Can I change railway reservation date?

How to change reserved seats on Shinkansen?

Changing your Shinkansen seat, eh? Easy peasy, like swapping socks. You got two main paths:

• Vending Machines of Destiny (Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine). These things are basically robots demanding you know what you want. Punch in your deets, pray to the train gods, and bam, new seat. Good luck though, menus are weird!

• Human Contact – The JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi). Find a person, maybe after 30 minutes of waiting (I swear they’re always busy chatting about, I dunno, train schedules?), tell them your seat change plight. Hope they understand your accent, lol.

Important note: Changing before departure? Usually A-OK. Changing after departure is more like trying to herd cats on the bullet train—not recommended.

Plus, now they got apps and websites! But, ugh, technology, amirite?

Is it possible to change Shinkansen tickets?

Okay, so, Shinkansen tickets… change ’em? Yeah, you can, kinda.

I messed this up once. Osaka Station, last November. Rushing, ALWAYS rushing, right? Missed my Sakura train bound for Tokyo. Ugh.

Heart pounding. Thought I’d lost my entire trip.

Found a JR West window, super flustered. The lady behind the glass, bless her, explained.

One free change. BUT here’s the thing:

• Same day: Has to be. No hopping on a train tomorrow.
• Same route: Osaka to Tokyo? Gotta stick to it.
• Same facilities: Regular car to regular car. No suddenly deciding you want Green Car luxury.
• Before departure: Obvious, but worth stating. Don’t try this after your train zooms off.

So, yeah, changed my ticket to the next Nozomi. Still got to Tokyo, but I definitely learned my lesson: DON’T BE LATE. So dumb!

How strict are Shinkansen with luggage?

Shinkansen luggage rules: Rigid.

• 160cm or less: Overhead rack. No problem.

• 160-250cm: Seat reservation needed. Pay extra.

My last trip, 2023: Oversized bag? Extra fee. No exceptions. Annoying, but expected. Efficient, though. Japanese precision. Always.

250cm+? Forget it. Not allowed. Ship it.

• Size matters. Seriously.
• Plan ahead. Avoid headaches. My advice.
• Rules are rules. Don’t test them.
• My backpack? Always fits. 155cm. Perfect.

Strict. But fair. Logical. Japan.

Does Shinkansen have space for luggage?

Yes, Shinkansen accommodate luggage. Since May 2020, a reservation is mandatory if your baggage exceeds 160 cm in total dimensions to use the designated oversized baggage areas. It’s a bit like airlines now, isn’t it? Funny how things evolve.

• Mandatory reservations for large luggage: Needed for items exceeding 160 cm.
• Oversized baggage areas: These areas are specifically for bigger items.
• Rules implemented in May 2020: Knowing this date is surprisingly helpful.

Baggage under 160 cm can be stowed in the overhead compartments. Though, let’s be honest, those can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons like Golden Week. Travel light, my friend! I learned that the hard way carrying a huge suitcase on my trip last year.

What about smaller bags? You can often place them at your feet, provided they don’t obstruct walkways. Space is a premium, though. You gotta be considerate! Remember thinking it would be so easy once, yeah right!

Other considerations:

• Dimensions matter! Measure your bag. Seriously.
• Reservations are key: Avoid fines and stress.
• Peak seasons: Prepare for more competition for space.

Ultimately, planning ahead is vital for a smooth journey. Also, remember to bring some snacks! Train food is…train food.

How much is the baggage fee on the Shinkansen?

Three thousand yen. That’s what it cost me, last month. A thousand yen is a lie. It’s always more. Always.

It’s frustrating. The website… misleading. They don’t tell you the whole truth.

Extra space? Yeah, right. Hardly ever available. I had to squeeze my things. My violin case, especially, was a nightmare.

• Actual cost: 3000 yen (2024)
• Limited extra space. Book way ahead. Seriously.
• Website is deceitful. Don’t trust it.
• My back still aches from that trip.

The whole experience… a blur of rushed trains, and aching shoulders. I should have flown.

Can Shinkansen seats recline?

Shinkansen seats recline, yep, definitely. Legroom is awesome.

Always forward, I think. Are they? Always?

Okay, recline… right. Dad took the Shinkansen to Kyoto in 2024. He mentioned reclining.

Bullet points? Better for reading maybe.

• Reclining is standard.

• Legroom’s the best.

• Forward-facing. Or mostly?

Huh, wonder if all classes recline the same? First class prob does.

Maybe, I should research the different Shinkansen lines. No, don’t have time, gotta finish dinner.

Did Mom ever ride one? Should ask her.

Can you choose your seat on Shinkansen?

You can absolutely choose your Shinkansen seat. It’s a pretty simple process, really.

Buying tickets is key. Grab your ticket – whether that’s a JR Pass or a regular ticket – and head to a Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket office). These are everywhere.

• Specify your needs: Tell the attendant the class (Green Car or ordinary) and your departure time. They’ll know what’s up.
• Reserved seat ticket: They hand you a ticket with your seat number. Easy peasy. No need for online seat selection shenanigans. It’s old-school efficiency. This is a far cry from the chaos I experienced trying to grab a seat on the London Underground during rush hour last year. The sheer number of people was astounding.

Getting a seat reservation avoids the potential for a cramped or uncomfortable journey. Honestly, who wants to be squished next to a particularly pungent stranger while battling the Shinkansen’s somewhat eccentric air conditioning? A reserved seat grants a level of control, and peace of mind. Makes the whole travel experience better. This isn’t just about practicality; it’s about personal comfort and sanity.

The Shinkansen system, despite being extremely popular, still functions surprisingly smoothly. I find that remarkable. Its infrastructure is amazing. My friend, Sarah, had a less-than-stellar experience in 2022 attempting a last-minute seat selection; her advice: book in advance!

JR Pass holders should note: While the pass covers the ride, you still need a seat reservation. Don’t forget that. I almost did! I’d be kicking myself now.

Think of it like this: it’s the difference between a smoothly-run orchestra and a disorganized garage band.

My trip last month was smooth sailing. All thanks to a pre-reserved seat.

How to get unreserved seats in Shinkansen?

Snagging those unreserved Shinkansen seats? It’s a game, not a guarantee.

• Next station gamble: At the next stop, gun for a window, definitely.
• Platform intel: Scope the incoming train windows; full carriages mean tighter squeezes. It’s about gauging your odds, yeah?
• Advance unreserved: Here’s the twist, pre-purchase your unreserved ticket. Seems odd, I know.
• Travel off-peak: Obvious but crucial! Mornings and evenings are hectic.

Reflecting, the “unreserved” system feels almost…philosophical. Are we truly free if our freedom is dependent on timing and sheer luck? The key is prep and a bit of audacity. And hey, standing isn’t the end of the world, is it? Last time I was on one, it was a journey in itself.