat layouts of the limited express trains are 2+2 or 2+1 as I mentioned above.
This 2+1 seat layout is very nice and so comfortable. It offers same amenity as 2+2 seat layout on the Shinkansen line.
Obviously 2+1 looks more spacious. This E353 series runs on Chuo line between Shinjuku and Matsumoto as the Limited Express Azusa. Actually this fleet is one of the newest fleets in all JR train cars.
This difference is caused by the value and the way of thinking of each train companies. JR East and JR Central place more importance on the capacity. Other JR companies place more importance of the comfort.
I would like to show you the major limited express trains which have 2+2 Green class seat layout:
- Azusa, Kaiji (Shinjuku, Chiba, Tokyo – Kofu, Matsumoto, Minami Otari)
- Narita Express (Narita Airport – Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama)
- Hitachi, Tokiwa (Shinagawa, Ueno – Tsuchiura, Katsuta, Takahagi, Iwaki)
- Odoriko (Tokyo – Atami, Ito, Izukyu Shimoda)
- Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama, Hida Furukawa, Toyama)
- Wide View Nanki (Nagoya – Kii Katsuura)
Some of Wide View Hida have 2+1 seat layout Green class car.
Green class seat on the ordinary train
Some local trains have Green class seat. In Greater Tokyo area, the train for suburban area offers Green class seat.
This seat is actually very similar to the limited express train’s Ordinary class seat. The leg space is only 960 mm which is much smaller than Green class seat standard on the limited express train, 1,100 mm to 1,200 mm. However the regular car on the local train is very crowded and it is hard to find the seat in many situation. And the seat is not like this in the regular car.
This type Green class seat is available for the commuter who want to avoid the crowded train. Please do not expect the same amenity of other express train’s Green class seat.
DX Green class seat
This Green class is available on 787 series in Kyushu region.
This seat is much bigger than common Green class seat. It is 5 cm wider, 1 cm longer in the depth and 3 cm higher than common Green class seat on 787 series. You recline the seat deeply and it is almost flat. Each seat has two power outlets
Green compartment
Green class seat compartment is available on the Limited Express Super View Odoriko (Shinjuku – Izukyu Shimoda) and JR Kyushu’s 787 series.
Most compartments accommodate 4 passengers.
Ordinary class seat
This is most common seat for most travelers.
- Leg space – 910 to 1,200 mm
- Width – 440 to 480 mm
- Seat layout – 2+3 on the Shinkansen or 2+2 on the limited express train on the conventional line
There are also many kinds of Ordinary class seat. However there is no big difference between many Ordinary class seats. Some trains offer better seat on the reserved Ordinary class car.
I like to show you several samples.
Ordinary class seat on the Shinkansen
2+3 seat layout is the standard of Ordinary class seat on most of the Shinkansen line.
The Shinkansen fleet is wider than the trains on conventional trains. This is the reason why the layout is 2+3. You can recline the seat. Green car seat is way better but the ordinary class seat is not a bad choice.
Some Shinkansen trains have 2+2 seat layout. The Akita Shinkansen and the Yamagata Shinkansen have 2+2 seat layout.
These Shinkansen line trains go through the conventional line. The size of the fleet is smaller than the standard Shinkansen fleet size. This is a reason why these Shinkansen fleets have 2+2 seat layout. It does not mean that this 2+2 seat layout is better other Shinkansen 2+3 seat layout. The width of the seats are almost same .
There are several more Shinkansen fleets which have 2+2 seat layout in Ordinary class on the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen lines. These are better 2+2 seat layout which is different from Ordinary class seat on the Akita Shinkansen and the Yamagata Shinkansen.
The first one is 800 series on Kyushu Shinkansen. All Ordinary class seats are provided by 2+2 seat configuration.
And the other one is N700 series, 700 series and 500 series of the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen. N700 series usually runs as “Mizuho” or “Sakura”. 700 series and 500 series usually runs as Kodama. These series provide 2+2 seat for only RESERVED Ordinary class seat.
As you see the photo above, the seat looks Green class seat. If you take a seat in non reserved car, the seat layout is 2+3. If you take Sakura or Mizuho, I highly recommend you to reserve your seat. And Kodama offers 2+2 seat layout in the reserved car. However this seat is offered on Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata only. Kodama which runs on Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka does not offer any 2+2 seat layout. All Ordinary class seats are 2+3.
