Most of trains in Japan have reserved seat and non reserved seat in ordinary cars. But some of you do not understand the difference between reserved seat and non reserved seat. And you may worry that all seats are full if you use non reserved seat.
In this post, I will explain you difference between reserved seat and non reserved seat. You will find pros and cons of both reserved and non reserved seat.
What are Non Reserved seat and Reserved seat
You can secure your seat if you take reserved seat. If you use a reserved seat, seat number, car number and train are fixed. Your seat is secured but you have to take the designated train.
Meanwhile if you take non reserved seat, you have to fix your trip plan and the route, such as Tokyo to Kyoto. But your train number and seat number are not assigned and you have flexibility. The ticket is valid for one day. However your seat is not secured. It is first come first serve basis. In peak seasons, there are many standing passengers in a non reserved car. You may have to stand in a car for a few hours.
If you want an information about booking a ticket, please see the link below:
How to reserve the train seat of Japan Railway
The difference of the cost between reserved seat and non reserved seat
A non reserved seat fee is 520 yen (510 yen in Kyushu) cheaper than a reserved seat fee in a regular season. But in a shoulder season, reserved seat fee is 200 yen cheaper than a regular season. So the difference between reserved and non reserved is 320 yen. On the other hand, in a peak season, a reserved seat fee is 200 yen higher than a regular season. The difference is 720 yen.
When you take Nozomi on Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, Nozomi surcharge is added on top of seat fee. This extra charge is from 210 yen to 620 yen by distance. So when you take Nozomi, the difference between reserved seat and non reserved seat is bigger.
Differences of accommodation between reserved seat and non reserved seat
In most of JR trains, both a reserved seat and a non reserved seat offer the same accommodation. The seat, leg space and width are exactly same.
520 yen reserved seat fee does not give you any better seat.
The accommodation is not an issue to choose reserved or non reserved.
But there are a few JR trains to offer better interior in reserved seat than non reserved seat.
Limited Express Super Kamui (Sapporo – Asahikawa) and Suzuran (Sapporo – Muroran)
This train does not have Green car. Therefore reserved seat is a bit better than non reserved seat. Reserved seat is called “U seat” in these trains. The seat in reserved seat car is bigger than non reserved seat. And the power outlet is available at the seat in reserved seat car only.
Please see the post, Limited Express Super Kamui to get the detailed information.
Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen, Mizuho and Sakura (Shin Osaka/Hakata – Kagoshima Chuo)
The difference is huge between reserved seat and non reserved seat in this train. Basically the ordinary class seat of Shinkansen trains have 2+3 layout.
But in Mizuho and Sakura, reserved seat car offers 2+2 seat layout. The leg space is same as non reserved car but the width is same as Green seat. This reserved seat is much more comfortable than non reserved seat and it is highly recommended.
Please read the post, Kyushu Shinkansen N700 series for Mizuho, Sakura and Tsubame image gallery to get the detailed information.
How to get a seat in non reserved car
Many readers asked me, “Can we get seats in non reserved car easily?”, “Is it hard to get a seat in non reserved car?”. And also many readers worry the case that there is no empty seats when they are on board in non reserved car.
It is very hard for me to answer to these inquiries. In my experience, it is not hard to find a seat in non reserved car other than peak season. If you are solo traveler, you can find a seat easily in most of seasons. But if you travel with someone or travel as a group, you may not be able to find the seat together in even regular season.
Please imagine. Most of trains have 2+2 seats layout. There are many business travelers and most of them are solo traveler. They usually pick up window side seat. As a result, you may find the seat but most of empty seats are isle side.
If you are okay with this situation, it is no problem with using non reserved seat. But if you want to have a few seats together, you may consider to use non reserved car.
However there are some tips to get some seats together and avoid this situation.
Take a train at the original departure station
When train comes to the platform in the original departure station, train is empty. It is much easier to take a seat.
e.g.
Your departure station : Shin-Osaka station
Your destination : Kanazawa
In this case, you will take Limited Express Thunderbird. This train stops at Shin-Osaka but train departs from Osaka station originally. Many of seats will be taken at Osaka station. Osaka station is only one station away and it takes only 5 minutes by local train from Shin-Osaka. If you go back to Osaka and catch this train, it is much easier to get a seat.
When you try to get a seat in non reserved car, you have to check where train comes from. And try to get on the train at the original departure station. You can find this information at Hyperdia. Please see the link below how to find it in Hyperdia:
Advanced function – Hyperdia perfect guide
Many of you will take Shinkansen (a.k.a. Bullet train) in your trip. If you take Shinkansen in downtown Tokyo, there are several stations to catch Shinkansen.
