Definitely a bucket list item! I have seen so much about this train and couldn't wait to see what the hype was about! Well, after seeing the real difference between first class and second class, I can attest, that if you can spare the money, first class is worth it! Have you ridden the bullet train before? Let us know your thoughts and if you have ever ridden first class or second class and what your experience was!
Just travelled this route 2 weeks ago. I booked directly via JR Central website, if you book at least 3 days in advance 1st class one way fare Osaka-Tokyo is only 15940 JPY (approx US$105). The reason you need to sit in your reserved seats is because the train conductor will be checking on his ipad which seats are occupied as he walks through the train after each stop. If you are in a seat which shows up as vacant on his ipad then he will need to see your ticket physically. That seat may be reserved after the next stop. Thanks for the review.
