This is a boarding experience report for the Gran Class on the Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa” between “Morioka” and “Tokyo.” Gran Class comes with a luxurious price tag, but it offers value well beyond that. Occasionally, as a treat for yourself, you want to enjoy a little luxury. We introduce the real charm of Gran Class presented to someone like you.

In this article, based on photos actually experienced and taken by the author, we introduce the charms of the Tohoku Shinkansen Gran Class.

Charms of the Tohoku Shinkansen Gran Class

This is a Gran Class report savoring a journey of about 2 hours and 40 minutes from “Morioka” Station to “Tokyo” Station in Gran Class, the highest class seat on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Enjoying the Shinkansen journey to the fullest (with all-you-can-drink) in Gran Class, which is about 10,000 JPY higher than a regular ticket, is supreme.

Stylish and cool, at the Tohoku Shinkansen of Morioka Station, you can see the moment of coupling green and blue.

Morioka Station’s Nambu Tekki (cast ironware) welcomes you! Huge cast ironware is displayed inside Morioka Station. If you were to make tea with this, just how many people’s worth of tea would it make?

That’s it! This is indeed Morioka’s character, “Sobacchi.” “Omocchi” feels pretty cute.

Smooth right from boarding the Tohoku Shinkansen Gran Class

Gran Class features special seats, with reclining chairs arranged with plenty of space inside a large train car. Whether two people sit in paired seats or a solo passenger fully enjoys a single seat depends on your travel plan.

For single seats, you will seriously fall asleep during the journey, so watch out! After going through the trouble of riding Gran Class, waking up at the final destination is no joke. You will likely see pleasant dreams.

The amenity is slippers. No, really, if you take off your shoes here, you will seriously sleep, so be careful! After going through the trouble of riding Gran Class, waking up at the final destination is no joke. You will likely see pleasant dreams.

Welcome with champagne and red wine

In Gran Class, a menu is provided with complimentary drinks including beer, wine (red), wine (white), Japanese sake, cognac—why suddenly cognac?—non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and more.

As of 2026, champagne and similar items are no longer available. Beer, Japanese sake, and others remain.

The first quick drink for a solo toast is red wine, but it gets downed right away.

I also order white wine. Red and white together make it auspicious!

Light meals on the Tohoku Shinkansen Gran Class

Gran Class includes a “light meal” to accompany your journey.

You can choose between Western or Japanese meals.

For now, I order Japanese sake. The “Katsuyama Ken” served in Gran Class is delicious.

For those viewing “Katsuyama Ken” on Amazon, click here

PR

■ [Adopted by All Nippon Airways (ANA)] Enchanting flavor! A pro-endorsed sake ★ Katsuyama Junmai Ginjo “Ken” (1800ml / Under 16% ABV)

It was a delicious dry sake that paired well with the standard dishes.

While drinking Japanese sake, the dish I ordered was a Japanese meal (ordered to pair with the sake). The light meals in Gran Class are each delicious and just right as snacks with alcohol, but because the quantity is small, you must seriously take note.

If you plan to make a full meal out of this alone, it is seriously not enough.

Either eat at the station and enjoy this as a snack, or if you want to eat more inside the Shinkansen, bringing an ekiben (station bento) is recommended. Seriously!

Even so, while a concept of “squid,” “scallop,” and “chicken rice” is chaotic, this bento was delicious! It is one of the recommended station bentos at Morioka Station.

Relaxing with beer and coffee after the meal in Gran Class

After eating and feeling satisfied, it’s slow and relaxing time, so it’s coffee while drinking beer. Why is that…? Please slowly enjoy the journey between Morioka and Tokyo.

Dishes Served in Gran Class

November 2023 “Japanese Meal”

April 2024 “Japanese Meal”

Charms of Morioka Station

If you have free time before boarding Gran Class from “Morioka” to “Tokyo,” you can enjoy delicious cuisine inside Morioka Station.

Waiting while having a drink at a Japanese sake bar inside Morioka Station is also wonderful. In addition, there are shops for Morioka’s famous “Morioka Reimen” and “Morioka Jaja-men.”