Tokaido Shinkansen (bound for Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima) : Tokyo, Shinagawa
Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokkaido, Hokuriku Shinkansen (bound for Sendai, Niigata, Nagano, Kanazawa, Shin-Aomori, Akita, Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto) : Tokyo, Ueno
Original departure stations of Shinkansen in downtown Tokyo is Tokyo station. You should not take Shinkansen at Ueno and Shinagawa if you take non reserved seat.
If you take Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka station, try to pick up Shin-Osaka departure train. You may find the timetable of Shinkansen in the links below:
Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen westbound timetable (from Tokyo)
Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen eastbound timetable (to Tokyo)
You may find some trains that depart from Shin-Osaka originally such as the image below.
Many trains come to Shin-Osaka to carry huge number of passengers. Please try to avoid those trains and find the train that depart from Shin-Osaka.
Hotels in Kyoto
Hotels in Tokyo
Hotels in Osaka
Hotels in Nagoya
Take slower trains
Everybody wants to get the place as early as possible. That is why slower trains have lower demand than faster trains. I do not recommend you to take local trains to move for a long distance. This technique can be used for Shinkansen only. I recommend you to take slower trains on Shinkansen line, such as Kodama.
Please see the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen timetable again.
Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen westbound timetable (from Tokyo)
You can find many “K” trains, such as K633 that departs from Tokyo at 06:56, arrive Shin-Osaka at 11:00. This is Kodama that is the slowest train on Shinkansen line.
As you see, Nozomi (“N”) is 1.5 hours faster than Kodama. Even Hikari is 1 hour faster than Kodama. That is why it is easier to get a seat on Kodama. And also Kodama has many more non reserved cars than Nozomi and Hikari. If you do not mind to spend extra hours, Kodama may be considerable.
Extra cost to book a seat by rail pass that covers only non reserved seat
Some of rail passes do not cover reserved seat, such as Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass. If you want to book your seat by this pass, you have to pay full fare of seat fee.
e.g.
Trip from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima by Shinkansen Nozomi
Reserved seat fee 4,810 yen
Non reserved seat fee 4,090 yen
Some of you think that you need to pay the difference, 720 yen in this case. But unfortunately it is wrong. You have to pay 4,810 yen. In this case, the pass does not cover any seat fee. It covers only base fare. If you really want to book your seat, you can do it. But the pass does not give you a big saving. This way is not very recommended when you use the pass that covers only non reserved seat.
Comments
Hi Takeshi san,
We will be arriving into KIX on Saturday morning 23 November at about 8am, with a group of 5 adults (including 2 old folks) and 1 toddler.
Considering to get the ICOCA + Haruka package (one way) to go straight to Kyoto. I understand from other comments that there is no way to upgrade/top up extra to change the unreserved seat ticket to a reserved seat ticket.
Would it be crowded on the train, considering peak of red leaves, Saturday and a Public Holiday in Japan?
We would very much prefer to sit near each other considering the group dynamics and its the first time the old folks are in Japan. Would this ICOCA + Haruka package be doable, or any other suggestions for us please?
*We would prefer to not take the limousine bus for the way to Kyoto due to the more limited tinings and pricing, also we need the ICOCA card anyway too.
Thank you!
Hi Daphne,
It is hard to say how busy Haruka will be. It depends on the flight arrival. If many flights arrive at same time, it will be crowded. Sometimes some passengers will stand because of all seat full. The flight arrival time is varied. So nobody can say how busy Haruka will be.
If you really want to secure your seat, give up using ICOCA and Haruka. And you can use a regular ticket and book a seat online. However if your flight will be delayed, you cannot get refund of the reserved seat fee. You still can take Haruka but you have to use non reserved seat.
That is why the deal does not include reserved seat fee. If you want to take Haruka and sensitive the cost, you have to accept the risk of non reserved seat. Haruka runs every 30 minutes. If the train is full, you can wait at the platform and take the next one. You can get a seat on the next train.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My family and I (3 adults and 1 child) are travelling to Japan arriving on 30/11/19 at Kansai Airport.
I would like advice on which pass to purchase as we need to take the Haruka express from Kansai airport to Kyoto as we are staying in Kyoto for 3 nights, then hoping to do sightseeing in Kyoto and possibly Nara and Kobe (time permitting). On 3/12/19, we are travelling from Kyoto to Tokyo, then staying in Tokyo for 3 nights.
Is it worth purchasing JR West + ICOCA pass or Kansai 3-day pass, or any other alternative? Then purchase single trip JR ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo.
