Formal — to staff
Train · Travel
You
すみません、この新幹線の自由席は、何号車ですか？
すみません、このしんかんせんのじゆうせきは、なんごうしゃですか？
Excuse me, for this Shinkansen, which car numbers are for non-reserved seats?
Romaji: Sumimasen, kono shinkansen no jiyūseki wa, nan gōsha desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, jiyūseki wa tsūjō ichi-gōsha kara san-gōsha desu. Shuppatsu annaiban demo kakunin dekimasu yo.
Reply
はい、自由席は通常1号車から3号車です。出発案内板でも確認できますよ。
はい、じゆうせきはつうじょういちごうしゃからさんごうしゃです。しゅっぱつあんないばんでもかくにんできますよ。
Yes, non-reserved seats are usually cars 1 to 3. You can also confirm on the departure information board.
Gesture & etiquette
Point at your Shinkansen ticket or towards the general direction of the platform.
Always check the specific train's signage or departure information board on the platform as car numbers for non-reserved seats can vary by line and train type.