The ULTIMATE Japanese Experience · SHINKANSEN Gran Class 🇯🇵 Kanazawa 🚅 Tokyo 🇯🇵 Better Than First
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
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Watch this video if you want to see what it’s like to travel on Japan’s most luxurious train, the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) in Gran Class from Kanazawa to Tokyo Station. This is the train equivalent of a full first class experience, so be sure to watch this train trip report if you’re curious about the experience or how it compares to Green Car or Ordinary Seats.
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💸 Fare Paid
Fare Paid: 179.50 USD
Class: Gran Class
Inclusions: Seat Selections, Carry on Baggage, Meal, 2x30kg “Oversize Baggage”
📽 Next 5 Videos (🩴 = Level of 'Must Watch'-ness)
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⇢ 25 Jul: Sunrise Izumo Overnight Train Tokyo to Okayama 🩴🩴
⇢ 27 Jul: The Hello Kitty Shinkansen (There's a story...) 🩴
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🎶 Background Music in This Video
➟ “The Song of Five Souls” by Seven Raindrops
➟ “Journey” by Aves
➟ “Bridges” by Aves
➟ “Waterfalls” by Aves
➟ “Back to Tokyo” by Vens Adams
All music tracks featured in this video are licensed under an Artlist Unlimited License.
↪ Video Chapters ↩
0:00 Kanazawa Station Exterior
02:02 Station Location & Entrance
02:38 Concourse & Shopping
02:56 How to buy a ticket
04:59 Get your Ekiben!
05:23 Heading to the Platform to Train Spot
06:24 The W7 model train set
07:50 My Train Arriving
08:33 Boarding & First Impressions
09:03 Detailed Gran Class seat tour
11:38 Our Route & Train Stats
12:07 On Board Amenities & Trip Stats
13:13 Full Meal Service & Menu
14:11 Facilities on board
14:55 Arriving into Tokyo
16:12 The Flip Flop Score
This is NOT a promotional travel video. I pay for all of my flights and hotels (and I always tell you how much!) so I can be as honest and impartial as possible. I do not receive any special treatment that wouldn’t otherwise be publicly accessible, in fact, the hotels and airlines have no idea about my visit and that's the way I like it!
#shinkansen #granclass #bullettrain
The ultimate Japanese experience for me was riding the Shinkansen from Tokyo down to Osaka while eating an incredibly delicious bento box meal on the way and looking out the window seeing a great view of snow-capped Mt. Fuji. It's an experience I'll never forget and one that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan for the first time.
Does that route have Gran Class available!
@@petek5523 I don't believe so. According to the Gran Class route map, it only extends from Tokyo to Hokkaido area and Niigata.
@@mrjinkorea Thanks! 🙏🏻 I might have to “settle” for Green Class then 😅
Yeah, the two classes offered on the Tokaido line will be covered in tomorrow's video.
You do one of the best or probably THE BEST travelling content I've ever come across. I comment like probably once every 3-4 years on someone's content and it's been yours for the last 2-3 times. Keep churning out the good stuff, really love your style mate. Cheers!
Ah thanks very much for that. Glad you’re enjoying the videos!
Your travel reviews are now the Gold Standard for honest content. So many others make themselves the star of the show .... You allow the product to shine ...... Er .... Or not.
Highly entertaining - thanks
There is something magical about Japanese trains. All my fondest memories of japan have been sitting on trains watching the country go by. Having a absolutely delicious Bento, drinking a beer and enjoying the snowing mountains is fantastic.
Agreed!
Fantastic!!! Please do more of these train reviews! Japan is full with these wonderful and interesting trains!
Many more to come!
I’m a big fan of train videos! Definitely looking forward to seeing how your experiences have been!!
Mostly* positive haha.
For my last flight as a crew member I chose Tokyo as it was and still is my favourite destination with a five day layover (yes the flight schedules were fantastic back in the days 🤩) and travelled to Kyoto with the Shinkansen 🚅 It was magical and I enjoyed every minute. That was before online travel really took off and everything was already so smooth, luxurious and easy. I can only imagine now, it must be even more wonderful! Thank you for this wonderful review 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Tokyo to Kyoto was also my first Shinkansen ride back in ‘99, I think. Forms the basis of the story behind why I have a Hello Kitty Shinkansen video coming soon 😅
And five day layovers… talk about a way to elevate a job haha
Can't wait until my Japan trip this fall. This series has me even more excited!
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
こんにちわfrom Shimbashi! I’m a huge Japan travel fan like you. I don’t go beyond Tokyo like you, but it seems Kanazawa is really amazing!
For me Shinkansen is the best train system in the world.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
These trains look so cool. They look very elegant and comfortable.
Japanese are known to be very efficient, they also have such elegant yet understated designs.
Agreed!
I am curious of the longest Gran Class ride possible on the Shinkansen in Japan.
That'd be between Tokyo and Shin Hakodate Hokuto (in Hokkaido) stations with the fastest service being just under 4 hours
Was actually going to do that one, but couldn't get flight times to coordinate well with it.
How utterly unreal this was. Like a land-based luxury flight, if that makes sense. Definitely piquing my interest in exploring Japan. Gotta say the effort put into producing these videos is impressive. Can understand why it takes weeks or more to send out. Loving it 🙂. No more Level 8 placements though. I've ordered 3 of them now, and can't afford more. Stop tempting me please.
Just think of all of the others that haven't experienced the joys of affordable, well made luggage yet though 😂 Thanks for watching and for the L8 support.
You’ve become my favorite travel CZcams channel. Your mix of great shots and consequential commentary make it a must watch. Thank you for doing this. Using it as a much needed aid for my trip to Japan in June of ‘25
Thanks very much for that. Hope your trip planning goes smoothly!
Your videos deserve much more views than they get. Thanks Kevin for every bit of information that you share in the video and in it’s description.
Looking forward to this Japan series.
Appreciate that!
Tbh. the Bitter Betty in me is looking forward to that Qantas flight report. Looking at the title we are in for an epic shitshow... prepping the popcorn.
Two epic shit shows, actually 😂
I recently visited Japan and used Klook for all my train needs including the excellent Shinkansen. One confusion I encountered was the ticket from Narita to Tokyo Station. I collected using the QR code expecting a paper (seat) ticket too ( as well as the one to get through the gate). Useful info for all travellers that only when collecting the Shinkansen tickets do you get the 2 tickets. The Narita express you only get 1 (to get through the gate).
There are many other trains that require two tickets as well. Three of them I can think of that I used while in Japan. Essentially, if the route you are taking has more than one type of train (as in one is local and the other limited), you'll need two tickets. Narita Express is a bit of an anomoly since it's a single function train. Thanks for watching 🩴
Excited to see the rest of this train series! Great video as always!
Appreciate that!
Based on experience, I think it's only trains in Switzerland that could be on the same level as the Shinkansen in terms of punctuality and ride experience
Could be!
The Shinkansen cabin attendants truly give you a space of your own. Cheers for your first trip using the bullet train.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Kevin - really loved it your first train report. Keep up the good work! Greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Love how the design of maps and stats is in synch with the Gran Class color scheme.
Great video, as always!
Thanks for noticing!
Really a superb prelude to more train reviews Kevin! Your narration is so informative and sonorous. Intertwined with the ornate design of Kanazawa train station, you exude so much joy and exhiliration!!
Appreciate that!
Hi Kevin, thanks for the train review. I really enjoy the video. Looking forward for train series. ❤
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Your videos are the perfect amuse bouche to my first Japan trip in November. Thank you, Kevin. 🍣🍤🍥🍜
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
A great vid, and as always tasteful music. Yes, isn't Kanazawa Station stunning, incorporating both a modern and traditional aesthetic? Kyoto Station is another stunning train station with its high ceiling and Grand Staircase. As an interesting aside, the Kanazawa Station hires falconers to control the pigeon population. Voila, no more pigeon problem.
The E7/W7 Series Shinkansen isn't the fastest shinkansen (JR East's Hayabusa is), but it's certainly a beautiful (interior and exterior) and comfortable train set. I've taken it to Kanazawa (green car), Nagano (green car), and Karuizawa (GranClass), the latter the only time I've ever done GranClass. Enjoyed sipping complimentary whisky in GranClass (sorry, but there was no Hibiki).
Your window views of the Northern Japan Alps were stunning.
Someday you should consider taking the Akita Shinkansen Komachi (An E6 Series train set), another beautiful train. Its futuristic exterior is done in a striking red. It's coupled with the Hayabusa between Tokyo and Morioka, and reaches speeds of up to 320 kph (200 mph).
Thx again!
That was actually on my original (loose) itinerary wish list... but I couldn't get it to fit into my train and flight jigsaw puzzle!
Kevin, great vlog. I was driving and listening to your post when I let out a huge guffaw (chortle) when you mentioned "in-flight"! Those trains sometimes makes you feel you are flying. Thanks!
Sure do! Thanks for watching 🩴
Have been waiting for your video after I found out you release the next 5 video list with watch recommendation in the description of every video, I don’t like when people upload randomly.
Also just wanted to say I really appreciate how you share literally every single information in the description even the price
Same here! I have my posting schedule through Jan 2026 laid out already 😅
@@tfftthat's amazing
That's insane and incredible!
I lost the WiFi signal in almost every tunnel 😅
great map and Service information!
Yeah, it could have been a bit better haha. Thanks for watching 🩴
I'm literally travelling the world thru my PC, thank you for another great video.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
No need to put both tickets in the machine. Just the route one is required. The revered seat one use to be checked by agents onboard. However, they no longer need to do this as they check their tablets to see if someone should be sitting there.
Fair enough, I was just doing as I was told by the attendant (since it didn't work when I put in only one)!
Thank You ✈️
Thanks for watching 🩴
We rode the Shinkansen to and from Kanazawa in January this year. Always a fun and pleasant experience. Judging by the weather it looks like you were there just a couple of months later. Nice city.
(Was also in January 😉)
from Singapore to Melbourne on Scoot
✅
Under 600 Km a fast train is usually quicker than a plane. With more convenient/closer terminals.
That math isn't mathing for me lol. Most planes fly much faster than 600km/h.
@@tfft It's all the check-in,queying, security, taxiing,. You just get on a train and go.
@@k9killer221 That's right, all that airport stuffing around can double your journey time on a short flight. And if you have checked in luggage...Not even included in this metric is the vastly higher chance that your flight will be delayed; BA has a 65% on-time arrival performance record, for example.
been in japan over 9 times and travelled by train never seen the grand class only green thank you for sharing and will make sure to try next time!
Thanks for watching 🩴
This was awesome. Thank you for this video. I am planning a trip in April 2025. Will be checking out your Japan playlist.
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
@@tfft Thank you.
Quality viewing as always Kevin,,,,safe travels 😊😊😊j😊
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thanks
Thanks very much for the support ❤️
I’ve only experienced bullet trains in Spain, MAD-Valencia and it was excellent, but this is on a completely different level! Hopefully I’ll be able to experience Gran Class next year in Japan, or at the very least Green Class.
Excellent video and very informative 🎉😊
Hope you're able to experience the Gran!
@@tfft I might have to do a day trip to experience it, when else am I going to have the opportunity??
Great video
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Wonderful!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I've taken Gran Class before on the Tohoku, Hokkaido & Hokuriku Shinkansen lines, mainly on the "HAYABUSA" & "KAGAYAKI" services. They're equivalent to Business Class seats on an airline, and it's bigger and better than Green Car (first class) on the "HAYABUSA" & "KAGAYAKI" services.
I consider them to be the opposite, Gran being first and Green being business equivalent- but yea my next video is comparing Green to Ordinary.
The seats look sooooo comfortable and spacious! Beats any Green Car experience I've had! And Kanazawa Station was truly beautiful, it's one of the regions in Japan I've yet to explore. This video made me want to travel up there some day!
Also just curious about whether you'll have a separate video for Hyatt Centric Kanazawa? I enjoyed your Hyatt Centric Ginza review!
Cheers Kevin!
No, no video coming- if you follow my community tab I post all of the hotels that won’t get a full video on there- now with mini scores.
@@tfft Aight got it, thanks Kevin!
Always until the end! How about "on rail magazine"?
Is that... an actual magazine?
@@tfft Not that I or Google knows about. I haven't been on a train since riding the Sugar Cane Train on Maui as a kid while visiting my grandparents.
Do some Via Rail videos next time you’re in Canada!
On the list!
Great job, was looking forward to your shinkansen review. You should do more of these kind of reviews, like the JR Central's Tokaido Shinkansen using the N700 trains between Tokyo and Osaka and JR East's Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo up to Sendai and all the way to Shin-Aomori. The E5 trains on JR East are the fastest Shinkansen, traveling at 320 km/h (200mph). As for planning, I am pleased to know you do so well ahead of schedule, but assuming you pick the "low season" for shinkansen travel, you actually don't need so much planning beforehand. You can just go to the station and buy a ticket on the spot. Its just that reliable. Almost like an above ground, long-distance and very high speed version of the subway (a much more comfortable, cleaner and far less crime ridden version of the subways in New York and elsewhere in the US). The shinkansen is also powered just like most subway trains too, as an electric multiple unit (EMU), where the traction motors are located underneath the carriages, doing away with the need for a locomotive to pull the train. And yes buy a bento box along the way is a must (if you are not traveling in the top class).
Lol most of what you're asking for and saying is covered in tomorrow's video 😉. As for me personally not reserving in advance, it'st just not an option. If I don't have a window seat, it ruins the trip report- so I have no problems booking 30 days out lol
@@tfft Good I am highly anticipating those shinkansen reviews.
I rode Gran Class last year, Tokyo to Nagano and it costs about 90 USD to upgrade from standard car. For a 100mins ride, it’s really nice, but so too is the standard car. They have more legroom than any airplane and are pretty wide. The only gripe with standard is that you have to recline a little all the time because the standard position has you sitting so bolt upright, it feels weird. So in the future, I’d save the Gran Class for special journeys.
I'd agree Gran Class isn't an every day thing, but I'd much rather go for Green over Standard- especially since it's often only a few dollars more.
The Level8 Hegent looks interesting, but I'll stick with my Level8 Voyageur. Similar prices, similar exterior dimensions, but it has 5 liters more capacity and is 25% lighter. And I think the wider handle would improve stability and maneuverability. You've used both, if I remember correctly. How do you compare the two?
I will admit, that first day- first 2 flights maybe, I had some separation anxiety having left my Voyageur behind. "The handle is too thin... it's smaller... the handle isn't as comfortable... are the clips secure?... the outside looks like it'll scratch..." were constantly going through my head. When I say my carry on is like my child, I'm not exaggerating. But, after those first couple of days, I began to appreciate how it's different- in some ways unique, and in some ways more like a 'regular' (non wide handle) bag...
All that being said, now, I think I'm around 55/45 Hegent to Voyageur. It is smaller and that was a very small issue at first, but in the end, it is solid as a rock. Literally, by now I'm confident it could go through anything. The Voyageur is also sturdy, but it has a lot more flex to it- I guess because of the Hegent's aluminum frame. As much as I LOVED the wide handle of the Voyageur, I think I'm ready to be back on team normal handle. The Hegent's handle doesn't have a lot of twist to it and being able to put a backpack over the handle or put a cover over the bag (and still use the handle) are two welcome returns. Last, I do like that one side inside the Hegent has a true compression strap.
So yeah, truly enjoy them both, but the Hegent has some small details which are just pushing it over the edge now- to me.
can you do a video on how to book via the JR website?
It's quite easy, the website address and method is shown in the video.
Since you're doing train reviews now, I hope you can review Indonesia's Bullet Train "Whoosh" soon.
It’s on my list- still think it’s a silly name though lol
@@tfft even more hilarious when you hear the announcement tagline onboard "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, yes!"
hello kitty!!!
Such an odd video to make a title for 😅
RIP deer that got hit by a train 15:38
And here I thought that said we were approaching Tokyo lol
You know what Kevin. I did not enjoy this video.....i LOVED IT!
Haha very greatful for that!
I think the channel is not getting the views it should get considering the quality of the content I guess you should work on that part too, to increase the reach of the channel
In this niche, the key to quick subscribers and views is manufactured drama. Not my style, so slow and steady it is!
@@tfft nice to still see people like you in this niche
🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
Thanks for watching 🩴
Love the video though your pronunciation of ekiben is killing me
Hope you survive the anguish 😂
Face reveal pls ❤
Lol not gonna happen.
@@tfft but y?!? 😭
Dear Kevin, you are invited to our Ayurveda place in Germany . 5 days free treatments and delicious ayurvedic food.
Appreciate that, but I'm booked out through the end of 2025 😉
@@tfft then you come in 2026.
Japan’s railways are just incredible. So impressive. Interesting to compare your journey on the W7 with mine on the E5 (also on Gran Class) from Sendai. Very similar other than the colours although interesting that you had two attendants in Gran Class while I had one. 🤔
This is my video in case of interest: czcams.com/video/vqxE93wwCTk/video.htmlsi=SZABLppEWIMkp9Ty
Sorry your comment was originally blocked bc of the link- great array of content on your channel. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft No worries. Cheers! 🥂
Like the bullet train....this video went by too fast.
Haha, thanks for that. Luckily another is coming on Saturday!
Here we go. More spam instead of review…
Aww, poor you- have you never seen a commercial before? I'm so sorry that my money tree has been in the repair shop for months and since it's out of warranty it's going to be there for quite a while more.
In all seriousness though, get a grip.
You are peace
Thanks for watching 🩴