Thank you for your advice,
Demelza
Hi Demelza,
If you are sure that you will visit Kobe and Nara, you can use Kansai Area Pass 3-day. Otherwise Kansai One Pass + Haruka is your choice.
Regular fare ticket is the choice for Kyoto to Tokyo. If you are okay with slower train, you can use Platt Kodama:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much Takeshi for your prompt response.
🙂 Demelza
No worries, Demelza.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I will be traveling to Japan Nagoya area by the end of this November till early December. Is this peak season?
For the train from Osaka to Fukui, I found only one route option which is thunderbird. Can I buy reserved seat one day before departure? If not can I buy unreserved seat on the day of departure?
For the train from Fukui to Kanazawa, I found that there are two options available- JR Hokuriku and JR limited express. I tried to book JR Hokuriku online but it’s not possible. Is it because it can only be booked on the spot? Does JR Hokuriku have unreserved seats or is it a standing train?
Thank you so much and hope that you can kindly help to clear my doubts.
Hi Yijing Lee,
It’s not a peak season. So usually it’s not hard to book a seat. If you cannot make it, you can buy non reserved seat ticket one day before or on the day of the travel.
Hokuriku line train is a local train. It’s a sort of the local commute train. You cannot reserve a seat. You may have to stand up.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi
I purchased the JPRail 5 day pass over 14 days the us all on your advice. I think we will try for skyliner into Ueno as a one off and enjoy the rest with JPRail. You were most helpful. Thanks again.
No worries, Catherine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
We are family of 4 (2 teens) staying near the Ueno station in Tokyo for 3 days and hoping to purchase the Shinkansen Hakutaki 561 to Iiyama in those days prior to 17 January 2020. Wanting preferably the 11.30am but sometime that day anyway. Would you imagine there would be some seats available over the duration of the trip that we wont have to reserve seats or do you suggest its important to reserve as this could be a busy train. I notice you dont suggest non reserve from Ueno?
Also we would like to get to Narita Terminal 1 for a 6.30pm flight on 26 Jan from Iiyama via Shinkansen. But thought if we travelled early that day we could stop somewhere for 4 hours along the way. Do you have recommendations? Again do you suggest reserved seats for this journey also? We see this is best to purchase in Japan. Please notify us otherwise. Many thanks for your great tips above.
Hi Catherine,
It will not be a busy season but the reservation is always recommended. You can book it online actually.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
And I recommend you to use JR East Pass Nagano Niigata because it is cheaper. It covers reserved seat fee too:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-niigata-and-nagano-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-kanto-region-nagano-and-niigata.html
4 hours is too short to see the place other than Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Most helpful. Im hoping we can use this pass as you are correct it will be cheaper by my estimation. I noticed the Shinkansen can be used but are the Hakutaki 561, 556 and 558 trains covered in the pass? These are specific trains with more direct journeys I was hoping we could catch. Could you confirm they are definitely covered Takeshi? Also given our stay in Tokyo is not far from Ueno I thought the Skyliner looked the best deal and time frame- return prepay at 4380 Yen. But infact if we can take those trains on the JPRail we would purchase the one way ticket into Ueno and use the 3 days in Tokyo on JPRail lines + 1 day up to IIyama and 1 day back to Narita. So yes this is a definite option.
Hi Catherine,
Hakutaka (not Hakutaki) is covered. All Shinkansen trains between Tokyo and Iiyama are covered by this pass.
Skyliner is the best one to get Ueno from Narita but this is not covered by JR East Pass Nagano Niigata unfortunately. You have to buy other deal in the link below:
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/tickets/index.php
If you want to maximize using JR East Pass Nagano Niigata, you can take Narita Express from Narita to Tokyo and take Yamanote line from Tokyo to Ueno. This is covered fully.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We’re planning to go Kamikochi from Tokyo and then from there make our way to Shirakawago and then the Alphine Route. What would be the best option to travel given the current situation in Japan? I went through many japan rail official site and are getting more and more confused on the schedules of the different trains. Thanks in advance.
Hi Ryan,
Your route is the following:
Shinjuku (Tokyo) to Matsumoto by the limited express Azusa
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-azusa-super-azusa-and-kaiji.html
Matsumoto to Kamikochi by bus
https://www.alpico.co.jp/en/timetable/kamikochi/r-matsumoto-kamikochi/
Kamikochi to Shirakawago by bus via Takayama
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/route_bus/kamikochi-line-en/
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/kanazawa_en/
Shirakawago to Toyama by bus
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/toyama_en/
Alpine route from Toyama to Nagano or Shinano-Omachi
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/timetable/
If you go back to Tokyo after Alpine route, you can take the Shinkansen from Nagano to Tokyo.
