NEVER take the Green Car on the Shinkansen

You should never, ever ride in First Class on the Shinkansen, aka the Green Car. And no, I'm not joking about this. Find out just how much luxury is included with a Green Car ticket, the hidden advantages of this class, why it should be more expensive, can save you time, but should never, ever be used. Unless it's your final trip to Japan.
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CREDITS
/// PHOTOS
MaedaAkihiko - 日本語: N700S系0番台の普通車3列シート（743-27）
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[@japanunravelled]

DON'T make these mistakes on your trip to Japan! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3qupmqjqKaafLs MONTHLY INSIDER EMAIL japanunravelled.substack.com/subscribe

[@TerryKirk]

For me, the ability to reserve seats ahead of time, and not think about it again, was well worth it. When I'm traveling, I'm willing to pay extra to remove any stress or hassle. If I lived there, it would be a different story. I'm pretty much a "penny pincher" at home.

[@japanunravelled]

Especially if you've planned out your itinerary, there's little reason to not do this.

[@theknightswhosay]

You don’t have to use the green car to reserve seats though

[@predarek]

It's the same thing with business class with planes... once you tasted it, it's really hard to be stuck in a middle seat on the last row of the plane "because it's cheaper!"

[@spun_01]

I read the video title and was all ready to jump into the comments to argue... But you're 100% right. Our last 2 trips we had Green car rail passes and it was phenomenal. We won't be travelling in Green class much on the next trip now the JR Pass value has been crippled, but I'm very glad we did it before the price rises.

[@japanunravelled]

Thank you!

[@WayneHendersonVO]

This video of yours is the one that tipped me in favor of Green Car Shinkansen seats on our recent 12-day trip to Japan! Thank you for all of the details! We will always ride in the Green Car on future trips.

[@japanunravelled]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelfieser]

On my most recent visit to Japan (28 days, 04 Nov-01 Dec) I splurged for the GREEN CAR JR PASS (7 days + 21 days) and loved every trip I took on the Shinkansen. And there were plenty. Granted, I purchased before the price hike on October 1st, but I'll do it again, when I return for another month, because, for me, the comfort and convenience outweigh all other considerations.

[@oliverseiler2871]

Thank you very much for the video! 😃👍🏻👍🏻 i am visiting japan next month.

[@japanunravelled]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@zuzuspetals6040]

Thanks! Definitely helped us out with our first trip to Japan

[@japanunravelled]

Thank you! Great to hear!

[@Dionpitman]

I've only ever ridden in the Green car on the Shinkansen. Just last week (May 15, 2024), I rode in the green car to Tokyo from...Utsunomiya lol! Less than an hour, could have easily taken a non-reserved or standard reserved, but no had to be Green Car!

[@japanunravelled]

Yeah, that's kind of overkill, but in a good way!

[@wkndblnktl]

Always excellent content on this channel. Many thanks!

[@japanunravelled]

Much appreciated!

[@C4Darkorbit]

German here. I dont need premium trains, I'm happy if the train just arrives, even better if on time. Considering cost for 4 people we just rented a minivan which sits at around 1200€ for 4 weeks plus we can go anywhere outside the big cities.

[@japanunravelled]

That sounds great!

[@andyyang5234]

Something to consider: JR Central and JR West (which together operates the Tokaido / Sanyo lines) require passengers with large luggage to buy seats at the very back of the each car, the row right in front of the "large baggage area" shown around 3:00. This means that only 12 green car seats in every _train_ (or very rarely, if you can secure a spot in one of the very few luggage storage areas, a few more) are available to travelers with large luggage. In my recent Japan trip (it was peak autumn foliage season), there were two segments where I was unable to secure a green car seat due to my luggage.

[@japanunravelled]

It's an excellent point you make. I suspect that many people in Green also use luggage forwarding, after all, if you've got money for Green, you've got money for that.

[@IceCream-hp7mm]

With the new price I'm still debating if the JR pass is worth it, but regardless I will be buying the upgrade to green car for a few longer trips or more crowded routes.

[@Arraos]

I took Premium many times and I was always happy. On other lines you have only one seat on one side and that was the best ride in my opinion.

[@japanunravelled]

Yes, you get the 2 + 1 configuration on limited expresses too as well as other Shinkansen lines. Well worth it if you've got the money.

[@TheBestAsianGamer]

We took the green car at the start covid and for most our trips, we were the only one in the cars. Felt so VIP

[@KariHaruka]

And then you ride in the Gran Class on the Tohoku Shinkansen....

[@japanunravelled]

Strangely, I had already tried Gran Class on the Hokuriku Line before making this video. Gran Class is wholly unnecessary...

