What this solves
Most shinkowen booking tools only sell you a ticket. They don't tell you that Nozomi is 25% faster but Hikari works with a JR Pass, that the oversized-luggage reservation is mandatory on Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu lines since 2020, that women-only cars run only during peak hours, or that a 3-person party should not book a row of D unless they enjoy elbows. This picker weighs train type, car row, seat class, and luggage rules together.
Configure your trip
How to read results
- Train type shows the fastest allowed under your pass. Nozomi/Mizuho need an extra ¥4,180 (Nozomi) or are excluded from JR Pass (Hokuriku Shinkansen Mizuho). If you have a JR Pass, Hikari/Kodama/Sakura/Hibari/Tsubame are your free options.
- Car row tells you where to sit: window row A for solo, row D for solo on the left (or with luggage), row E for groups up to 4 if you book a 2×2 in Green class.
- Oversized luggage reservation is mandatory on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu shinkansen if your bag is 160-200 cm combined dimensions (length + width + height). Free at JR ticket offices or Midori no Madoguchi; ¥1,000 if booked online. Reservation windows are at car ends (car 1, 4, 7, 11, 13, 17 depending on train). Skip the fee, get a fine and a seat reassignment.
- Quiet car exists on Nozomi/Hikari/Kodama as car 6 (typically). No phone calls, no loud conversations, no music without earphones. Violators are asked to move at the next stop.
Limitations
This tool doesn't pull live JR schedules — it gives a 2026 reference plan. Always confirm the exact train number, departure platform, and any track changes at the JR Info Desk inside the station. Luggage oversize enforcement varies: Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu staff actively check; Hokuriku/Tohoku/Hokkaido staff usually wave you on. Reserved-seat bookings can be made 1 month ahead at 10:00 JST (often 10:00 sharp, online tickets vanish in minutes for Golden Week and Obon).
FAQ
Is Nozomi really excluded?
Yes for JR Pass holders (since 2020, partial surcharge of ¥4,180/¥8,360 per leg). Non-pass holders can ride Nozomi anytime at full fare. Smart EX reservation app now lets pass holders pay the Nozomi surcharge online.
Can I reserve a seat with a 50 cm × 70 cm × 30 cm suitcase without paying?
Yes, any bag under 160 cm total (L+W+H) needs no special seat. Three 50-cm cases stacked count as 160 and need a reservation.
What about Hayatoku 24?
Hayatoku 24 (早特24) is JR West's 24-day-ahead discount ticket up to 50% off, restricted to specific trains/seasons. It's separate from a JR Pass and can't be combined. Worth checking for Hiroshima/Kansai trips if your dates are fixed.
What if my party is split?
Book adjacent seat positions but on opposite sides of the aisle (e.g., 4-A and 4-B) so groups of 4 can sit across a table in non-Green class. That's row D & E on Tokaido Sanyo trains.
Sources
- JR Central "Oversized baggage in Shinkansen" page (English version), updated 2026
- JR East reserved-seat booking advance-purchase schedule
- Smart EX reservation app documentation
- JR West Hayatoku 24 seasonal campaigns page
About this tool
Purpose: help a foreign visitor pick a shinkansen configuration. Scope: routes across Hokkaido, Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu lines. Limitations: this is not a live booking system; it gives a 2026 reference plan. Always confirm on JR's official sites.
Privacy Policy
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Disclaimer
Reference plans for 2026. Always verify with JR East / JR Central / JR West / JR Kyushu official sites before paying. This site is independent and not affiliated with any JR group company.