Tokaido Shinkansen
Mount Fuji View Seats on the Shinkansen
The ultimate guide for international travelers using the Tokaido Shinkansen with or without a Japan Rail Pass.
Seat E (Tokyo→Osaka) | Seat A (Osaka→Tokyo)
⚡ Quick Summary: Mount Fuji Side Seats
| Direction of Travel | Ordinary Car Seat | Green Car (First Class) | Window Side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Kyoto / Osaka | Seat E | Seat D | Right Side (North) |
| Osaka / Kyoto → Tokyo | Seat A | Seat D | Left Side (North) |
1. Why Seat E is Essential for International Travelers
Mount Fuji is located to the north of the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Because trains in Japan run on the left side of the track, Mount Fuji will always be on the right side when leaving Tokyo, and on the left side when heading back to Tokyo.
- Seat E (3-seat row window): Best view on Ordinary Cars (Tokyo → Osaka)
- Seat D (2-seat row window): Best view on Green Cars (First Class)
2. Viewing Window & Timing (Seconds count!)
The Shinkansen travels at 285 km/h (177 mph). The prime view of Mount Fuji lasts only 2 to 3 minutes.
| Route Section | Time After Tokyo Departure | Viewing Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Shin-Yokohama → Odawara | Approx. 20 minutes | Distant view between buildings |
| Mishima → Shin-Fuji | Approx. 40–45 minutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Peak close-up view of Mt. Fuji |
| Shin-Fuji → Shizuoka | Approx. 50 minutes | Panoramic mountain view across the river |
⏰ Set a Timer!
Set an alarm on your phone for 35 minutes after departing Tokyo. This gives you time to wake up, get your camera ready, and clean your window!
3. How to Reserve Seat E with Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, reserving Seat E is completely free!
- At Ticket Machines / Offices: Go to any JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or Ticket Vending Machine at major stations (Tokyo, Shinagawa, Kyoto, Osaka).
- Select Reserved Seat: Insert your JR Pass, select your train (Hikari or Kodama), and choose “Seat E” (Window / Right Side) on the seat map.
- Nozomi / Mizuho Surcharge: If traveling on Nozomi with the new JR Pass Nozomi Ticket, you can also select Seat E online via the official JR reservation portal.
4. Photography & Camera Tips
- Shutter Speed: Set to 1/1000s or faster to avoid motion blur at 285 km/h.
- Glass Reflection: Hold your smartphone lens directly against the window glass to eliminate interior light reflections.
- Burst Mode: Take continuous burst photos while passing Shin-Fuji station!