First Class

Hi there,

Is it worth it - Why ????

Here's a link to some information on what you'll get out of a green pass.

I can tell you from first hand experience that the green car is very quiet, and extremely comfy. The seats are about 1.5x bigger than standard, and are in a 2x2 formation, so you and a travel partner can sit in privacy. I really enjoyed using them when I went last time, and if you're after a luxurious way to get around, then I totally recommend it. On the other hand, if you are travelling on a budget, then you'll find the standard class seating to also be perfectly acceptable.

If you have a First Class Pass and ther is no First Class seats available I assume you can go second class with the First Class Rail Pass

Yes, If you have a first class pass then you can travel on standard class cars. I've never seen the green car full however, so I'd expect this to be extremely unlikely.

Hope this helps!

Thank you for your response – we have travelled all through Asia on “budget” travel and accommodation for the “experience”. It is time to experience the “luxury” option (spend our kids inheritance??)

More questions
1) What is the space available for luggage particularly for the long trip from Tokyo to Hakata (Fukuoka)
2) How much in advance do you have to reserve – how do you reserve – can you reserve online.

Sounds like a good plan! :D

Regarding your questions:

1) What is the space available for luggage particularly for the long trip from Tokyo to Hakata (Fukuoka)

Normally you can put luggage behind the last seat in the carriage, or can ask the conductor for help. There are also overhead bays for handbags and small-medium rucksacks.

Another option is to use a Takkyubin luggage delivery service that will take your luggage from one hotel to another with a next day service. I've used it in the past and it's a simple and safe way to travel across Japan with heavy bags.

2) How much in advance do you have to reserve – how do you reserve – can you reserve online.

Although you can reserve your seats in advance if you wish (for example you can reserve all your seats when you do your Japan Rail Pass activation as long as you know roughly when you're going to be travelling), in practice I like to reserve seats just I get on the trains at the JR ticket counter in the station.

Here's our article on how to reserve a seat with you JR Pass

Please note that reservations are free for Japan Rail Pass holders.

It is possible to book reserved seats online for JR-East trains, however this does require a credit card which will be charged if you do not pick up the reserved tickets a day before your journey and is a little bit fiddly so in general I recommend reserving your seats in person once you get to Japan.

Hope this helps!

Hi,
In most cases there is enough space for your suitcases - relatively few people bring them. But during peak periods it may be a lot more crowded.
Regarding picking seats, JR East has a way to do it online but otherwise you must do it at the station. Generally speaking though there are usually more than enough seats, except again during peak seasons.
Seeing Fukuoka as suggested above is a great idea though. There are many open parks, shopping, seaside historical areas, and urban neon. See this site as a good guide.

For Fukuoka, don't miss the Nanzoin Temple which is one of Japan's finest yet almost totally unknown to the outside world and completely free.

Look into a Fukuoka Tourist City Pass also.

You can also see a lot of previews on the best there is to see here.