Travel Tips: How to Enjoy the Green Car on Trains
I highly recommend the Green Car for solo travelers seeking a comfortable journey. The seats in the Green Car are slightly more spacious than standard ones, and there’s more legroom between the seats. The table is large enough for working on a laptop, and the seating is very comfortable. Your travel time becomes a relaxing break, and if you bring food onboard, it can turn into an enjoyable lunch experience. While it comes with an additional cost, it’s a small luxury worth indulging in, especially for solo travel! I definitely encourage you to give it a try.
What is the Green Car?
The Green Car is a premium seating option on trains, providing larger seats and more space between them. It’s ideal for long-distance travel, especially if you prefer a leisurely pace. There are two types of Green Cars: one on Shinkansen and one on local trains. Typically, each train has two Green Cars, offering plenty of comfortable space for passengers.
Shinkansen Green Car
Shinkansen tickets must be purchased along with the base fare ticket either on the website or at the ‘Midori no Madoguchi’ (Green Window) at the station. Please note that seat reservations for the Green Car are required and must be made at the same time as purchasing the ticket. For more details, visit JR East Official Website.
How to Purchase Tickets
Green Car tickets can be purchased in advance through the official JR East website:
- JR East Green Car Ticket Purchase
Local Train Green Car
Local trains also offer Green Cars, which are priced based on distance traveled. These cars provide a quieter alternative to regular seating, suitable for travelers seeking a peaceful ride.
How to Purchase Tickets
For local trains, Green Car tickets must be purchased in advance and can be bought on the website or at ticket vending machines on the platform using Suica. For more detailed information about ticket purchase options, visit the JR East Official Website.
How to Use the Green Car on Local Trains
Note:
On local trains, Green Car seats cannot be reserved in advance. You will need to secure a seat after boarding. A Green Car ticket is required to ride in the Green Car, even if no seats are available. If the car is full, waiting a little while usually results in an available seat.
My Personal Green Car Experience
I always choose the Green Car on the Shinkansen. Before boarding, I like to pick up a bento box, drinks, and some small sweets from the basement food section of a department store, like Daimaru at Tokyo Station. This small indulgence makes the journey even more special. I enjoy reading a book related to my travel destination during the trip. Once I arrive, I’m ready to start sightseeing immediately!