[@markbaker465]

I really enjoyed the man walking backwards up the stairs.

[@japanunravelled]

You should have seen him drinking coffee...

[@genotabby]

This is the exact same reason why I hesitate to use my miles for business and first class flights

[@japanunravelled]

More trips vs better seat - I'd choose more trips!

[@doug3117]

I always ride in the green car Andrew and I love it. I'm looking forward to Gran Class on my next trip north of Tokyo. With the steep price rise, I think I'll be skipping the JR Pass next trip. Thanks for your videos.

[@japanunravelled]

Gran Class is wholly unnecessary and sublime at the same time. Enjoy!

[@pdxtran]

On my last trip, I used Tokyo as my base, but I went to visit some friends in Kamakura for a day. I had a standard JR Pass, but when it was time to go back to Tokyo, the trains out of Kamakura were standing room only, and I have bad knees that had already been challenged by walking around Kamakura in the heat and humidity. I upgraded to Green Car, and I was so glad that I did. On a lot of the trains, standard class was just fine, especially if the train was underutilized, like the one from Sapporo to Otaru. But on my next trip, I'm seriously considering springing for a Green Car pass.

[@japanunravelled]

Yeah, it's really worth bearing in mind for this kind of situation. Hope your knees are OK for your next trip!

[@Namila.1004]

Thank you very much for all the information! I have a question and hope you can help me. How do I book 5 seats in green car from Tokio to Kyoto? On the webpage of JR only 4 seats can be booked. I would enormously appreciate your help on this.

[@japanunravelled]

Which JR webpage is this?

[@ericsturrock]

December 2022-January 2023 I came to Japan for the first time. I used the green car JR Pass. I liked it a lot because of the luggage space. I always reserved my seats last minute in case I got lost. Returning to Japan April 25th. Need to take a train from Tokyo to Fukuyama, Hiroshima on Sunday April 28th. Golden week starts Monday April 29th. Should I reserve my seat more than a few minutes in advance because of Golden week? During Golden Week I'll visit, Fukuyama, Kochi, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kumamoto, & Fukuoka. Then flying back to Tokyo instead of the train to make to watch a wrestling show on time. haha Hotels all seemed decently priced except Fukuyama which was way more expensive than last year. Will I have to worry about the green car seats selling out?

[@japanunravelled]

With those destinations, I don't think you have a lot to worry about.

[@peter.w79]

On the Sakura and Nagasaki shinkansen the reserved cars in standard class are basically green car seats (2+2 layout) and are very comfortable.

[@japanunravelled]

Yes! For this reason, Sakura is preferable over Nozomi/Hikari if available.

[@mrk131324]

I also always go green. But on most Shinkansans 2nd class reserved area has seats that a very similar to Green car seats.

[@rattrap316]

If you purchase a regular JR pass, can you also upgrade to Green with extra fee similar to if you want to upgrade to a Nozomi?

[@japanunravelled]

As far as I remember, you have to purchase the green version of the express ticket, as the pass will then only cover the basic fare part. It will be rather expensive, but possible with visit to the ticket office.

[@jkayrichardson3366]

I got the green car jr pass when i went to Japan as it was before the JR pass was going up in price and I knew it might be the only chance I got to experience it. I took the regular trip once when green cars. Generally I thought the green cars were noticeably roomier and comfortable, but I could easily forego the cost

[@japanunravelled]

You chose wisely there! For me, the noise dampening was extremely noticeable. Hard to justify the cost though with how the pass is priced now.

[@0PTIC5]

Would it be frowned upon if my friend and I claimed two seat windows instead of a row (2 seats) in a green car? Its probably the only time we'll use the Shinkansen when we go from Kyoto to Tokyo.

[@japanunravelled]

Not a problem at all. Enjoy the views!

[@saulschlapik6818]

On the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata (Fukuoka), some trains have reserved "ordinary" cars with 2+2 seating, similar to green cars. This is especially advantageous to JR Pass holders because seat reservations are free.

[@japanunravelled]

Yes, Sakura and Mizuho services.

[@KelvinYong77]

what's that device you're using at 2:42?

[@japanunravelled]

It's a Cosmo Communicator.

[@Pvemaster2]

I took the green car last holiday season, getting the ticket before the price went up. Honestly, I would've always bought green for that price, but now that it's gone up I probably won't even buy the regular pass again. While it was great, I really didn't experience the " green car is always near the elevator/escalator" though. Overall I do value the "jump on any train" aspect of the regular pass, no ticket machine or thinking required, just get on. But it depends how someone travels, I ended up planning like 1 day in advance where I'm going the next day, during my last trips, so I prefer the flexibility.

