10 New Shinkansen Changes Visitors Should Know

Heading to Japan? The Shinkansen (bullet train) system is rolling out exciting changes that will affect how you travel across the country.

From new routes and seating arrangements to themed trains and service updates, these changes will shape your rail experience in Japan.

Here’s what you need to know before hopping aboard one of the world’s most famous train networks. 😊

1. Reduction in Non-Reserved Seats on Nozomi Trains

a. Current Seating Arrangement

Each Nozomi train has 16 cars for your journey
You’ll find non-reserved seating in Cars 1-3, with about 250 seats where you can sit without booking ahead
You need to book seats in advance for all other cars
If you want to travel in first class, you’ll find these “Green Cars” in Cars 8, 9, and 10

b. Upcoming Changes

Starting March 2025, Car 3 will change to reserved-only seating, reducing non-reserved seats by 85
You’ll only find non-reserved seating in Cars 1 and 2, giving you about 165 seats to choose from
This change gives you more options for reserved seating, which many travelers prefer
The new setup begins in March 2025, at the start of Japan’s business year
These changes affect your trips on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines when you travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka

c. Reasons for the Change

More travelers like you prefer to have a guaranteed seat, especially on longer trips
You can now easily book your seats through your smartphone
Having more reserved seats helps trains run on time and reduces crowding
These changes aim to make your journey more comfortable and smooth

d. Impact on Your Journey

Price Difference: When traveling from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, you’ll pay 13,870 yen for a non-reserved seat, saving 850 yen compared to a reserved seat at 14,720 yen.
Travel Freedom: With a non-reserved ticket, you can hop on any train that day, giving you more flexibility with your schedule.
Seat Availability: Since there will be fewer non-reserved seats, finding an open spot might be trickier, especially during busy times.
Travel Tip: I suggest booking a reserved seat ahead of time to guarantee your spot, particularly for long trips or busy travel seasons.

2. Reserved Seating During Peak Travel Periods

a. Understanding Peak Travel Periods

When you visit Japan, the busiest times for travel are during the New Year break, Golden Week (from late April into early May), and the Obon festival (around mid-August)
During these super busy times, you can only get reserved seats on Nozomi trains that run on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines
If you’re planning to travel during the upcoming New Year season (2024-2025), keep in mind that all seats will be reserved from December 27, 2024, through January 5, 2025
This system helps make your station experience smoother and less crowded

b. Benefits of Reserved Seating

You’ll have your own seat for the whole trip – no need to worry about standing or sitting in the aisle
You can skip the early morning rush to grab non-reserved seats
You get to pick exactly where you want to sit – by the window, in the aisle, or in a specific train car
If you’re traveling with friends or family, you’re guaranteed seats together
You can relax knowing your seat is waiting for you, especially during those really busy travel times when trains get packed

3. Oversized Luggage Rules on Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen

a. What Counts as Oversized Luggage

Your bag is considered oversized if its total size (length + width + height) is between 161 cm and 250 cm
If your bag measures 160 cm or less in total, you can treat it as regular luggage
Keep in mind that each bag shouldn’t weigh more than 30 kg
You can’t bring bags larger than 250 cm in total size on the Shinkansen

b. Making a Reservation for Oversized Luggage

Book Seat for Extra Storage Space — Photo Credit: Klook

You’ll need to book a special seat that comes with extra storage space for your large bags
You can book these seats online, at station ticket machines, or at ticket windows
Don’t worry about extra costs – these seats are priced the same as normal reserved seats
Book early since there aren’t many seats with oversized baggage areas on each train

c. If You Don’t Reserve in Advance

Bringing oversized luggage without a reservation incurs a 1,000 yen fee
The train staff will help you find a place to store your bags

d. Storing Your Luggage Onboard

Look for the oversized baggage areas at the back of each train car
You’ll find the storage space near your seat, usually close to the washroom
The storage area can fit bags up to 250 cm in total size
The storage racks have specific size limits: top rack is 80 x 60 x 50 cm, bottom rack is 80 x 60 x 40 cm
Your regular-sized bags can go in the overhead racks or under your seat

Exceptions and Special Cases: You can bring strollers, sports equipment, and musical instruments without a special reservation, but if you want to use the oversized baggage area for these items, you’ll need to book it.

4. New Private Rooms on Tokaido Shinkansen

a. Introduction to New Private Rooms

Starting in 2026, you’ll be able to book private rooms on the Tokaido bullet train line between Tokyo and Osaka
These rooms offer even more comfort than the current first-class Green Cars, giving you a premium travel experience
You’ll find two private rooms on select N700S trains running on this route
Perfect for you if you need to work quietly, want complete privacy, or just wish to enjoy your journey in peace

b. Room Features and Amenities

Personal Space: Your own enclosed room means you can truly relax without worrying about other passengers.
Cozy Seating: Sink into comfortable seats that recline and come with footrests for extra comfort.
Your Room, Your Rules: Set the lights, temperature, and announcement volume exactly how you like them.
Fast Internet: Get exclusive access to high-speed Wi-Fi in your room.
Flexible Use: Whether you’re joining an online meeting or taking a nap, the room adapts to whatever you need.