Ordinary class seat of the limited express train on the conventional line
All Ordinary class seats on the conventional lines’ limited express train are 2+2 seat layout.
If you take a seat on most of economy class seat on the flight, the leg space is around 800 mm. Even the smallest leg space on Ordinary class seat is 910 mm. It is way bigger than the flight economy class seat. My height is 184 cm (6 feet) but I am okay with Ordinary class seat.
What is the difference between Green and Ordinary?
If you are thinking to buy JR Pass, you may be wondering that you should buy Ordinary or Green pass.
The difference is basically amenity and the functions. Green class seat offers bigger leg space. And it offers lots of functions, such as the head rest, the leg rest and recline much deeper than ordinary seat. As I mentioned above, Green class seat does not include any meal services.
Usually Green class seat car is quieter than Ordinary class seat car. I do not mean that Ordinary class seat car is very noisy. But Green class seat is very expensive. Most of family travelers with small child avoid to take Green class seat. Many Green class seat passengers pay for this atmosphere.
And if you use JR Pass Green, you can book a seat on either Green or Ordinary. This gives you a bigger chance to book a seat. Especially if you travel in the busy period, this may be a big advantage. However some trains do not have any Green class seats. Even the train has it, the space may be very limited.
In my opinion, JR Pass Green is very good deal. As long as you can pay for it, you should go for it. But as I mentioned, JR trains’ Ordinary class seat is not a bad choice. If you are very sensitive with your budget, you can go for JR Pass Ordinary. That is not such a bad choice.
Green class of JR Hokkaido trains
If you have a plan to travel in Hokkaido, I recommend to buy Green pass. JR Hokkaido provides you the best service in Japan Railways Group (six companies = JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu).Green class of all JR Hokkaido limited express train give you 2+1 seat configuration. “Twincle Lady” who is an attendant just for Green class on limited express “Hokuto/Super Hokuto” (Hakodate-Sapporo), “Super Tokachi/Super Ozora” (Sapporo-Obihiro/Kushiro) provide you soft drink, new paper (maybe Japanese only), magazine (maybe Japanese only too), blanket and steam hot towel. Twincle lady do not attend on the other limited express train, but the attendant provide you very similar service. (This service was discontinued in March, 2015.)
Comments
Hi Takeshi
3 person
16-25 June 2017
Is this too rush schedule?
16 – Saitama (visiting friend)
17 – Shinano Omachi ( how many hour reach?)
Will visit Hida Furukawa
18 – Tateyama Alphine Route
19 – Toyama – Shirakawago
20 – 22 Kyoto, Osaka
23-24 – Saitma
24-25 – Shinjuku – Haneda
7 days JR Pass better?
What can you recommend if my schedule is too rush?
Thanks
Hi Bel,
Do you really want to visit Shinano-Omachi? And also Shinano-Omachi is not the good place to access to Hida-Furukawa. If you don’t care about Shinano-Omachi, I recommend you to adjust your trip plan as follows:
17 Tokyo-Nagano-Alpine route-Toyama
18 Toyama-Hida Furukawa-Toyama
19 Toyama-Shirakawago-Toyama
Anyway Hida Furukawa is much closer to Toyama than Shinano-Omachi. You may stay in Nagano on 17th and visit Alpine route on 18th. You may visit Hida-Furukawa and Shirakawago in one day if you want.
Toyama (bus) Shirakawago (bus) Takayama (train) Hida Furukawa (train) Toyama
You may get the timetable of trains at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Please see the link below to find the bus timetable to Shirakawago:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
JR pass is recommended anyway. It does not cover bus to Shirakawago and alpine route. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san!
I’ll be travelling to these places in June –
1-4 Osaka (2- day trip to Kobe)
4-6 Kyoto
6-8 Hakone
8-11 Tokyo
I was reading up on the Japan Rail Pass and did my calculations for the rides. It seems like total cost for these train rides are “lesser” than the cost of the JRP (7-day pass). Is it also true that the JRP can be used for airport limousine service? Can’t seem to read/find out anything about this!
Do you recommend I take the JRP at all? Also, within the cities, can I use the JRP within a city? Or would I have to get the regional passes as well?
Hear from you soon! Many thanks!