[@japanunravelled]

There's a lot to be said for keeping plans flexible - often I find out about special events or festivals once I arrive.

[@whowantsusernames]

We have JR passes but for some reason are not able to reserve seats at the ticket machine. It's been taking forever to reserve seats at the ticket office. What are we doing wrong?

[@japanunravelled]

Have you asked JR staff for help?

[@whowantsusernames]

@japanunravelled I guess what we had was a Kansai 5-day JR pass or something like that. The ticket office said we can't book seats at the machine. A few days later, the stress of that is forgotten anyway, and only the beautiful memories of Japan remain. But it was inconvenient at the time.

[@japanunravelled]

Oh, I can imagine that. Unfortunately not all of JR has got with the programme yet. Glad you had a great trip otherwise!

[@mogtrader8]

Can you do some videos or advice which shop sells food for long distance Shinkansen rides? How can you tell? The shinkansen doesn't sell food, but eatting is allowed on board? Thanks

[@japanunravelled]

Thanks for the idea! Yes, you can totally eat on board, but only green car passengers can buy on board. In stations you'll find shops with bento boxes like the one in the video - the shape's a giveaway. Of course you can eat anything you like.

[@mogtrader8]

@@japanunravelled thanks

[@lukelausk]

Have always been taking Green JR Pass while I travel in Japan lol. It's just such a huge difference... even with the price jump... still possible to make it worthy, and it's just easier to make reservations

[@japanunravelled]

I could still make a 7 day pass easily pay off, but most people don't seem to be able to do that.

[@gsr4535]

Going to Japan in May for our second trip there. Though I wanted to go to Osaka now thinking of just staying in Tokyo - it's so large and we didn't see but a fraction of it last year. The price of the JR Pass. 🤔

[@shpeen8835]

There are lots of cheap flights on Peach, Zip air etc. I booked Fukuoka to Tokyo Haneda for this April for less than half of Shinkansen Hakata-Shinagawa

[@shanas8448]

are the green car seats wider than ordinary?

[@japanunravelled]

Yes!

[@charu002]

about the exit getaway, i would have to disagree with the one for tokyo station. when i get back from kyoto, the elevator is in the far end. i have a small carry on luggage and big check in luggage with me since shipping from tokyo to kyoto on my hotel is dumb considering it will take 2 days instead of 1 there are some amenities that i didn't try on the green class like ordering food online, the blankets, and you said it was heating chair as well? i didn't know that too. yes, i kinda notice about that free seat thing. all of my trips i was able to put my bag on the side. i was like ummm, wow. i also agree on the noise. lastly, my kyoto to tokyo ride is limited due to me reserving in the smart ex app. i was able to reserve a seat on the window side facing mt fuji side i do my reservations on smart ex app at the front of the ticket gates. that way, if i want to get out as early as 5-10 minutes, i can do that. i reserve and designate my ic card right away. one advantage in my case having a carry on and check in luggages is to have a smart watch that has an ic card on it for me, i came to japan to enjoy and experience what country brings to me, albeit there's so many things i haven't tried and visit. while i can say i didn't plan ahead, i'm the type of person to prioritize comfort even if i'm going to pay reasonably more. while i haven't tried the ordinary car, i don't think i will try the ordinary for the rest of my life

[@japanunravelled]

Definitely difficult to go back to ordinary...

[@mohamedazhar5346]

Hi can you pls explain the advantage doing reservations in front of ticket gates ? Also if I pre book can I cancel using the app . Thank you

[@tkyap2524]

They mean exactly what they say - Green in comfort. It's always expensive to be pampered.

[@KenshoQuest]

I might try Green Car next time I take a solo trip in Japan. For now, my kids don't know what "inside voices" are. 😂

[@japanunravelled]

Fancy seeing you here! It's a nice experience but I'm not joking about never wanting to ride ordinary again - you won't ever be able to afford those kids!

[@brandontownsend6955]

WAIT! No pantographs on green cars!! Mind blown, thanks. I have made over 13 trips to Japan since 2015. I've only ridden Green Class and am hooked. Such a zen experience for me...

[@japanunravelled]

Gran Class is the next level for you then...

[@Komainu959]

LOL, I was thinking why would you not want to take the Green car as it's awesome other than for the expense. But couldn't agree more with his take. For me there are some splurges that I think are worthwhile on a trip to Japan. Stay at a Ryokan, have at least 1 "fancy meal", Green car JR Pass (assuming you are traveling multiple cities...or just buy a Green car tickets if not). In general I found lots of things in Japan incredibly cheap vs traveling in the US so it's easy to save some $$ elsewhere to splurge on these items.

