# Japanese JR companies Shinkansen service updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-jr-companies-shinkansen-service-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-01T02:21:12.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

JR Central, JR West, and JR Kyushu have announced service updates for Shinkansen trains to improve passenger convenience. 

Starting in spring 2028, reserved seats will be available on extra trains operated during schedule disruptions caused by bad weather or disasters. These seats will be accessible through the ‘EX Service’ online reservation system, addressing previous issues where extra trains operated only with non-reserved seating, which often resulted in overcrowding and long queues.

Furthermore, beginning in autumn 2027, the companies will expand the hours available for passengers to use seat maps for seat selection via ‘Express Reservation’ and ‘Smart EX’ during nighttime hours. This measure is intended to resolve existing limitations regarding reservation numbers and seat selection during late-night periods.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: JR companies to introduce reserved seats for extra Shinkansen trains

JR Central, JR West, and JR Kyushu will introduce reserved seating for extra Shinkansen trains during service disruptions via online booking starting in spring 2028.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jr-companies-to-introduce-reserved-seats-for-extra-shinkansen-trains

### 2026-09-26: JR East announces 50% Shinkansen discount for select routes

JR East and JR Hokkaido are offering a 50% discount on select Shinkansen routes via the ‘Tokudane Special 28’ web-exclusive deal, valid for specific weekdays in October and December 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jr-east-announces-50-shinkansen-discount-for-select-routes

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Cite as: Japanese JR companies Shinkansen service updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-jr-companies-shinkansen-service-updates