This article is for you if…
You are planning to ride the Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train) between Hakata (Fukuoka) and Shin-Osaka (Osaka).
If so, this article will help make your journey easier and more comfortable—without spending any extra money!
SAME FARE BUT DIFFERENT SEAT CONFIGURATION.
There are 5 types of train in this section(SANYO SHINKANSEN(山陽新幹線)).
Some of these trains run same services at same fare, despite different name except “SEAT WIDTH”!!
It means You get wider seat at the same price!!
In short, choose the “MIZUHO” or “SAKURA” train instead of the “NOZOMI” —you’ll get a wider seat!
I explain reason why this happen and how to find “Shinkansen with wider seat” here in this article.
1.Names of Shinkansen by section
<Quate from : WIKIPEDIA>
As shown on the map above, there are 10 lines of Shinkansen in Japan(include branch lines).
Also there are 5 companies operating these Shinkansen.
The “SANYO SHINKANSEN” line – which runs between “HAKATA(FUKUOKA)” and “SHIN-OSAKA(OSAKA)”, discussed in this articles – is connected to both “TOKAIDO SHINKANSEN” and “KYUSHU SHINKANSEN”
So, trains from two of other companies run thorough the SANYO SHINKANSEN LINE.
Therefore, some of these trains run same services at same fare, despite different name except “SEAT WIDTH”!!(as mentioned above).
※The two companies are JR Central and JR Kyushu. “JR” stands for Japan Railways which is former-Japanese National Railway.
Japanese National Railway had become 6 of private corporation in 1987.
More about “Sanyo Shinkansen”
The San’yō Shinkansen (山陽新幹線) is a line of the Japanese Shinkansen high-speed rail network, connecting Shin-Osaka in Osaka with Hakata Station in Fukuoka, the two largest cities in western Japan. Operated by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West), it is a westward continuation of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen and also serves other major cities in between on Honshu and Kyushu islands such as Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Kitakyushu, through the Shin-Kanmon Tunnel. The Kyushu Shinkansen continues south of Hakata to Kagoshima. The San’yō Shinkansen connects Hakata with Osaka in two and a half hours, with trains operating at a maximum speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) for most of the journey.[2] Some Nozomi trains operate continuously on San’yō and Tōkaidō Shinkansen lines, connecting Tokyo and Hakata in five hours.
<Quote from Wikipedia>
2.Type of Train in SANYO SHINKANSEN
This table summarizes the differences between each train.
※ In addition to the trains listed above, there is also the “TSUBAME” train, which is JR Kyushu’s version of the “KODAMA” train.
However, since it operates only once in each direction per day, I’ve chosen to omit it from the main description.
NOZOMI at front, HIKARI/KODAMA(700 series Rail star Ver.) at back.
SAKURA(N700S)
KODAMA(500 Series)
3.How different are the seats?
We’ve taken detour, but now we’re back to main topic.
How different are the seats?
Then, let’s compare.
This is the NOZOMI’s ordinary seat(Reserved/Non-Reserved).
2-3 seat configuration, seat width is 440mm(only seat in column B has 460mm width).
Now, what about “MIZUHO” and “SAKURA”?
Here it is.
2-2 seat configuration, it comes with more comfortable seat of 465mm width and wider armrest.
It looks completely different, right?
From my experience, it was totally different—and way more comfortable.
Since it costs the same, this one is definitely better, isn’t it?
4.How to choose the train with wider seat?
I will explain with using the screenshot on “smart EX App”.
Install apps from the link below, if you need.
Or you can buy the ticket at official website(Register is necessary) or at the station.
At the train list screen on search, Train type will be displayed.
So, Thing you will do is just choose the “MIZUHO” or “SAKURA” instead of “NOZOMI” for riding on wider seat train!
5.In addition(about KODAMA train)
I shared tips about “MIZUHO” and “SAKURA” on above, but some “KODAMA” train are also recommended to you, if you are not in rush.
“KODAMA” train operates with two type of train model.(500 series or 700 series)
first of all, I will describe about 500 Series KODAMA train.
this train’s seats are unique.
In the Non-Reserved Area(“自由席(JIYU-SEKI)”), seats are just normal as 2-3 configuration(not wider one).
But, in the Reserved Area(“指定席(SHITEI-SEKI)”), seats are as wider as “MIZUHO” and “SAKURA”.
So, I strongly recommend you to buy “Reserved seat ticket” on “500 Series KODAMA” train.
Uniquely point of this train is at 6th carriage.
This carriage had been used for “Green Car” (Premium seat) before.
Thanks to the fact, the seats are yet the type of comfy premium one.
If the seats of 6th carriage are available, Why don’t you try to book?
Secondly, About 700 Series KODAMA train as known as “Rail Star”
In Non-Reserved Area, the seats are not wider one but ordinary 2-3 seat configuration as same as 500 series KODAMA train.
In all of reserved area, the seats are as wider as 500 Series KODAMA train.
6.In conclusion
Thank you for reading my article to the end.
I hope it helps make your trip to Japan even a little more enjoyable!”
Have a nice trip!