Japan’s Shinkansen bullet prepare is one among my favourite methods on the planet to journey. It gives lightning-fast, stress-free transportation from metropolis heart to metropolis heart, at a value commensurate with flying, however with none of the safety theater or restrictions therein.
However, as you’ll know in case you’ve learn my submit on it, I don’t suppose the nation’s makes an attempt so as to add luxurious to this journey mode have been profitable. Particularly, the so-called “Inexperienced Automobile” has all the time underwhelmed me.
Now, I’ve taken this line of questioning to a different degree—actually. Is Shinkansen Gran Class value it? Be part of me as I evaluate the bullet prepare’s highest-end journey expertise.
Why I Lastly Tried Gran Class
Sampling Shinkansen Gran Class had been on my bucket listing for some time, albeit not likely for my very own consolation or enjoyment. The truth is that the “regular” bullet prepare expertise is simply effective on most journeys, significantly in case you’re in a position to sit on the facet with simply two seats; in case you want extra privateness or consolation, you possibly can pay a bit extra for the Inexperienced Automobile. Something above and past this has all the time appeared pointless, and JR appears to agree: They solely provide Gran Class on choose trains.
On the identical time, so a lot of my readers and non-public shoppers have requested me about Gran Class that I virtually felt obligated to strive it. And so after I determined that I’d be taking the prepare from Tohoku to Kansai on a current journey—I merely didn’t wish to cope with a home flight at that time in my travels—I spotted that the Morioka-Tokyo leg was the right alternative to take one for the crew and evaluate Japan’s highest Shinkansen journey class.
5 Issues to Know About Shinkansen Gran Class
The cabin and seats are spectacular
Gran Class incorporates a 1-2 configuration, which suggests a really excessive likelihood of complete privateness, whether or not you’re a solo traveler on the left facet of the automotive, or a pair on the correct. Furthermore, the seats are upholstered in an expensive white leather-based than virtually evokes the newer variations of Emirates’ premium cabins.
(The service, not a lot)
I don’t take into account Gran Class to be Shinkansen first-class. One cause why? The service, whereas…existent (which may’t be stated within the regular automotive, and is just by way of app within the Inexperienced Automobile) leaves lots to be desired. Even in late 2025, my attendant was carrying a masks; she was timid and awkward in her interactions with me, regardless of the truth that I converse Japanese.
The meals is…effective
JR makes an enormous deal out of the truth that a Gran Class ticket entitled you to a small bento, in addition to a complimentary beverage (together with sake or beer, in case you select). Nonetheless, this doesn’t truly add a lot to the expertise, other than supplying you with one thing to do. Should you’re actually hungry, I like to recommend shopping for an ekiben within the station earlier than departure.
It’s quiet and uncrowded
To an extent that’s possibly larger than airplanes nowadays, Shinkansen enterprise class has minimal noise and only a few different passengers. On my journey from Morioka to Tokyo, in reality, my solely fellow passengers had been a pair of fancy grannies who bought on in Kitakami, of all locations.
It isn’t that costly
Whereas enterprise or first-class on a long-haul flight can value 5-10x the price of economic system, the identical will not be true for Gran Class. Whereas it’s a bit dearer than the Inexperienced Automobile (which prices about 30-50% greater than an unusual ticket), Gran Class sometimes prices round twice the value of a standard reserved seat. It’s not low cost, however it isn’t exorbitant.
Is Shinkansen Gran Class higher than the Inexperienced Automobile?
From a easy seating perspective, Gran Class is in fact higher than the Inexperienced Automobile. It’s organized 1-2 versus 2-2, which suggests that you’ve got roughly 33% extra room, to save lots of nothing of how significantly better padded and upholstered the seats are. Your Gran Class ticket features a bento (albeit a really humble one) and limitless drinks inside cause, which could be useful if you wish to be doted over.
If we ask it one other approach—is Shinkansen first-class value it?—we now have to make one other asterisk. Particularly, that whereas Gran Class is as luxurious as you’re going to get on a Japanese bullet prepare, it isn’t actually “first-class.” Consequently (and as is the case with the Inexperienced Automobile), figuring out whether or not an improve to Gran Class is definitely worth the cash actually is dependent upon your expectations going into it. Should you’re anticipating caviar and/or champagne, you’re virtually sure to be disenchanted.
Different FAQ In regards to the Shinkansen’s Gran Class
Is Gran Class value it on the Shinkansen?
Gran Class is value it if in case you have a sensible cause for needing more room or extra attentive service, or if cash merely isn’t an object to you as you discover Japan. Nonetheless, in case you’re anticipating an especially luxurious expertise commensurate with first or enterprise class on an airplane, I think about that you just gained’t discover Gran Class to be worthwhile.
What’s the distinction between Inexperienced and Gran Class Shinkansen?
The first variations between then Inexperienced Automobile and Gran Class are as follows: Seating is 2-2 vs. 1-2; the previous doesn’t embody a meal whereas the latter does; the previous lets you order paid drinks by way of a QR code, whereas attendants on the latter will ask you what you need and convey you any beverage on the menu freed from cost, and on-demand.
Is Gran Class out there from Tokyo to Kyoto?
The Gran Class isn’t out there onboard the Tokaido Shinkansen that runs between Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. As a substitute, if you wish to journey in Gran Class, you’ll must take the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen (which runs to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (which fits to Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa and Fukui) or the Joetsu Shinkansen that connects Tokyo with Niigata.
The Backside Line
Is Shinkansen Gran Class value it? Properly, there are a few methods to have a look at this. On one hand, the fee differential on many routes isn’t that vital. If just for the improved quiet and privateness, spending an additional ichiman en (or two, or three) may not be a foul funding, significantly in case you’re not somebody for whom value is usually a high concern. However, in case you’re anticipating one thing commensurate with ANA or JAL enterprise class, then you’ll in all probability stroll onto the prepare (and positively, stroll off it) disenchanted. Need extra of my skilled insights as you put together to go to Japan? Think about commissioning a customized Japan itinerary right now!