The other day, I tried the Shinkansen’s GranClass (without meals) for the first time. It wasn’t really because I specifically wanted to, but more because neither reserved seats nor Green Car seats were available. I definitely didn’t want to stand the whole way before a hike, and GranClass was the only section with available seats, so I went for it. But, being able to relax and comfortably sleep in such a nice seat early in the morning, even though I was sleepy, felt like something I could easily get used to.
When it comes to snow mountain hiking, I always try to minimize risks, so I choose a clear day, including the day before and after the hike. To ensure the weather forecast is as accurate as possible, I usually decide on the hike the day before. This often makes it difficult to secure a car with snow tires to the trailhead, which might have snow. Consequently, I usually end up having to take public transport to an area where snow tires are standard, and to get there as early as possible, the first Shinkansen train is often the go-to option. However, during this season, the first Shinkansen trains on weekends are usually packed with skiers and snowboarders, making it hard to find seats, not just in reserved cars but even in the Green Car.
From the entrance of the car, you can already feel the special vibe of GranClass. Inside, it’s a three-seat per row configuration with only 18 seats in total, making it feel very spacious. When I reclined, the seat went back quite a bit, which was really nice. Especially since I had been up early, rushing to pack my gear, I ended up reclining the seat right away and just dozing off. It was so comfortable that I probably would have overslept if I hadn’t set an alarm on my watch! It’s actually great for conserving energy before a hike. While the price is quite something, I definitely want to use it proactively when I need to.
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