Points to Note: Gran Class seats themselves do not have trash cans (there are some in the aisle)

There are trash cans between train cars, but the Gran Class seats themselves do not have “trash cans.” Eating and drinking inside the Shinkansen creates various trash, so bringing a plastic bag for throwing away trash is unexpectedly, a little, super, quite convenient.

On such an elegant Gran Class journey, why not indulge in a luxury once in a while? Enjoy Granclass.

Recommended

The Ultimate Top-Class Seat: “First Class”

Introducing a few hours of sky high luxury and a truly special travel experience in the top-tier “First Class” seat on JAL’s domestic flights from Haneda Airport to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport—priced around 11,000 yen more than a standard ticket, offering fully satisfying luxury services.

＼ Luxurious Service & Hospitality ／

Click here for the article: JAL Domestic First Class Flight Review (Haneda to New Chitose/Sapporo)

Transforms your air travel into something amazingly comfortable.

“Frequently Asked Questions” About the Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class”

Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Because Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a castle town and an ancient city, Morioka Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and Morioka's downtown area (entertainment and commercial district) are slightly separated. Compared to prefectural capitals in other prefectures (regional areas), Morioka is a city where shops still relatively remain in the center of town (such as the Odori arcade street). Furthermore, as a city of water and greenery with three rivers flowing through it, hotels suitable for sightseeing and business trips are scattered throughout the area.

Among them, the hotel areas in Morioka City are roughly divided into three main zones. The recommended areas vary depending on your priorities—such as location, city sightseeing, gourmet dining, or proximity to downtown/entertainment districts—so choosing a hotel that fits your purpose is recommended.

If you are looking for a hotel in Morioka City, please be sure to check out the following article.

Recommended

Recommended Hotels for Morioka Sightseeing

The ancient capital of Morioka, a former castle town, retains the charm of good old Japan. To fully enjoy and sightsee Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.

＼ Enjoy Morioka to the Fullest ／

Introducing Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka, Iwate

Choosing the right hotel is essential for sightseeing in Morioka

Summary: Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class” (Morioka → Tokyo)

Gracing the journey of about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Morioka to Tokyo in the highest class space is “Gran Class.” A special experience exists there that goes beyond a mere means of transportation.

“I want to indulge once in a while” or “I want to grace a special anniversary.” Gran Class fulfills such wishes. On your next trip to Tohoku, why not surrender yourself to this elegant seat and enjoy a journey with a clear mood as if absorbed by the sky?

So Wonderful! Article on the Walking Path of Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park), a Relaxation Spot for Citizens of Iwate and Morioka

Recommended

Morioka Castle Site Park: A Relaxing Haven for Morioka Locals

The castle of the Nanbu Domain in Iwate was Kozukata Castle (officially known as Morioka Castle). Today, it stands as Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park), a beloved relaxing space for local residents. Here is an introduction to this pleasant park where you can enjoy water, lush greenery, and a rich sense of history.

＼ A Peaceful Park for Morioka Citizens ／

Click here for the article: Absolutely Wonderful! Walking Trails at Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park)

Morioka Castle Site Park is surrounded by beautiful rivers and lush greenery

Exploring Morioka! A Morioka Journey Visiting Nostalgic “Daiji Shimizu” and Beautiful “Morioka Hachimangu”

Recommended

Nostalgic “Daiji Shimizu” & Beautiful “Morioka Hachimangu Shrine”

In Morioka—an old capital where the charming ambiance of an ancient river town still thrives—Morioka Hachimangu Shrine (located a short distance from the station) and Daiji Shimizu Spring (a 15-minute walk from the shrine) are nostalgic landmarks that evoke the timeless spirit of traditional Japan.

＼ Good Old Morioka & Historic Capital ／

Click here for the article: Exploring Morioka! A Journey Visiting Nostalgic “Daiji Shimizu” & Beautiful “Morioka Hachimangu Shrine”

Introducing “Daiji Shimizu” and “Morioka Hachimangu Shrine.”

This website is operated by "Don Don Travel Guide"

Author: Boon

Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.

Learn more about Don Don Travel Guide.

Best Japan Tours

PR

Klook.com

PR

The highest class seat on the Tohoku Shinkansen, “Gran Class”—a train journey of a few hours where you can fully savor luxurious services in a seat that costs more than about 10,000 JPY higher than a regular ticket price.

