Green Pass vs Ordinary Pass: The different types of Japan Rail Passes
@flickr/ camknows
The Japan Rail Pass is a popular option for travelers for its affordability, ease-of-use, wide range of access, and flexibility. The access provided by the pass even includes the world-renowned Shinkansen bullet train that has a network that traverses almost the entirety of the Japanese archipelago.
When riding the Shinkansen bullet train, there are a few different seating options to choose from, largely between the Ordinary Car and Green Car, and in fact, there are two different types of National Japan Rail Passes that deal with such. We’ll go over the key differences between the Ordinary National Pass and Green National Pass and what kind of access they provide to their respective holders, and which may be best suited for you.
What are the different types of Shinkansen Bullet Train Cars?
To fully understand the difference between the passes, we must first go over the different types of Shinkansen bullet train cars. There are typically three types of cars with different seating accommodations and interior features.
- More extensive information on the different types of cars can be found in the article here.
Ordinary Car
The most standard and common car available on the Shinkansen bullet train is the Ordinary Car. Though it is the most standard, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in terms of accommodation by any means. They are outfitted with a reclining chair, overhead luggage space, outerwear hooks, cup holders, collapsible front table, electrical outlets for charging devices, and more! These cars are further divided into reserved seating (指定席) and non-reserved seating (自由席). The former has assigned seating for passengers who have reserved prior to boarding. The latter operates on a first-come-first serve basis.
Green Car
The Green Car is signified with a green clover-like symbol that is marked on the car door and exterior. The Green Car is the equivalent of a first-class seat and comes with elevated luxuries compared to that of the Ordinary Car. This includes more leg room and further reclining seats. Additionally, the seats are arranged so that there are only four total in every row (two on each side) for improved comfort. All seats for the Green Car require a reservation prior to boarding.
Gran Class Car
The Gran Class Car is the most luxurious option when it comes to the Shinkansen bullet train. With even more legroom, further reclining chairs, and oftentimes, even complimentary food and snacks, the Gran Class Car is the ultimate way to experience high-speed rail travel in Japan. Just like the Green Car, the Gran Class Car entails a reservation requirement and increased fare.
The Ordinary National Pass vs Green National Pass: The key differences
With the Shinkansen bullet train car differences in mind, let’s go over the variations of the National Pass. Ultimately, the major difference comes in the form access, but there are some variations in usage to be wary of.
Ordinary Pass
The ordinary pass operates in a way that provides unlimited access to the ordinary Shinkansen bullet train car, be it either reserved or non-reserved cars. Reservations for these cars can be made with no additional cost (as opposed to individual tickets), though they are not required to board the train. If the desired train to board has non-reserved seats available, they are open-access to pass-users.
Platform for the Shinkansen Bullet Train displaying certain cars with free suiting and certain cars with assigned seating.
@Wikimedia
The current prices for these passes can be seen in the table below:
| Pass Type | 7 Day | 14 Day | 21 Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Adult | 29,650 JPY | 47,250 JPY | 60,450 JPY |
| Ordinary Children's | 14,820 JPY | 23,620 JPY | 30,220 JPY |
*NOTE* As of October of 2023, there will be an increase in price for the national pass, however, as the pass can be exchanged up to 3 MONTHS after the issuing date, travelers who plan to visit Japan up to the MIDDLE OF DECEMBER of 2023 can purchase the Japan Rail Pass at the current pricing up to SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2023.
- More information can be found about such in this article.
But just because the ordinary pass provides unlimited access to just the ordinary car, doesn’t mean that the Green Car or Gran Class are unavailable. Reservations for seats on these luxury cars can be made and accessed with an additional fee incurred. The cost of this additional fee varies by train and destination.
Green Pass
For holders of the Green National Pass, the cost of the seat and reservation for the Green Car is included in the initial cost, meaning that these more luxurious seats can be accessed without any additional fees.
However, as previously mentioned, the Green Car requires a prior reservation, even for pass holders. This doesn’t mean that every train Green Pass holders wish to ride need a reservation however, as the ordinary cars are also available at no extra cost with this pass. Meaning, that if the Green Car is filled, standard seats can be reserved, or non-reserved seats can be used. Essentially, the Green Pass offers all of the utility of the ordinary pass, but with included access to the Green Cars. This also means the option to upgrade to the Gran Class if desired is available, but this will incur an additional cost as usual.
Narita Rapid Train Platform
@Japan Visitor
The Green Pass will also see a price increase from October, and more information can be found in the article previously mentioned. The current Green Pass prices are shown in the table below:
| Pass Type | 7 Day | 14 Day | 21 Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Adult | 40,551 JPY | 64,120 JPY | 83,390 JPY |
| Green Children's | 19,800 JPY | 32,060 JPY | 41,690 JPY |
Which of these options is best for me?
As with most things when traveling, the better option largely depends on individual travelers. For those who are more structured with their travel itineraries and wish to have each of their Shinkansen bullet trains departures set, ready, and with the ultimate accommodation, springing for the Green Pass may be a suitable option.
For those who have a bit more of a “go-with-the-flow” approach to travel, saving some money with the ordinary pass may be the way to go while simultaneously benefiting from all the features the pass offers. Also note that the Green Car and Gran Class Car can be upgraded to if desired with the ordinary pass, as well, so both options have their share of flexibility.
