No Unreserved Seats on Japan's Shinkansen: All Seats Reserved

Shinkansen Seating Policy

As of the latest information (2021), all seats on Japan's Shinkansen (bullet trains) require advance reservation and have assigned seat numbers. There are no unreserved (non-reserved) cars on most Shinkansen services, including the Tokaido line between Osaka and Tokyo.

How to Secure a Seat

• Book via JR ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi), ticket machines, or online (JR East/West/Central sites, SmartEX).
• Reservations can be made up to one month in advance.
• Japan Rail Pass holders make free seat reservations.

Exceptions

Some slower services (e.g., certain Kodama trains) may have non-reserved cars, but the primary Nozomi, Hikari, and Sakura services are fully reserved. Always confirm at booking.

Cost for a reserved seat Osaka–Tokyo (Tokaido Shinkansen) is approximately ¥14,500–¥15,000 one-way in ordinary class.