You may use JR East Pass Nagano Niigata for the train ride from Shinjuku to Matsumoto and Nagano to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-niigata-and-nagano-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-kanto-region-nagano-and-niigata.html
You also can use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket for Alpine route:
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
There is no deals to cover the rest of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Many thanks for the reply. Would it cheaper for the entire journey if I purchase the JR East pass (Nagano, Niigata)? Is the bullet train available from Tokyo to Nagano and we switch to another train from there to Matsumoto?
Hi Ryan,
You may take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagano and the limited express Shinano from Nagano to Matsumoto. This is covered by JR East Pass Nagano Niigata fully. But this ride is not enough to get the worth of JR East Pass Nagano Niigata. As I mentioned, you have to use the pass from Nagano to Tokyo too. If you look for the deal for only one way, this pass does not work. The regular ticket is your choice. It costs about 9,000 to 10,000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Appreciate you taking time to answer my questions! Just a few more questions, sorry!
Is the limited express Azusa back in operation? I heard operation was suspended and my trip to Kamikochi is next week 28/10.
Similarly, are the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagano and the limited express Shinano from Nagano to Matsumoto working too?
So from what you shared, if I travel back to Tokyo after the alphine route, the JR East pass will be more worth it right?
Many thanks again!
Hi Ryan,
JR East (railway company) haven’t announced when Chuo line (train route of Azusa) will be restored. They said it will take until the end of October. At this point, Azusa will not run on 28th most likely. But it may be back to normal earlier. Other closed segment was opened earlier than the expectation.
Anyway the substitute route, Tokyo-Nagano-Matsumoto route is open. You can take this route if it’s still closed.
You may be misunderstand about the pass. You cannot get more worth by traveling back to Tokyo. You must use JR East Pass to go back to Tokyo. You cannot get the worth of it by Tokyo-Nagano-Matsumoto trip only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks so much for your advice! It is very helpful!
No worries, Ryan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi. Our hotel is near Kintetsu-Nippombashi station (350m). If from JR Namba (Namba OCAT building), it is 1.4km from where we are staying.
We are 2 females, and we would like to go to Universal Studio by train with reserved seats, I’m so sorry and don’t want to offend anyone, but I’m afraid of the “groping” issues in crowded trains, so I would like to know your suggestion on which express train to board in. ( JR namba to USJ and vice versa).
Thank you so much.
Maria
Hi Maria,
Unfortunately there is no express trains which offers reserved seat to Universal City station (USJ). All trains are a sort of commute trains and may be very crowded. If you really care about it, you have to take a taxi. Taxi fare is 4,000 to 4,500 yen per taxi one way. You can ask your hotel to call a taxi. I have never taken a taxi from USJ. Please ask the staff there where you can catch it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi for your advice.
Regards,
Maria
No worries, Maria san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am a bit confused because several websites are saying different things about this. I have bought Kansai Wide Area Pass and I would like to travel from Osaka station to Tottori station. May I know whether is the Super Hakuto train covered by my pass? Because some websites are saying that I have to pay extra fees for the journey if I use super hakuto from Osaka to Tottori.
Hi Celine,
Super Hakuto is covered by Kansai Wide Area Pass. Please see the official site below and you can find “Chizu Express” in the coverage area map. That is the line which Super Hakuto runs.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I see! Thank you so much!!
No worries, Celine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi I have another question. So with this Kansai Wide Area Pass, do I need to pay for an fees if I board on trains for unreserved seats?
Hi Celine,
Non reserved seat is covered by Kansai wide area pass. You don’t need to pay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Can I order a shinkansen ticket at the departure station on the same day I want to leave?
Thank you in advance and kind regards,
Metten Lorijn
Hi Metten Lorijn san,
Yes, you can. Many business travelers do it very often. The ticket is sold 10 minutes before the departure time.
But if you travel in busy period, don’t do it. You must book it in advance. Please see the link below about the busy period:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/2019-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-during-the-busy-period.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hai Takeshi….
I am planning to visit Japan with my family. I try to make an itinerary based on Hyperdia. When i search trip from Kanazawa station to Toyama station, i found result :
Total 3,330 Yen ( Fare 970 Yen, Seat fee 2,360 Yen)
My question is :
1. If i choose non reserve seat, how much cost that i should pay? 970 Yen or 3,330 Yen ?
2. Can i pay that cost with ICOCA?
Hi Lilis,
It costs 2,810 yen. When you use hyperdia, you can choose Green, reserved and non reserved at seat fee section drop down menu.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You cannot use ICOCA for this trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank You…
You are very helpfull…
Have a nice day
No worries, Lilis.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com