Hi, I’m going on my second trip to Japan in Nov and I bought the JR Pass “Ordinary” class beforehand. However, my husband wants the Green class. I know that the first time we were there the Green class had to be reserved seats, which takes time to go to the office. I’m seeing information that there’s now an online system to reserve seats. Has anyone else done this with the JR Pass and does it include the Green class? Also, I know it’s not a big difference between classes but we do like the idea of a less crowded train car and assigned seats especially during rush hours. Thanks for the help.
2 comments
With JR Pass: If you bought your pass on [official JR site] (https://www.japanrailpass-reservation.net/). Eki-net.com reservations also work. Still, the reservations has to be picked up from ticket machines or designated offices.
Without JR Pass: For Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu shinkansen you can use [Smart-Ex app](https://smart-ex.jp/en/lp/app/), if you happen to be a resident of certain countries. Otherwise, eki-net.com, or [JR West’s ticketing site](https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/overview/) would be default options (tickets still need to be picked up in a ticket machine or an office).
Also something to note: off-peak hours (say, 10am-4pm) travel centres not located at the airports are not that crowded. You have to also pick up reservations in advance, so while there is some advantage for doing so early during peak travel periods or if you have larger luggage – you still have to plan ahead and stick to the schedule.
I just went to the JR office the minute I arrived and booked and reserved all seats for the whole trip, if there is no 1st class available they just get you a normal seat reserved. Took me maybe 15-20 minutes. Most of it was waiting in line. Not sure if there even was an online option back then.