![Plan Your New Year Travel Early! Understand the Special Shinkansen Reserved Seat Rules for a Comfortable Trip](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005420/img/basic/a0005420_main.jpg?20240911190300&q=80)
Plan Your New Year Travel Early! Understand the Special Shinkansen Reserved Seat Rules for a Comfortable Trip
- Written by: Timothy Sullivan
As the New Year holiday season approaches in Japan, millions of people journey to their hometowns or travel, causing significant congestion on public transportation. To manage the heavy demand, the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi trains will operate exclusively with reserved seating from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
This guide offers essential tips and crucial information to help ensure a smooth and comfortable Shinkansen experience during this peak travel period.
(Top image: PIXTA)
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- Table of Contents
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- Get to Know the Different Types of Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen
- Important Notice: Latest Information on Nozomi Operations for the Year-End Holidays
- 3 Tips for a Comfortable New Year Shinkansen Trip in Japan
- 1. Understand Seasonal Reserved Seat Fees and Save by Traveling Off-Peak
- 2. For Flexible Travel, Opt for "Hikari" or "Kodama" Non-Reserved Seats
- 3. Use the Japan Rail Pass to Reserve Seats on "Hikari" or "Kodama"
- Plan Your Year-End Trip Early and Make Reservations in Advance
Get to Know the Different Types of Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen
![(Photo: PIXTA)](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005420/img/en/a0005420_parts_66e160cdd1042.jpg?20240911190300&q=80)
The Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, essential for travel within Japan, offer three main services: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama. Each varies in terms of speed and stops, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your travel needs.
- Nozomi: The fastest bullet train, stopping only at major stations such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakata (Fukuoka).
- Travel time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
- Recommended for: Travelers heading to major cities or those looking to minimize travel time.
- Hikari: Stops at more stations than Nozomi, including Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, and Okayama, but is faster than Kodama.
- Travel time: Approximately 3 hours between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
- Recommended for: Travelers who are not overly concerned with minimizing travel time.
- Kodama: Stops at all stations along the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines.
- Travel time: Approximately 4 hours between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.
- Recommended for: Travelers who want to enjoy a leisurely journey or those planning to use stations other than the major ones.
*Please note that the stops may vary depending on the specific train service, so be sure to check the stops for your scheduled train.
Additionally, there are also direct trains from the Sanyo Shinkansen to the Kyushu Shinkansen, such as Mizuho and Sakura.
Shinkansen Fares and Seating System
![(Photo: PIXTA)](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005420/img/en/a0005420_parts_66e1620f6cf2f.jpg?20240911190300&q=80)
When using the Shinkansen, you will generally need to pay the following fees:
- Basic fare: This fee is calculated based on the distance traveled and is the same for Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama services.
- Express fee: Hikari and Kodama generally have the same express fee, while Nozomi is slightly more expensive by a few hundred yen due to its faster service.
If you purchase a reserved seat ticket, you will need to pay an additional reserved seat fee. There is also the option of a "Green Car" reserved seat, which offers more space and comfort at a higher price.
Tickets without a reserved seat fee are for non-reserved seating. With these, you line up on the platform and take any available seat. The price difference between reserved and non-reserved seats varies depending on the season but is typically a few hundred yen.
If no seats are available in non-reserved areas, you may need to stand in the aisle or deck. It's important to note that standing in reserved or Green Car areas is not allowed.
How to Reserve Shinkansen Tickets
Reserved seat tickets for the Shinkansen can be purchased through various JR online services, station ticket counters, and ticket vending machines. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM exactly one month before the travel date.
With JR's "SmartEX" service, reservations for reserved seats can be made up to one year in advance for certain trains. For more details, please check the official website.
You can also reserve Shinkansen tickets through LIVE JAPAN's services.
Important Notice: Latest Information on Nozomi Operations for the Year-End Holidays
As mentioned earlier, Nozomi, the fastest Shinkansen that stops only at major cities, experiences special rules during peak travel periods like the "Big 3 Peak Seasons" (New Year holidays, Golden Week from late April to early May, and Obon in mid-August). For the 2024–2025 New Year holidays, it has been announced that from December 27, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Nozomi will operate as "reserved seat only."
This policy, which began during the 2023 year-end season, has proven effective in reducing congestion on station platforms. If you're planning to use Nozomi for fast travel during Japan's busy New Year period, be sure to reserve your seat well in advance.
3 Tips for a Comfortable New Year Shinkansen Trip in Japan
![Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve bell ringing) (*Image for illustration purposes, Photo: PIXTA)](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005420/img/en/a0005420_parts_66e164eaa7fef.jpg?20240911190300&q=80)
![Kyoto-style Ozoni (New Year's soup) (*Image for illustration purposes, Photo: PIXTA)](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/article/detail/a/00/05/a0005420/img/en/a0005420_parts_66e165162f209.jpg?20240911190300&q=80)
Japan, during the New Year, offers a unique, traditional atmosphere that can only be experienced at this time of year. If you're planning to visit, here are three tips to help make your Shinkansen journey more comfortable during the holiday season.
1. Understand Seasonal Reserved Seat Fees and Save by Traveling Off-Peak
During the New Year season, Shinkansen reserved seat fees vary based on peak periods. By planning your travel during off-peak times, you can not only avoid crowds but also save on costs. Refer to the following seasonal pricing guide:
・December 23–25: Off-peak (-200 yen)
・December 26: Regular price
・December 27: Busy season (+200 yen)
・December 28–29: Peak season (+400 yen)
・December 30–31: Busy season (+200 yen)
・January 1: Regular price
・January 2–3: Busy season (+200 yen)
・January 4–5: Peak season (+400 yen)
・January 6–9: Off-peak (-200 yen)
(Price adjustments are compared to regular season fares and are per adult, one-way.)
For more details and the latest information, please check the official website below.
2. For Flexible Travel, Opt for "Hikari" or "Kodama" Non-Reserved Seats
While Nozomi will be all reserved seats from December 27 to January 5, Hikari and Kodama trains will continue to offer non-reserved seating as usual. If you prefer more flexibility and don't want to be tied to a specific departure time, consider using these services.
3. Use the Japan Rail Pass to Reserve Seats on "Hikari" or "Kodama"
The Japan Rail Pass, available to foreign travelers, offers unlimited rides on JR Shinkansen, limited express, regular trains, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for a set period. While the pass cannot be used on Nozomi trains, it is valid for Hikari and Kodama, and you can reserve seats on these trains. This pass is a great value for those planning to visit multiple cities during their trip to Japan.
Plan Your Year-End Trip Early and Make Reservations in Advance
The New Year holiday is a busy travel season in Japan, with both domestic and international tourists, as well as locals returning home, causing congestion on public transportation like the Shinkansen. Plan early and secure your reservations to ensure a stress-free and comfortable journey.
![Timothy Sullivan](https://rimage.gnst.jp/livejapan.com/public/img/article_writer/writer_51.png?20240910105424)
Chief English Editor
LIVE JAPAN
Timothy Sullivan is a senior English editor who has worked with LIVE JAPAN since 2017. Originally from New York, USA, he has over two decades of experience in Japan and more than 15 years in the digital media sphere. Timothy has played pivotal roles in assisting Japanese enterprises and regional authorities connect with international audiences. When he isn’t traveling, he is helping producing polished copy for LIVE JAPAN, one of Japan’s largest tourism platforms. He received a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the State University of New York College at Geneseo.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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