What is the difference between green and ordinary JR pass?

The JR Green Pass allows you to travel in luxurious first-class Green carriages, while it is necessary to pay an extra fee to do so while with an ordinary JR Pass. Green cars have several advantages over standard cars and offer spacious, reclining seats with far more legroom, as well as extra luggage storage. Green cars also tend to be much quieter than standard carriages, and perfect for those who need to work on their laptop during the trip.

Do I need to reserve seats with JR Green Pass?

Yes, all Green Car seats must be reserved in advance whether traveling with aJR Green Pass or not. Booking seats is free of charge, but it is necessary to visit a JR ticket office to do so. You can book a Green car seat up to a month in advance of travel.

Is the JR Green Pass worth it?

The JR Green Pass allows holders to ride in First Class (Green) cars, which are more comfortable than ordinary car seating. Green cars boast wider and softer seats with more legroom and multi-angle footrests. Having the Green Pass helps secure these superior seats, as they usually sell out fast during peak travel periods.

Japan Rail Green Pass

Standard

Green Pass First Class

7 DaysAdult

14 daysAdult

21 daysAdult

See prices for children ( ages 6 - 11 )

The Green Pass is a first-class JR Pass which offers additional benefits. Discover more about the Green Pass and reserve yours online,

Ride the Shinkansen in First Class

The Green Pass stands for a First class ticket, which allows you to access the most comfortable and spacious seating areas on all Shinkansen bullet trains and certain fast lines.

In addition to all of the advantages the Japan Rail trains have to offer, you'll enjoy an extra level of comfort similar to travleing on an airplane, as you travel at speeds of over 320 km/h

Following are the seating area specifications, which make for an unforgettable journey:

Wider and softer lazy-boy style seats
40° seat reclining angle
Multi-angle footrest
Larger legroom & luggage space
Extra peace and quiet
Larger windows
Travel magazine
Less waiting in lines

Note:

The JR West’s Hikari Rail Star train does not offer Green Car seats. However it does operate on a 2-2 seat layout for the seating spaces booked in advance. It is important to understand the trains are all operated by different JR Companies, which means the on-board services and train designs differ from one another. Many passengers see this as one of the biggest advantages the JR Pass has to offer, as you get to experience the diversity of trains while traveling limitlessly around all of Japan.

Book your Green Pass now

Benefits of the JR Green Pass

Buying the Green Pass is ideal for the busy months in Japan, particularly the high season between April and August and the Christmas period. Cherry Blossom, Golden Week, Obon and New Year's Eve are very popular dates to visit Japan due to the endless colorful festivals and national celebrations that attract many Japanese visitors, as well as tourists from all over the world.

The Green Cars on all trains are indicated by a Green Clover on the side of the 1st class carriage, just by the entrance doors. Usually, the doors are located on the front of the trains, so they are always easy to find.

Plush seating

The Green Pass guarantees a spacious and comfortable seat in the air conditioned cars of all the JR lines. The only thing you need to do is book your seat for free. You can do this a day in advance or just before boarding the train.

Spacious train cars

Furthermore, the front part of the trains is private and designed to make the passengers feel as comfortable as possible. These carriages accomodate fewer passengers which also means sharing bathroom facilities with fewer people.

Complimentary oshibori

Some 'trains' offer passengers traditional oshibori. This is a small towel that can be either hot or cold, depending on the season and whether you seek to warm yourself up or cool yourself down.

Free drinks & magazines

On board you will be offered a refreshing beverage, different magazines according to your tastes and enough space to relax and enjoy the ride.

JR Green Pass VS Ordinary

Below you will find a detailed comparison table to better understand the differences between the Green and the Ordinary class of the Japan Rail Pass.

Green Pass VS Ordinary
Trains	Accommodations	Green	Ordinary

“NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen (*1)	Green Car	+¥	+¥
	Ordinary Car	+¥	+¥

“HIKARI”, “SAKURA”, “KODAMA” and “TSUBAME” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen and any trains on the Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Joetsu and Nagano Shinkansen.	Gran Class (*2)	+¥	+¥
	Green Car (*3)	✓	+¥
	Ordinary Car	✓	✓
	Ordinary Private Compartment	+¥	+¥

Limited express and ordinary express	Green Car (*4)	✓	+¥
	Ordinary Car	✓	✓
	Ordinary Private Compartment	+¥	+¥
	Sleeping Car	+¥	+¥

Local and rapid trains	Green Car	✓	+¥
Local and rapid trains	Ordinary Car	✓	✓

✓ Included / +¥ not included, additional cost.

*1 The JAPAN RAIL PASS (including the Green Pass) will be valid on NOZOMI and MIZUHO trains from October 2023.

*2 There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka~Hakata), or on some “SAKURA” and “TSUBAME” Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen line.

*3 If you use a “DX Green” (operated by JR Kyushu), you must pay the limited express charge in addition to the DX Green charge.

*4 If you use the Gran Class car, only the basic fare is covered with your JAPAN RAIL PASS for both Green Car and Ordinary Cars and you must pay the limited express charge and the Gran Class car surcharge additionally.

Book your Green Pass now