JR Tokai and JR West will operate the GW Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen “Nozomi” bullet train with all seats reserved. The period covered this year is from April 24 to May 6.
In order to allow more travelers to make reservations and be seated during major holidays (GW, Obon, SW, year-end and New Year holidays) when the number of passengers is particularly concentrated, the train will operate with “all seats reserved” instead of the non-reserved seats normally reserved in Nozomi cars 1 and 2.
The applicable sections and trains are all “ZOMI” trains operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen (between Tokyo and Hakata), and passengers must reserve and purchase tickets for reserved seats.
During the same period, even if you have a ticket that allows you to travel only in non-reserved seats (such as a non-reserved seat express ticket), including a Shinkansen commuter pass “FREX/FREX Pal,” you will not be able to board the Nozomi train. However, if you have a non-reserved seat limited express ticket, you can board the Nozomi only if you use the deck or aisle of the ordinary car.
In addition, the “Hikari,” “Kodama,” “Mizuho,” and “Sakura” trains other than the “Nozomi” will have unreserved seats as usual, but when these unreserved seats become crowded, passengers with unreserved express tickets may be directed to the deck or aisle of the “Nozomi” trains.
© Source travel watch