Hokuriku Shinkansen
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Right or Left Side?
Seat selection for the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Which side is correct, right or left? We explain the seats where you can see the Tateyama Mountain Range and the Sea of Japan.
Seat E is recommended
[Conclusion] From Tokyo to Kanazawa/Tsuruga, “Seat E (Right Side)” is the best choice
- Seat E (Right Side): You can see all of the Tateyama Mountain Range, the Sea of Japan, and Mt. Asama
- Seat A (Left Side): For those who want to enjoy the Chikuma River and countryside landscapes
If you are unsure, choose Seat E and you won’t go wrong.
1. The “Right Answer” by Section
| Section | Highlights | Recommended Seat | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takasaki - Karuizawa | Mt. Asama | Seat E | Great view of the active volcano |
| Joetsu-Myoko - Itoigawa | Sea of Japan | Seat E | See the sea between tunnels |
| Itoigawa - Toyama | Tateyama Mountain Range | Seat E | The best scenic spot |
| Kanazawa - Tsuruga | Kaga Plain | Seat A / Seat E | Not much difference |
2. Why is Seat E the right choice?
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is a route where mountains and the sea are concentrated on the right side (north side) when looking from Tokyo.
- Tateyama Mountain Range → Right side
- Sea of Japan → Right side
- Mt. Asama → Right side
In other words, because “the scenery is structurally biased to the right side,” Seat E is the optimal solution.
3. Common Mistakes
- Choosing Seat A (missing the scenery)
- Too many tunnels, causing you to miss the view
- Cloudy weather obscuring the mountains
→ That is why it’s important to choose the right seat from the start.
4. Why might you choose Seat A?
- To avoid the afternoon sun (afternoon trains heading away from Tokyo)
- To focus on work
- To enjoy the scenery of the Chikuma River
Choose Seat E if scenery is your priority, or Seat A if comfort is more important.
5. What to Know Next
FAQ
- Q Which side is better, right or left?
- A If departing from Tokyo, Seat E (right side) is the best.
- Q Where can I see the Tateyama Mountain Range?
- A You can see it from Seat E between Itoigawa and Toyama.