Hi Hads san,
JR Pass it too expensive for your trip. JR Pass covers local trains in the cities, like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Tokyo. But even if you use it in the cities, JR pass is still not your choice. And JR Pass does not cover limousine bus. It basically covers train only. Please see the link below. It shows you sample plan for Osaka to Tokyo one way trip.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
You may add day trip to Kobe and drop by Hakone in this itinerary.
For trip to Kobe, Hanshin tourist pass is most affordable. But there are some other choices. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
For Hakone, you can use single fare ticket from Osaka to Odawara. And then add Hakone Free Pass.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You don’t need to catch JR train at Odawara again. If you pay extra to take Odakyu railway romancear, you can get Shinjuku in Tokyo directly from Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am travelling to Tokyo on 11 April to 4 May. My itinarery is to as follows:-
1. Tokyo
2.Osaka
3.Kyoto
4.Kobe
5.Nagano
6.Nagoya
7.Tokyo
8.Hokkaido
We are buying the 21 days JRpass and am wondering whether a green card would be better as we are doing quite alot of travelling by train. We also plan to go Hiroshima. Should we go from Osaka or Nagano.
Thank you!
Rose
Hi Rose san,
I always recommend Green Pass. Of course it’s more expensive but it’s worthwhile.
Hiroshima is much closer to Osaka than Nagano. Even if you go there from Nagano, you need to get Osaka first. You can visit Hiroshima from Osaka as day trip if you like.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for your reply.
No worries, Rose.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I will be travelling arriving to Osaka Kansai airport. Staying 2 nights in Osaka city then travelling to:
1. Fukuoka
2. Nagasaki
3. Kumamato
4. Beppu
5. Hiroshima Kobe
6. Himeji / Okayama
7. Nara
8. Izumo
9. Kyoto
10.Nagoya
Would it be still okay to add in 1 trip with 1 overnight stay at Tokyo? And what passes should I purchase as I will be staying in Japan for 15 days. Should I get the individual passes in each location, e.g. JR West pass and single trip tickets between different place?
Also, for the JR nationwide pass – can i use it for travelling within Osaka city?
Thank you.
Hi Andy,
JR pass 14 days is the best pass. It’s much cheaper than single ticket and there is no better deal other than JR pass. You can add Tokyo. It depends on how much you want to spend at each places. If you stay in each cities one day each, you still have one more day.
You can take JR local trains in Osaka. You also can take local trains in other cities, such as Kyoto, Tokyo. Please see the link below to find the info.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html#How_to_use_JR_pass_in_major_cities_and_tourist_spots
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-San thank you for this information as it was very informative. We are traveling to Japan at the end of May with a Group of 25 and I we are going to
Tokyo to iwaki (visit relatives)
Iwaki to Ise
Ise to Kyoto/Osaka
Osaka to Hiroshima
Hiroshima to Kanazawa
Kanazawa to Tokyo
With this large of a group would you recommend green car or ordinary car as I am afraid the entire group may not get reserved seats? Or is it fairly easy to get reserved seats on the ordinary car for this group? If you recommend green car then are there also recommended trains for us to take trough our Journey? Thank you so much for your help!!
Hi Donna san,
I think ordinary seat is more recommended. Because the number of seats in Green car is much fewer than ordinary car. It’s much hard to book it in green car.
By the way, have you contacted to the travel agent? Usually travel agent do not take care of booking only. But your group is quite large. When I have worked as travel agent, I have done it. Probably they can take care of it. Please try to contact to the nearest Japanese travel agent.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for your advice. I will do that!
No worries, Donna san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I would to seek your advise.
Below will be my itinerary for my upcoming japan holiday for a family of 4 adults.
12-15 April – Tokyo
15-17 April – Hakodate
17- 20 April – Sapporo
20-22 April – Back to Tokyo
My questions:
1) Is it more advisable to get the 7 day or 14 day JR nationwide pass?
2) Is it more advisable to get the Green or Ordinary Pass?
3) Sorry this question doesnt link to Railway but if possible from your personal experience, will it be good to drive in Hokkaido during the period of April? Will the roads still be snowy? Because i would love to drive in Hokkaido but have never driven on snow before and will be a little concerned.
Thank you in advance for your advise.