I hear Gran Class on the Tohoku Shinkansen is expensive, but extremely comfortable. I’d love to try riding it…

Gran Class is a special seat with value beyond its price. You can’t always ride it casually, but riding it on a special trip as a treat to yourself is wonderful.

In this article, based on information actually experienced by the author upon boarding and photos taken, we introduce a moment in a special space.

Charms of the Tohoku Shinkansen Gran Class (Tokyo → Morioka)

Relaxing Before Boarding at the VIEW GOLD LOUNGE

At Tokyo Station, there is the “VIEW GOLD LOUNGE” where you can relax before boarding the Shinkansen; it is a special space that only credit card status holders, Green Car ticket holders, or Gran Class ticket holders can enter.

The high-class feel wafting from the sign already elevates your mood. If you have a Gran Class ticket, you definitely want to savor that elegance to your heart’s content.

Inside the lounge is a space narrower than imagined, but because there are few users, there is no queuing, offering a comfortable space. An attendant guides you to a seat, so there is no need to look for a seat yourself.

There is a drink menu, and they take your order.

Although there is no alcohol service, you can have a break time with delicious tea (free) and elegantly enjoy reading on your smartphone until Shinkansen time.

Gran Class Seats

Stepping into the Gran Class car, the first thing that catches your eye is seats secured with plenty of luxurious space. You don’t have to fight over the “armrest” with the neighboring seat, providing a stress-free, ample space.

Fully power-adjustable reclining seats go up and down, leaning back and returning upright. Be careful not to accidentally press the “Attendant Call Button.” (Everyone mistakenly presses it once)

Even watching movies on a tablet at leisure, it is a comfortable space where you feel no tightness at all. (The tablet is personal property. It is not an accessory of Gran Class)

The amenity slippers are flat. The wearing feel is not bad. Being able to take off your shoes and relax at leisure can also be called one of the advantages of Gran Class.

Front and back space is also sufficiently secured, so even crossing your legs, you feel no tightness in the forward direction. Because there is no net in front of the seat, trash created inside the car or small personal items cannot be placed, so that is a point of concern.

All-You-Can-Drink Sparkling Wine

(Note: As of 2024, sparkling wine has been changed to non-alcoholic.)

Inside the car, drinks (including alcohol) are all-you-can-drink (please note that there are Gran Class trains without drink service). You can enjoy various drinks such as beer, wine (red), Japanese sake, whisky, cider (Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen only), plum wine sparkling (Hokuriku Shinkansen only), non-alcoholic beer, non-alcoholic sparkling wine, and more.

If you get overly eager to get your money’s worth out of the Gran Class fare and drink many glasses of alcohol, be careful not to get drunk, overshoot your arrival station, and accidentally end up going all the way to the final stop.

Light Meals Provided in Gran Class

Gran Class comes with a “light meal” service (please note that there are Gran Class trains without light meal service). The light meals served in Gran Class are truly “light” meals, so:

Delicious, but small quantity

Delicious, but small quantity

Delicious, but small quantity

Since recent Shinkansen do not have bento sales via onboard cart sales, buying “snacks for alcohol” or an “additional bento” separately before boarding is recommended.

The Japanese sake “Katsuyama Ken” served inside Gran Class has a well-balanced sweetness and dryness, offering a high-grade taste. The Gran Class ride time is about 2 to 3 hours from Tokyo to Morioka, making it just right for a slight izakaya mood and suitable for enjoying 1 to 2 glasses of Japanese sake “Katsuyama Ken.”

Desserts and Sweets

The “sweets” served after the light meal are also a delightful service. While elegantly partaking in sweets, please enjoy the Shinkansen journey in comfortable seats.

Recommended Seats on the Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class”

Gran Class seats feel like ultra-luxurious seating, with wide left-to-right and front-to-back widths, so basically anywhere you sit is comfortable. However, sitting by the window requires taking slight care toward the aisle-side person when going to the restroom or similar, so please note only that aspect.

Single Seats Recommended for Solo Travel

For solo travel, “Gran Class single seats” are recommended. Being both window-side and aisle-side, you don’t have to care about the left or right at all, and you can further enjoy outside scenery. The side of the seat (aisle side) also has ample space, making the sense of openness outstanding.

Dishes Served in Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class”

January 2022 “Light Meal”

Each ingredient and dish is delicious and elegant. Having a strong Japanese feel, it pairs very well with Japanese sake or refreshing champagne.

May 2025 “Light Meal” (Western)

Elegant seasoning, the quiche texture is just right, and the risotto and au gratin are lightly solidified, so all four can be eaten in one bite. (Of course, breaking them apart with chopsticks to eat is also OK). Eating and drinking alcohol~ I was able to deliciously enjoy it with the feel of light Western-style treats.

Delicious Ekiben Between Tokyo Station and Morioka Station

Unfortunately, the “light meal” provided inside Gran Class is truly a light meal and does not make you full, so for those who want to eat heartily, buying an additional “ekiben” at Tokyo Station is recommended. Tokyo Station ekiben are recommended.

Recommended, Tuna and Ikura Bento

There is a highly recommended bento. It is this “Tuna and Ikura Bento.” Generally, seafood in ekiben inevitably has a dry feeling, but the tuna and ikura in this “Tuna and Ikura Bento” perfectly display a raw sashimi feel and offer great eating satisfaction.

Above all, as the visual weight of the bento suggests, it has volume and is a bento with great eating satisfaction.

Want to read alongside! Gran Class “Morioka Station” → “Tokyo Station” Boarding Report

Click here for the article on Gran Class Boarding Report “Morioka” → “Tokyo”

Both “inbound” and “outbound” Gran Class are comfortable.

Recommended

Top-Class Seating: “First Class”

Introducing a special flight experience aboard JAL Domestic’s top-class “First Class” seat from Haneda Airport to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo). For about 11,000 yen more than a standard ticket, you can indulge in luxurious, top-notch service for a truly memorable journey in the sky.

＼ Luxurious Service ／

Click here for the article: JAL Domestic First Class Boarding Review “Haneda to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)”

Transforms your air travel into an amazingly comfortable experience

“Frequently Asked Questions” About Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class”

Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Because Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a castle town and an ancient city, Morioka Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and Morioka's downtown area (entertainment and commercial district) are slightly separated. Compared to prefectural capitals in other prefectures (regional areas), Morioka is a city where shops still relatively remain in the center of town (such as the Odori arcade street). Furthermore, as a city of water and greenery with three rivers flowing through it, hotels suitable for sightseeing and business trips are scattered throughout the area.

Among them, the hotel areas in Morioka City are roughly divided into three main zones. The recommended areas vary depending on your priorities—such as location, city sightseeing, gourmet dining, or proximity to downtown/entertainment districts—so choosing a hotel that fits your purpose is recommended.

If you are looking for a hotel in Morioka City, please be sure to check out the following article.

Recommended

Recommended Hotels for Morioka Sightseeing

The ancient capital of Morioka, a former castle town, retains the charm of good old Japan. To fully enjoy and sightsee Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.

＼ Enjoy Morioka to the Fullest ／

Introducing Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka, Iwate

Choosing the right hotel is essential for sightseeing in Morioka

Summary: Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class” (Tokyo → Morioka)

Time spent in “Gran Class,” the highest class on the Tohoku Shinkansen, from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station transforms mere transportation into “supreme rest.”

On the journey to Morioka visited for work or sightseeing, why not indulge just a little on your next trip and open the door to Gran Class? Surely, you will come to love Shinkansen travel even more.

Spending a nostalgic day in Morioka, a capital of rivers and greenery, is also wonderful.

Recommended

A Masterpiece of Retro Architecture: “Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building”

Located along the Nakatsu River in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, the “Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building” is a brick structure completed in 1911 (Meiji 44). Formerly used as the head office of a bank, it has undergone restoration and is now open to the public as one of Morioka’s most iconic historical landmarks.

＼ Beautiful Architecture ／

Click here for the article: Discovering the Charm of the Retro Architectural Masterpiece “Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building”

Full building access (paid admission) is available to explore the interior.

This website is operated by "Don Don Travel Guide"

Author: Boon

Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.

Learn more about Don Don Travel Guide.

Best Japan Tours

PR

Klook.com

PR