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Which class of Japan Rail Pass should I select?

By Chris on 03/04/2016

Japan By Train

Green Class Cars are identified with a symbol of a green four leaf clover.
Green Class Cars are identified with a symbol of a green four leaf clover.

UPDATED: 12th December 2017

There are two main types of JR Pass. A green pass gives you access to superior rail accommodation in the green cars (excludes private compartments and sleepers). 

Green Class Cars are identified with a symbol of a green four leaf clover. Should you opt for the Green Class Pass, akin to a business class seat, you’ll have access to a more luxurious experience

Customer Review: "I highly recommend the Green Pass if you can afford it. That way you are guaranteed a seat, especially if travelling during Japanese holidays. It costs a bit more but if you use it often it more than pays for itself."- Trevor from VIC

 

An ordinary pass provides standard class facilities and is akin to an economy seat. It comprises travel on train carriages that have a three-by-two seat configuration offering the essentials for rail travel while giving you an opportunity to interact with the locals. The ordinary class cars don’t require any prior reservation for seats, making for more flexible travel.

To reserve a seat in Green class, go to a ‘Midori-no-madoguchi’ office. Green class cars require seat reservations and they are also free of charge and you can book in advance to secure your seat before your train’s allocated departure. Present your pass for inspection and proceed with reserving your seat on the Shinkansen at no additional cost.

 

Customer Advice: If you have a GREEN pass for first-class travel, you must make a seat reservation. (You can sometimes plunk yourself in a first-class car without a seat reservation and take your chances, but someone with a reservation may appear and/or the conductor may be unhappy.)

 

Green class luggage
Green class offers ample luggage storage

 

Green class provides spacious seating in a two-by-two configuration complete with reclining chairs, in seat power and complimentary Wi-Fi. Ideal for long distance travel.

The main benefit of going Green in Japan is that these cars are usually less crowded, offer a quieter experience and  have much larger seats.

Relax that little bit further with superior legroom (to get all dorky about it for all you fact fans, Green Cars offer seats spaced with 26 inches between them and are 18 3/4 inches wide).

There is ample luggage storage and footrests, so you can really stretch out and soak up the sublime views of Mount Fuji from your spacious seat.

 

Should I get an Ordinary or a Green JR Pass? 

This is entirely up to you, but the Green Pass offers several benefits compared to Ordinary Pass. Green carriages on the shinkansen offer greater comfort and spacious seating. Certain Green class services also offer power points for charging electronic devices. Both classes offer free reservations, as well as access to the trolley service for purchasing food and beverages on the train. You may also find that some trains offer specially made lunch boxes, or bento for sale, allowing you to sample a light Japanese meal. 

The Japan rail pass is difficult to obtain in Japan and is priced much higher than in Australia or New Zealand. Make sure you buy your JR pass before you leave.

 

NEXT Series: When should I buy my Japan Rail Pass?

 

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