Order Your JRPass
Back to Regional Passes

Upgrading Shinkansen seats?

Pgsarmiento
Pgsarmiento
over 4 years ago
4 responses

Hi I have a regional pass for the area of Tokyo and Kanazawa, can I upgrade my ticket for the Shinkansen to either Gran Class or Green Class? Thanks

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 4 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

You can but your regional pass would only cover the basic fare. To upgrade you'd have to pay for both the Shinkansen fee and Green / Cran Class fare.

For example:
Tokyo -> Kanazawa in Green Class
Base Fare: ¥ 7,480
Shinkansen fee: ¥ 6,700
Green Class fee: ¥ 4,920
Total:¥ 19,100

You'd have to pay ¥ 11,620 to upgrade to Green Class on this route. Money wise it would not be worth it, perhaps if you really want to experience.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Pgsarmiento
Pgsarmiento
4 posts
over 4 years ago

Thank you! Yes, we are after the experience especially for the Gran Class if its reasonable enough. If we dont do any upgrade we can still ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa and back without any additional fees/payments right as part of the regional pass package? Are these reserve seats or only unreserved seats? Is it easy to find open seats together on this trip? Thanks

Pgsarmiento
Pgsarmiento
4 posts
over 4 years ago

Also Im guessing we can opt to upgrade one way and use the regular seats with the regional pass on the other way right?

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 4 years ago
Expert

Green / Gran Seats are always reserved, non reserved seats are available on this route, expect for on the Kagayaki Shinkansen service.

Availability of seats depends on what train and time of day you travel, you can come a bit early to the train platform and queue up to get a seat.

Of course you can upgrade one way only.

Hope this helps :)
Daniel

Pgsarmiento
Pgsarmiento
4 posts
over 4 years ago

Thanks so much Daniel


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $343.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 17329 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes