Is the Shinkansen a "Lawless Zone"? - The Reality of Increasing Multinational Troubles and Solutions Beyond the "Good Faith" Approach to Luggage, Seating, and Etiquette

1. Is it a "lawless zone"?—SNS Spread and Perceived Gap

On SNS and news sites, issues like ignoring luggage rules, occupying aisles and decks, and manners violations (such as loud phone calls and putting feet on seats) are spreading, with expressions like "lawless zone" being used. A representative example is the "preemptive occupation" problem of large luggage spaces, which has highlighted the lack of awareness of the system and weak deterrence. However, these are not due to a lack of rules, but rather a "misalignment" caused by a combination of factors such as operation, awareness, and congestion. SoraNews24 -Japan News-

2. Background—Record Number of Visitors to Japan and Structure of In-Train Congestion

• Visitors to Japan are at a record level. In 2024, the number of visitors reached 36.87 million, the highest ever. In the first half of 2025, it remained high at 3 to 3.5 million per month, and during busy times, the pressure of congestion on the Shinkansen is high. A weak yen is also supporting demand. ReutersTravel Voice
  
  

• Peak Period Operations.During peak congestion, Nozomi (Tokaido and Sanyo) is switched to all-reserved seating to maintain order. This is not "lawlessness" but a form of enhanced control. JR Central Shinkansen

3. First, Know the Rules—Essential Knowledge on Luggage and Seats

3-1. Reservation System for Large Luggage (Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu)

• Target Size: Total (length + width + height) of 160-250 cm requires advance reservation. Over 250 cm is not allowed. JR Central ShinkansenJRPass.com
  
  

• Bringing Without Reservation: A 1,000 yen (tax included) fee is charged, and you will need to follow the conductor's instructions for moving and storing. Japan Rail PassKlook Travel
  
  

• How to Make a Reservation: Choose **"seat with luggage space" or "luggage compartment"** explicitly at JR counters, ticket machines, or online (Smart EX/each company's online reservation/JR Pass reservation). Locking is also done using transportation IC cards. JR Central Shinkansen

3-2. Trial Introduction of Non-Reservation Luggage Corner (2025)

From July 1, 2025, a trial of **"non-reservation large luggage corners" will begin on some decks of 16-car trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. The aim is to alleviate mismatches between congestion and operation. Smart EX

3-3. All-Reserved Nozomi During Peak Periods

During busy periods, Nozomi has no unreserved seating, meaning all seats are reserved. By narrowing the "entrance" based on advance reservations, disorder is reduced. JR Central Shinkansen

4. Common Trouble Types and "Why They Occur"

1. Unauthorized Occupation of Reserved Seats (Sitting Without a Ticket)
   　Misunderstandings like **"it's empty so I can sit", language barriers, and lack of understanding of the differences between unreserved and reserved seats are the background. The principle response is to call the conductor or station staff, and direct negotiation between passengers is not recommended. Topics Japan
   
   

2. Occupation of Aisles and Decks by Oversized Suitcases
   　Lack of awareness of the reservation system, measurement errors, and "preemptive occupation" of luggage spaces are flashpoints. Understanding size regulations and reservation pathways is key. JR Central ShinkansenSoraNews24 -Japan News-
   
   

3. Manners Issues Such as Noise, Phone Calls, and Putting Feet on Seats
   　Differences in public transportation manners by country and region are factors. In Japan, quietness and consideration for foot space are standard. Japan TodayJapan GuideEssential Japan

5. Latest Responses from Operators—"Communicate," "Design," "Operate"

• Multilingual and Pop Culture Utilization for Manners Awareness
  　JR companies are enhancing multilingual guidance in English and other languages. In 2025, a manners awareness campaign in collaboration with popular manga IP will be launched, aiming for a design that visually and emotionally communicates. JAPAN ForwardSouth China Morning Post
  
  

• Strengthening Operations
  　During peak periods, all seats are reserved to control entry, and from 2025, the trial of non-reservation luggage corners aims to alleviate bottlenecks. JR Central ShinkansenSmart EX
  
  

• Official Latest Information Dissemination
  　Encouraging advance preparation through luggage and reservation guides and operation information pages for travelers. JR Central ShinkansenJR Central Shinkansen

6. It Still Gets Crowded—The Truth of Peak Times and Risk Reduction Techniques

• Congestion is "normal." Public transportation during a tourism boom is crowded. Japan aims to maintain order through systems. Travelers can avoid "crowding" with early reservations and luggage optimization. Reuters
  
  

• There are days when Nozomi has no unreserved seats. Plan on the assumption that reservation is essential. JR Central Shinkansen