Shinkansen Gran Class Guide: Is It Worth It? Routes, Prices, Services & Real Reviews

Is the Shinkansen just a way to get from one place to another?

For first-time passengers, Japan’s iconic bullet train itself can already feel like something fresh and exciting. But what if you could transform a simple long-distance journey into a truly special experience?

That’s exactly what Gran Class, the Shinkansen’s premium seat, is designed for. Just like airplanes offer Business Class and First Class, the Shinkansen also provides multiple seat options.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at Gran Class, the most exclusive seating option with only a limited number of seats available.

What Is Shinkansen Gran Class?

Gran Class is the pinnacle of comfort on Japan’s famous bullet trains, a step above even the Green Car. If Green Car is like business class on a plane, then Gran Class is its first-class equivalent. It’s not just about getting from one city to another, but turning the journey itself into an experience worth remembering.

With just 18 seats per train, Gran Class offers a level of exclusivity rarely found in public transportation. This top-tier seating option is available only on select trains, such as the Tohoku and Hokuriku Shinkansen. In other words, this premium service is currently limited to routes across eastern and central Japan.

On board, passengers are welcomed into a quiet, elegant space that feels more like a private lounge than a train carriage. The leather seats recline up to 45 degrees and come with electric leg rests, offering a near-lie-flat experience. From the lighting to the materials, every detail of the Gran Class cabin is designed with refined sophistication, clearly setting it apart from other classes.

Gran Class also offers dedicated attendant service, including complimentary light meals and drinks. (Please note that the availability of attendant service may vary depending on the train.)

Shinkansen Types Equipped with Gran Class

Gran Class is available specifically on the following lines: the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen (E5/H5 Series), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (E7/W7 Series), and the Joetsu Shinkansen (E7 Series).

Listed below are the major train names on each route for easier reference:

Gran Class Trains Without Attendant Service (No Complimentary Drinks or Light Meals)

Even if a train is equipped with Gran Class, not all of them offer the onboard attendant service that includes drinks and light meals. The following services operate without this feature:

Shinkansen Seat Type Comparison

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three seat classes available on the Shinkansen: Ordinary Car, Green Car, and Gran Class.

Gran Class Fare Comparison (by Seat Type)

Below is a sample fare chart for the Tohoku Shinkansen, comparing ticket prices between Ordinary Car, Green Car, and Gran Class for major destinations from Tokyo.

Prices are as of October 2025, based on listings from the Japan Bullet Train reservation service.

Benefits of Riding Gran Class

Choosing Gran Class isn’t just about getting a better seat. It’s about upgrading your entire journey. From station to destination, here are some of the exclusive perks that make Gran Class a truly elevated experience:

Access to the View Gold Lounge

Gran Class passengers departing from Tokyo Station are granted access to the exclusive View Gold Lounge, a quiet retreat hidden within one of the busiest stations in Japan.

Despite being located inside the ever-crowded Tokyo Station, the lounge offers a surprisingly spacious and peaceful environment where you can unwind before boarding. Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, the lounge provides seating options to suit your style, from counter seats perfect for getting a bit of work done, to cozy two-person booths and large sofa areas for groups.

Complimentary snacks and beverages are available, and you’ll also find convenient services like free WiFi and a cloakroom. These thoughtful touches help make your pre-departure time more comfortable and efficient.

Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM (Open year-round)

Comfortable and Refined Seating

Step into the Gran Class cabin, and you’ll immediately notice the difference. The space is quiet and beautifully designed, with a warm combination of natural wood tones and metallic accents that give it a relaxed yet refined feel. Thanks to the spacious 2+1 seat layout, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the ride.

The seats themselves are crafted from high-quality materials like genuine leather and wool, offering a soft yet supportive feel. Thoughtfully contoured to follow the shape of the body, they’re designed to keep you comfortable throughout even the longest journeys. Whether you’re tall, petite, or somewhere in between, you’ll find it easy to settle in and relax.

Each seat reclines up to 45 degrees using a back shell design, so you can lean back without worrying about the person behind you. Overhead, there’s a generously sized shelf for your luggage, and when it’s time to eat or get some work done, a two-stage adjustable table pulls out neatly from the armrest.

For travelers seated side by side, a translucent divider offers just the right amount of privacy. And with a personal power outlet at every seat, you can keep your phone or laptop fully charged for the entire trip.

Onboard Service and Amenities

On Gran Class trains that include attendant service (see above for exceptions), passengers are treated to a level of hospitality that feels more like flying first class than riding a train. Much like cabin crew on a premium flight, dedicated Gran Class attendants are there to serve you throughout the journey.

Right after boarding, you’ll be welcomed with a small amenity set, usually including bottled water, a light snack, and a warm hand towel. It’s a simple gesture, but it immediately sets the tone for a relaxing trip.

Shortly after departure, you’ll be offered a carefully prepared refreshment meal. These seasonal dishes feature select ingredients and can be chosen from either a Western-style or Japanese-style menu, depending on your preference. To accompany your meal, you can choose from a range of beverages, including wine, sake, coffee, and non-alcoholic options.

Please check the official website for the latest menu and ingredient details.

Gran Class Review: What It’s Really Like to Ride in Style

So, what is it actually like to ride Gran Class? After researching all the premium features and beautifully designed seating, we decided to experience it ourselves on a trip from Tokyo to Sendai.

