JR Tokai and JR West will operate the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi during the three major peak periods (GW, Obon, and year-end and New Year holidays) with all seats reserved (no non-reserved seats) starting this year’s year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 through January 4, 2024).
By eliminating the non-reserved seats (250 seats per train) normally provided in Nozomi cars 1-3, the number of reserved seats will increase by approximately 1.3 times, making it easier for more passengers to reserve and be seated even during the three major peak periods.
The subject is all Nozomi trains operating between Tokyo and Hakata. During the period, seating is not permitted even for holders of unreserved seat express tickets, etc., including Shinkansen commuter pass “FREX/FREX Pal” (standing seating in ordinary cars is permitted, or seating is permitted with the prescribed reserved seat express fare).
In addition, reserved-seat express fares for limited express trains, including Shinkansen trains, vary by season, with an additional 400 yen for the “busiest season,” which is expected to be particularly crowded, and an additional 200 yen for the “busiest season” compared to the regular season. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. one month prior to the boarding date, and “EX Service” allows passengers to reserve reserved seats up to one year in advance.
Non-Nozomi trains (Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, Sakura) will have unreserved seats as usual.
© Source travel watch