With Regards,
Glen
Hi Glen san,
1. 7 days pass is okay. As long as it covers Tokyo-Hakodate-Sapporo-Tokyo, it will be okay. You can use local deals, such as subway pass in Tokyo.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
2. It’s totally up to you. I always recommend Green pass. Because it’s worth while using. But ordinary class is not bad. And also if you use ordinary pass and drive after arriving Sapporo, you can use JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. It’s cheaper.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/jr-east-south-hokkaido-rail-pass-user-guide-perfect-deal-for-the-travelers-who-visit-tokyo-and-sapporo-by-train.html
3. Actually I have never driven in Hokkaido before. But it may be snowing in some area. It will be okay in Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru. But if you go to central, eastern and northern Hokkaido, such as Asahikawa, Furano, Lake Akan, Sounkyo gorge, it may be snowing. It snows very oftenin these areas until the end of April. It sometimes snow in even May.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Thank you very much for your advise. I appreciate that.
With Regards,
Glen
No worries, Glen san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
Schedule as below
24 march tokyo arrive at nrt
27 march to osaka
30 march kyoto and return to osaka on the day
01 apr to tokyo
03 apr to tokyo hnd
So am i right to say that i use the jr pass on the 27march so that i can use maximise the use of the jr pass until 02 Apr.
So for my im traveling 4 adults probably 4 luggage 2 strollers. So will green pass woll be a better choice?
Tks
Hi David,
You can use JR pass for Mar 27 to Apr 2.
If you want to have more space to keep your luggage at your seat, Green pass is better solution. There are not any luggage space in the train.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
You can find the deal for Narita-Tokyo and sightseeing in the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Tks for the advise…
Will consider the green jr pass..
Do you any private shuttle that send us to the haneda aiport?
Tks
David
Hi David,
Unfortunately I have info about public transportation only. I have no idea about private transportation.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I will reaching haneda airport on the 21 march till 3 April. plan is to travel to osaka for 5 days, 4 days in Kyoto and back to Tokyo.
should I be getting a 7 day pass and a single trip ticket from Tokyo to osaka or better off getting a 14 days jr pass instead?
Thanks!
Hi Adrian,
JR pass does not work because round trip fare by Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto is almost equal to 7 days pass price. Even if you use JR pass in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, not enough to use 14 days pass. I recommend you to use single fare or Platt Kodama between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto. And you may use local deals in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Please see the links below to fine more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
We are travelling to Japan from 4 to 15 April and would like to check if we would benefit more from the 14 days Green Car Pass or the ordinary pass will be enough? Our concern is because of the long journey on certain days and it will be peak season due to cherry blossom? Also, will the Green Car be available on most trains (Shinkansen Hikari) based on our itinerary below?
D1: Narita Airport to Kyoto
D2 to D5: Kyoto
D5: Kyoto to Hiroshima and travel to Miyajima by ferry
D6: Hiroshima
D7: Hiroshima to Tokyo
D8: Tokyo to Yokohma (return)
D9: Tokyo to Nagoya (return)
D10-12: Tokyo
Cheers!
Hi Carolyn,
14 days JR pass will work. Actually mid April is busy but not peak season. Peak season is early April and late April to early May. Shinkansen runs very frequently. Ordinary pass is okay to get a seat.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
we will be in japan between 22.03.17 – 03.04.17 with our two small children (both under 5 years).
Our route using the 7 days JRP will be:
*Tokyo – Kyoto
*Kyoto- Hiroshima & Miyajima
*Hiroshima- Osaka
*Osaka- Tokyo.
My Questions:
1. Do you think due to the cherry blossom, the Shinkansen will be very crowded outside the rush ours (between 9:30-17:00)?
2. Do you recomend us a seat resevation in advance or can we use the non-reserved wagons?
3. Since we are travelling with our small children
(incl. 2 luggages and 2 strollers) and considering the amount of people traveling on shinkansen in that period, is it woth it to by the green pass instead of the regular one?
Thank you in Advance.
Magdi
Hi Magdi,
Shinkansen reservation is not very hard. But I recommend you to book all seats when you exchange the pass. You also can exchange the pass in advance. Once you turn in an actual pass, you can start booking.
Non reserved seat is not very recommended. You can find more info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
Green seat is always nicer than ordinary but it’s not required. Children less than 5 years old are free of charge if you share the seat. If you want to give one seat for kids, you have to purchase child rate pass for less than 5 years old. I think you will purchase at least one pass for kids. Green pass is very expensive investment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com