From the moment we stepped through the Gran Class doors, we could already sense the difference. The air felt noticeably fresher, and the cabin looked spacious and polished. It felt more like stepping into a luxury lounge than boarding a train. The quiet, refined atmosphere set the stage for what turned out to be a truly exceptional journey.

Here’s how our experience unfolded, from the seats and onboard service to the lounge access and overall comfort.

1. The Seat: Spacious, Quiet, and Genuinely Relaxing

The Gran Class seat feels like a high-end massage chair, with a soft yet supportive design that invites you to relax completely. It reclines up to 45 degrees and includes an electric leg rest, so you can stretch your legs out and find your ideal position with ease.

A cocktail tray and a pull-out dining table offer plenty of space for both work and meals. There is also a service button on the armrest that lets you call an attendant whenever you need assistance, adding to the effortless comfort of the experience.

2. Service Onboard: Polished, Personal, and Thoughtful

After taking your seat, a courteous Gran Class attendant presents a welcome kit that includes a menu, light snacks, a hand towel, and bottled water. Slippers and magazines are thoughtfully placed beside the seat, offering extra comfort for the journey.

The menu provides both Japanese and Western light meal options, and guests are welcome to request additional snacks, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages throughout the ride. On the Tohoku Shinkansen, we appreciated the local flavor of the offerings, such as Yamagata apple juice and dried apples from Aomori.

The overall service was subtle yet attentive, and the level of hospitality genuinely exceeded my expectations.

3. Extras: Lounge Access and Seamless Travel

Before boarding, we had access to the exclusive View Gold Lounge located near the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station, making it incredibly convenient to reach. The lounge provided complimentary drinks and snacks in a calm and comfortable setting, perfect for relaxing, reading, or getting some work done before departure.

We noticed many business travelers using the space, which contributed to a quiet, focused atmosphere that felt even more refined than typical lounges. What impressed us most was that the premium experience began even before stepping onto the train. The seamless transition from lounge to seat made the entire journey feel effortless and refined.

Recommended Destinations to Enjoy with Gran Class

Gran Class is available on several Shinkansen lines, but some of the most scenic and culturally rewarding journeys begin on the Tohoku Shinkansen. In this section, we’ll highlight top destinations you can reach from Tokyo on Gran Class trains, with a special focus on eastern Japan where comfort and travel experience go hand in hand.

1. Shin‑Aomori

Located at the northern tip of Honshu, Aomori offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and deep tradition. From the iconic Hirosaki Castle and its breathtaking cherry blossoms to the vibrant Nebuta Festival floats at WA RASSE Museum, there’s no shortage of cultural highlights. Nature lovers can explore the serene Oirase Stream, Lake Towada, and the UNESCO-listed beech forests of Shirakami-Sanchi. Add in local delights like fresh seafood and Aomori’s famous apples, and you’ll find a journey that’s as rewarding at the destination as it is on the way there — especially in the comfort of Gran Class.

From Tokyo: approx. 3 hr 10 min (Hayabusa)
Gran Class fare: 33,970 yen (Tokyo – Shin-Aomori)

2. Morioka

Morioka sits at the heart of Iwate Prefecture and offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich tradition. Here you can stroll through Iwate Park with its calm ponds and castle ruins, sample the famous wanko soba (tiny bowls of soba noodles) for a fun local food experience, or visit the Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree, a cherry blossom that sprouted from a crack in rock.

From Tokyo: approx. 2 hr 15 min (Hayabusa)
Gran Class fare: 29,910 yen (Tokyo – Morioka)

3. Sendai

Sendai blends urban energy with natural beauty. A short ride from Tokyo, it offers iconic sights like Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s three most scenic views, dotted with pine‑clad islets and framed by historic temples. The Zuihoden Mausoleum, resting place of feudal lord Date Masamune, showcases elaborate Edo‑style architecture surrounded by a peaceful cedar grove. Nature lovers can escape to Akiu Onsen and Naruko Onsen for relaxing hot springs. And don’t miss Miyagi’s famed gyutan (beef tongue) and sweet zunda treats.

From Tokyo: approx. 1 hr 30 min (Hayabusa)
Gran Class fare: 25,100 yen (Tokyo – Sendai)

Is Gran Class Worth It?

After spending about an hour and a half traveling from Tokyo to Sendai in Gran Class, we can confidently say the experience was more than just a ride. It was a moment of calm and comfort. Sipping on wine and enjoying a beautifully prepared meal while watching the scenery pass by the window made the journey feel truly special.

Gran Class is perfect for anyone who wants more from their trip. Whether you’re a business traveler in need of a quiet space, a couple marking a special occasion, or simply someone who wants to make travel itself part of the adventure, this service transforms transit into something memorable. If you value comfort, care, and just a bit of luxury, Gran Class is worth every yen.

How to Book a Gran Class Seat

Gran Class tickets can be booked through a few different channels, depending on your location and preferences:

JR East’s Official Eki-Net Website: Ideal for residents in Japan who can navigate the platform in Japanese. You can reserve Gran Class seats online for the Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Joetsu Shinkansen.

Midori no Madoguchi (Ticket Counters): Available at major JR stations across Japan, these staffed ticket windows allow you to make in-person reservations for Gran Class with support from JR staff.

Japan Bullet Train: A convenient, English-friendly online booking platform tailored for overseas travelers. It allows you to reserve Gran Class seats in advance with international payment options, ideal for planning your trip before arriving in Japan.

No matter how you book, note that Gran Class seats are limited to just 18 per train, so early reservation is highly recommended especially during peak travel seasons.

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