JR Tokyo Station is the starting point for Shinkansen trains that extend to all parts of Japan. Have you ever wondered where your reserved seat is when boarding the Shinkansen? When I first started, I would walk from one end of the platform to the other, looking for the number car to board. Even when I boarded the Shinkansen, there were times when another boarding entrance was closer. Even now, I often see people moving their vehicles after departure. I would like to comment on tips for figuring out seat locations on the Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo to Nagoya and Kyoto. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to get to your reserved seat smoothly.
Car number
Trains departing away from Tokyo Station are called "kudari(outbound)" trains. Conversely, trains departing towards Tokyo Station from outside Tokyo are called ``nobori(upbound)'' trains. In the case of the Tokaido Shinkansen "kudari" starting from Tokyo, the first car is bound for Osaka, and cars 1 to 16 are in order from the top. In the case of ``nobori'', the first car is bound for Tokyo, but from the beginning it is cars 16 to 1. Shinkansen trains sometimes make a turn around after arriving at the terminal, but because the train does not make a U-turn, the car numbers are reversed for ``up'' and ``outbound.''
Row of seats
For the Tokaido Shinkansen "kudari(outbound)" departing from Tokyo, seats are in the first row starting from the seat in front of you in the direction of travel. In the case of "nobori(upbound)", the seat is in the first row starting from the seat at the back in the direction of travel. Just like the car number, the car number is reversed for ``up'' and ``down''.
Seat number
Green cars have 2 seats and 2 seats across the aisle from A to D in each row. Vehicles other than green cars, with the exception of some vehicles, have 2nd and 3rd seats across the aisle and are numbered A to E. If you are on the Tokaido Shinkansen "kudari(outbound)" starting from Tokyo, A will be on the right side of the window as you face the direction of travel. The next aisle side is B. C and D are across the aisle, and E is next to the window. (Green cars do not have E, D is the window side) In the case of "nobori(upbound)", A is the window side on the left when facing the direction of travel. Just like the car number, the seat number is reversed for "up" and "down".
To see Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji can be seen near Shin-Fuji Station. Seat A is the seat with the best visibility for both "upbound" and "downbound." On the other hand, if you want to see the Pacific Ocean, sit in E seat. The same is true when looking from the boarding window.
It is difficult to move while looking at the number without knowing your seat position, and it is difficult and dangerous to move after the train has departed. Your trip will be more enjoyable if you board from the vehicle/boarding gate closest to your seat and have time to relax inside. I hope this will be helpful to someone.
