Shinkansen 1st/green class or 2nd/ordinary class
 

Should I opt to buy the rail pass for the green class (1st) instead of the ordinary class when I travel with 2 large bags/suitcases? Is there a big difference between the classes and how much space is there for the luggage?

Marco

If you're buying a rail pass it sounds like you plan to carry those two big bags quite a few times over a few weeks. May I suggest you travel light? If you're sightseeing you don't need much. One medium sized bag should fit the bill.

The Green Car is an extravagance. The regular seats are plenty comfy and you get where you're going at the same time. But do spend the extra for reserved seats.

Hi there,

If you are seriously planning on carrying a lot of luggage on the shinkansen you need to know that there is not much space to store it! You are not allowed to place luggage in the aisles and the overhead compartments are small. The sections for storing luggage at the end of each carriage are now not open due to worries about what exactly people might store there! Honestly, travel light if you can.

Thank you. I go for the lighter luggage option and shop until I drop at the end of my journey.