5. Onboard Food Cart Service Discontinued

a. Reasons for Discontinuation

Sales Decrease: Most passengers now buy food at station shops before boarding, reducing onboard sales.
Staff Shortages: Finding enough workers to run the cart service has become difficult.
Customer Habits: Station shops and convenience stores are now the preferred shopping choice.
Affected Routes: Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Osaka) and Sanyo Shinkansen (Osaka-Fukuoka) except for first-class cars.

b. Impact on Passengers

No Cart Sales: Food and drinks are not available for purchase during the journey.
Other Options: Station shops offer meals and snacks for purchase before boarding.
First-Class Service: Green Car (first-class) passengers can use QR codes to order food and drinks for seat delivery.

6. One Piece-Themed Shinkansen

a. Overview of One Piece-Themed Shinkansen

You can hop aboard this special One Piece train in western Japan starting spring 2025
West Japan Railway Co. has teamed up with the beloved manga One Piece to create this unique experience
The train helps celebrate 50 years of the Sanyo Shinkansen Line
It’s launching just in time for the big World Expo happening in Osaka in 2025
They’re starting with one decorated train, with two more coming later

b. Route and Stations

Your One Piece adventure runs along the Sanyo Shinkansen line
The train takes you from Shin-Osaka station all the way to Hakata Station in Fukuoka
You can stop at exciting cities like Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, and Iwakuni along the way
It’s a fun way to explore western Japan’s most interesting spots

c. Train Interior and Amenities

Themed Decor: Step into a world of One Piece with special decorations that bring the manga to life inside the train.
Exclusive Merchandise: Get your hands on special One Piece souvenirs that you can only find on the train and at certain stations.

7. New Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension

a. New Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension Overview

You can now take the new train line extension that opened on March 16, 2024, going from Kanazawa all the way to Tsuruga
The new section adds 125 km of track where trains can run at high speeds
You’ll find six brand new stations along your journey
Getting from Tokyo to Fukui is much faster now – just 2 hours and 51 minutes

b. New Stations You Can Visit

Fukui Station: Your stop in Fukui city where you can easily visit the famous Eiheiji Temple and other local attractions.
Tsuruga Station: This is where the line ends for now, putting you right by the beautiful Sea of Japan coast.
Awaraonsen Station: Step off here to enjoy the relaxing hot springs of Awara.
Kagaonsen Station: Your gateway to Kaga’s traditional hot spring areas, where you can stay in lovely Japanese inns.
Komatsu Station: Perfect if you’re catching a flight – it’s right by Komatsu Airport.

8. Retirement of Doctor Yellow Trains

a. What is Doctor Yellow

Doctor Yellow is Japan’s special train that checks if bullet train tracks are safe and working well
You can easily spot it because of its bright yellow color, which makes it different from regular bullet trains
Its main job is to travel along the tracks and make sure everything is safe for regular trains to run
You might see it running between Tokyo and Hakata about once every 10 days
Many people think seeing Doctor Yellow brings good luck since its schedule is kept secret

b. Retirement Plans for Doctor Yellow

The train company JR Central will stop using their Doctor Yellow in January 2025
Another company, JR West, plans to retire their Doctor Yellow around 2027
They’re retiring these trains because they’re getting old and it’s time for newer ways to check the tracks
There won’t be another yellow inspection train to replace them
Instead, they’ll use regular N700S passenger trains with special equipment to do the safety checks

c. Reasons for Retirement

The Doctor Yellow trains have been working hard since the early 2000s
Like any old vehicle, they’re starting to show their age and need to be replaced
New technology means they can now put inspection equipment on regular passenger trains
They’ll add special checking devices to the N700S trains that carry passengers
This means we’ll be saying goodbye to these famous yellow inspection trains that have served Japan for many years

9. No More Smoking Rooms

a. Understanding the No-Smoking Policy on Shinkansen Trains

From March 16, 2024, you won’t find any smoking areas on Japan’s bullet trains
This covers all major routes: Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Hakata, and trains in Kyushu
All smoking rooms that were once available will be closed for good
Japan made this change because more people care about health now, and fewer people smoke
Every bullet train journey will be completely smoke-free

b. What This Means for Your Journey

If you smoke, you’ll need to wait until the train stops at a station
Remember to check the station stop times to plan your smoke breaks
Everyone can now enjoy clean, fresh air throughout their entire trip
The areas near bathrooms and garbage bins (where smoking rooms used to be) will be smoke-free too
These rules apply to everyone on board, no matter what kind of ticket you have

10. Japan Rail (JR) Pass Considerations

a. Price Increase Overview

The JR Pass got more expensive on October 1, 2023 – prices went up by about 70%
You’ll now pay 50,000 yen for a 7-day pass (it used to be 29,650 yen)
A 14-day pass costs 80,000 yen (up from 47,250 yen)
For a 21-day pass, you’ll pay 100,000 yen (previously 60,450 yen)
Regional passes, like the JR East pass, also got more expensive – prices went up by 50%

b. When to Consider Buying the JR Pass

When you’re planning to visit more than three cities and want to return to where you started
If you want the freedom to hop on and off trains without buying separate tickets
When your trip includes using local buses, subways, and ferries that the pass covers
If you’ll be taking lots of train rides on JR lines during your stay

c. When to Skip the JR Pass

If you’re only going between a few cities (like Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka), buying separate tickets might be cheaper
When you’re taking just a few train rides during your stay
If you like to travel slowly or plan to spend many days in one place

d. Tips to Get Your Money’s Worth

Do Your Homework: Map out where you want to go before deciding if the pass is worth it.
Check the Numbers: Add up the cost of buying individual tickets and compare it with the pass price.

Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA