The overhead racks are about 18" wide, this is just my estimate, my 24" suitcase fits on the rack without any problem. There's also space underneath the seat that can store a hand carry bag.

There is room for large suitcases at each end of the carriage, worked for us.

we found we sometimes had to leave our cases in one carriage and sit in another when the train was crowded but didn't have any problems with that.

Thanks guys!

Also we are definitely going to reserve our seats, but was wondering if it is worth booking the green car over the ordinary car for the trip from Osaka to Tokyo?

What are the key differences? I have done a quick google but could only see pictures of the green car interior & not the ordinary car.

One last thing - are you allowed to eat on the train? and if so, can you purchase food on the train?

There are small overhead racks, which can handle the same size suitcase that would fit in the overhead bin in an airplane. There is space at the end of each car for maybe 4 big suitcases. Fortunately, the Japanese travelers travel light (and use shipping services for big suitcases), so there's generally space available. There is also a lot of space between rows, so you could fit a small bag between your feet. It's ok to eat on the trains. You can bring food on the trains, and they do sell food on the trains.

Hi,

My family and I loooved the shinkensan....very spacious, seats very comfy, heaps of leg room and the ride extremely pleasant. . The luggage situation is a very cumbersome exercise so being prepared is a good idea. Unaware of the luggage situation, we held people up in the aisles with lots and lots of apologies...sumimasen! Trains are spot on time and when you board place your luggage behind the back row seats..everything is very orderly and do get pushed along a little. There are also elevators/escalators at the station so you don't have to manage the stairs. Remember there is also luggage delivery services at the station...excellent proposition . Once we learned how to use the service we used it often.

Yes, reserve green card and specify whether you want smoking or non-smoking. There are also toilets (western , traditional and urinals) in between the carriages . Having kiddies we always needed to know where the toilets were!

I'm envious....want to go back....so you enjoy....

>>>What are the key differences? I have done a quick google but could only see pictures of the green car interior & not the ordinary car.<<<

The main difference is the seat size and the pitch. The ordinary shinkansen carriage has 5 seats on a row, a green car has 4. The pitch is a little longer in a green car and each seat has a foot-rest. Picture the ordinary carriage as the business class of a plane and the green car as first class.

The green car is usually not crowded even when the ordinary carriages are packed.

Almost all Japanese eat on the shinkansen. Years ago, they had diner cars but they are long gone. You can buy food from carts - bento, sandwiches, ice cream, chips, beer and soft drinks, but the selection is limited. Better to buy your ekiben (bento box ) at the station.

Of course, if you ride the Green Car, you would not have any problem with your luggage since there is a lot more room. In the ordinary cars, the overhead bins are quite small. Most Japanese usually just have a briefcase-sized bag that they put up there. Most bigger luggage are shipped in advance.

Hi,

Just 'bumping up' (if that is the term) for Anhemp.

I'm assuming there would be only 2 back seats in any carriage to put the suitcase - wouldn't this be easily filled with the amount of tourists travelling on the bullet train??