Japan Train Seat Classes

Most Japan trains have three classes: standard class, green class and gran class. There are also sleepers; but they are only available on Sunrise Express from Tokyo to Takamatsu or Okayama.

Standard Class

Standard class seats, also called ordinary class seats are the economy class seats on Japan trains. The seats in ordinary cars of Shinkansen trains are in the format of 2 seats + 3 seats arrangement and 2 seats + 2 seats in other types of trains. It is the cheapest seat classes on Japan trains.   

On A Shinkansen Train

Green Class

Green class seats are the first class seats on Japan trains. Shinkansen high speed trains and Tokkyu limited express trains offer green class seats. In a green car of Shinkansen train, the seats are arranged in a 2 seats + 2 seats format. And in the limited express trains, seats in green cars are set in the 2 seats + 1 seat format.

Green class seats tend to have more leg room and are equipped better than ordinary cars with reading lights, free slippers, TVs and laptop power points. If you don’t want to spend too much money and desire a more comfortable, quieter and less crowed travelling, then green class seats should be your best choice.

Gran Class

This is the most luxurious class on Japan trains. Different from the green class and the ordinary class, the gran class is equipped with ample seating room. Each car holds only 6 rows of seats with 2 seats + 1 seat in each row. Gran class car is only seen on Shinkansen trains and there is usually only one gran class car on each Shinkansen train.

Services and amenity in gran class seats are far better than the green class seats. After getting on the train, passengers will be guided to their seats by an attendant. Amenities such as a menu, blanket, warm towel, slippers and eye masks will be offered to passengers. The seats also have more functions, for example, passengers can use a control panel on the seat’s armrest to recline the seat to a comfortable angle and push the button on the armrest to call the attendant at any time when they need something.

Shinkansen Standard Class

Unreserved Seats

Sleeper

Sleepers are only set in Sunrise Express. In sleeper cars, berths and sleeping cabins are available. Shower rooms and toilets are equipped in each car.

In the berth cabin, all passengers share on big berth and only the head parts are separated one from another. There is a very small nightstand at evey head part, on which passengers can put some small items. Passengers can also close the curtain to make a privacy.

The sleeping cabins are classified as single or double berth cabin. In an ordinary single berth cabin, slippers, a suit of pajamas, blanket, a water cup and socket are offered. Compared with the ordinary single berth cabin, the luxurious single berth cabin is better equipped with a big table and a dresser. In a double berth cabin, the amenities is similar to that of an ordinary single berth room and the beds are arranged up and down or left and right.

Reserved Seats vs Unreserved Seats

Ordinary cars have both reserved and non-reserved seats and seats in green cars and gran cars are mandatorily reserved. The non-reserved seats are served at the “first come, first use” rule while the reserved seats are numbered and its passengers are ensured a seat always.

Normally, you don’t need to pay extra to reserve a seat, because there are usually seats unoccupied on usual days. But when it comes to holidays like New Year from December 29th to January 5th, Golden Week from April 27th to May 6th, and Obon holiday in mid-August, you do need to reserve a seat; otherwise you may need to stand along the way.