On the Sunday at the end of golden week all Shinkansen from Hokkaido to Tokyo, with the exception of the first two trains, were completely sold out. That was two weeks in advance.
So being forced to take an early train I had to spend a night in Hokadate, which was actually quite nice in its own right. And on JR pass level I think the price difference between normal and green class is so low that it's definitly worth it.
In Switzerland first class is second class + 100 - 150%.
But generally it's true that a green car pass will get you a reservation even when all else is sold out.
"Some day I will absolutely travel on the Nozomi Shinkansen, no matter what it costs :-)"
Actually the cost is the same like for all other Shinkansens :-) The only thing is you can't use them with the rail pass.
That said my maximum wait for an eligable train upon spontaneously deciding I need a train ride was 30 minutes. But is was usually more in the 10 minute range.
Oh, and in order to totally shame some high level JR bureaucrat I have photographic evidence about not one, but two Shinkansens with a delay of 5 minutes.
Seppuku is probably the only option here.
:-)
And, yeah, this year has been hopeless for the Shinkansen record. I'll be interested to see how they report it...
Another example: Travelling from Tokyo to Sapporo return (the part from Hakodate to Sapporo is not covered by Shinkansen, but should be from 2030, but I digress) is more expensive than a three week train pass.
If you're not strapped for cash get a pass for the green car (first class). The price difference is minimal (ca. 60K Yen vs. 80K Yen for three weeks) and it makes travelling even more amazing.
I'd say my savings where > 2K $ last time in Japan with the rail pass.