What’s the Green Car?
The Green Car service, available on selected JR lines including the shinkansen (bullet train) as well as Tokaido and Yokosuka lines in Tokyo, offers a more relaxed alternative to crowded trains, especially during rush hour.
While it requires an extra fee (typically 30% to 50% higher than ordinary tickets), the comfort is worth it. In some cases, you can even save money by riding the Green Car. For example, taking the Green Car from Hodogaya to Narita International Airport is a more cost-effective option than the higher-priced Narita Express.
So, how do you purchase a Green Car ticket?
If you’re doing it old-school and using physical tickets, you will first need to buy the standard one and then follow the English guidance on the ticket machine to get your Green Car ticket. An attendant will check your tickets once on board so make sure not to lose it.
If you’re embracing the age of tap-and-go, insert your prepaid IC card, such as SUICA or PASMO, into the ticket machine — just as you would when topping it up — and follow the on-screen instructions to purchase a Green Car ticket. When you pass through the ticket gates, the standard fare will automatically be deducted from your IC card balance. Once you’ve chosen your seat on board (you can sit anywhere that’s available!), tap your IC card on the Suica logo above your seat, and the light will turn green. That’s how the attendants know you’ve paid for your ticket.
Remember to purchase your Green Car ticket before boarding, as it’s more expensive to buy it on the train.