[@japanunravelled]

Yeah, I do think Japan is actually cheaper than most people think for so many things. A stay at an onsen hotel is also a great splurge, particularly if the breakfast buffet is really good.

[@catherinelim8194]

Agree wholeheartedly

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

When you buy your Green Car ticket, do you have the option to choose a specific seat number? Say if I want to be on the Mt. Fuji side of the train. Thank you!!!

[@japanunravelled]

Yes, you can totally do that!

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

@@japanunravelled Thank you!!

[@timbounds7190]

Not all non-green cars have pantographs! Depending on exactly which model Shinkansen, there are normally only around 2 pantographs per train.

[@japanunravelled]

Yes, though I suppose at least in the Green Car you're guaranteed to not have one.

[@timbounds7190]

@@japanunravelled Yes. I wonder if JR are clever enough to make the Unreserved cars the ones with Pantographs, and the reserved seat cars without! I was intrigued to read somewhere that some of cars on the new 700S Shankensen on the Osaka line have some sort of tilt mechanism, but not all! I wonder which is which!

[@japanunravelled]

I did go back and look at my footage after your comment and if I remember rightly, there's one on an unreserved car, but the other is in reserved. Next time I need to take the Shinkansen I'll have a good look. This tilting stuff sounds exciting too. I'd also like to try out the new meeting room you can reserve (repurposed smoking room). It'd be fun to make a bit of a video from in there!

[@brentsutherland6385]

You'll have to do a video on GranClass.

[@japanunravelled]

Right! Strangely enough, I tried it quite a while ago. How you can make Green look like economy I don't know, but somehow they managed it.

[@riffgroove]

Standing room only on the Shinkansen? I've never experienced this

[@japanunravelled]

I hope you never do! One reason to book reserved seats, that's for sure!

[@riffgroove]

@@japanunravelled I always did.

[@danh9922]

It’s like fly on ANA business class The room. It ruins your experience flying economy for any future trips to Japan.

[@japanunravelled]

I think that would ruin your experience of life in general too. 😉

[@auroraflash]

How much for the green car? ^^

[@japanunravelled]

Just add 40% to the standard price 👻

[@oliverseiler2871]

​@@japanunravelled hey there....how much more for Gran class? Thank You very much for the video.

[@japanunravelled]

@@oliverseiler2871Roughly twice the price of a reserved seat.

[@hunterkiller009]

I wouldn't recommend green car for someone with long legs. Those adjustable footrest will get in the way from streching your legs. At least this in what i experienced on Tokaido Sanyo line.

[@japanunravelled]

Are you particularly tall? I'm 180 cm tall and didn't find it problematic, but I can imagine taller folks would like to know the details. Thanks!

[@hunterkiller009]

@@japanunravelled I am about the same height and find it way less comfortable than regular seat in term of legs space. I can get over it by not putting my foots on the foot rest though I would feel more comfortable if it's not there in the first place. I guess it depends on person. It just that I prefer more legs room over wider seat.

[@japanunravelled]

Come to think of it, I imagine on a longer journey I'd be feeling the same as you. Standard cars would then be better!

[@FlareOfLegacy]

Ah the business class dilemma.

[@japanunravelled]

And I didn't even mention Gran Class...

[@auroraflash]

okay, tell me about your mini notebook pc xD

[@japanunravelled]

You mean my phone?

[@Actizer]

JRPASS green car 21 days is the best choice for traveler, you buy tickets in advance with a seat selection, Shinkansen, Limited Express. My experience October-November 21 days and 35 cities explored. For some person its too much... p.s. The Hayabusa shin - best train =)

[@japanunravelled]

Sounds like my kind of trip! What was your favourite city?

[@Actizer]

Hakodate, an unusual place, looks like my hometown in Japanese style =)

[@japanunravelled]

Oh wow, one of my favourite cities too! I do hope you stopped by at Lucky Pierrot...

[@Actizer]

Of course, I love burgers =) I won’t forget how in the magical Midori Noshima they closed me only at 6 p.m. The North of Japan in the fall is beautiful for me, starting with Morioka❤

[@enidpolanco8627]

Green car really not worth it for the price I’ve done both and regretted spending more when my reservation in a regular car was just as good there was no noise ride was smooth lots of leg room in both but what I can say both have better seats than flying economy

[@japanunravelled]

Yeah, I get you. I feel like it's best used as a strategic upgrade when you know the other cars are going to be rammed.