JR Central and JR West will operate all “Nozomi” trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines during Silver Week with all seats reserved. The period in question is September 18–23.
To accommodate the large number of travelers who typically book tickets and secure seats during major holiday periods—when ridership peaks—the trains will operate with “all reserved seating,” eliminating the unreserved seating normally available in cars 1 and 2 of the Nozomi trains. In addition to the traditional Golden Week, Obon, and year-end and New Year’s holidays, this measure will also be implemented starting this fiscal year during Silver Week and on three-day weekends from October through March.
This applies to all Nozomi trains operating on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines (between Tokyo and Hakata); passengers must reserve and purchase a reserved-seat ticket when boarding.
Please note that during this period, even if you hold a ticket that allows travel only in unreserved seats (such as an unreserved seat limited express ticket), including the Shinkansen commuter passes “FREX” and “FREX Pal,” you will not be able to secure a seat on the Nozomi. However, if you hold an unreserved seat limited express ticket, you may board the Nozomi only if you use the deck or aisle of a standard-class car.
In addition, while non-Nozomi trains—such as the Hikari, Kodama, Mizuho, and Sakura—will have unreserved seating available as usual, the company states that if these unreserved seats become crowded, passengers holding unreserved limited-express tickets may be directed to the Nozomi’s deck or aisles.
© Source travel watch