Originally Posted by
evergrn
With a 4.55p arrival, I actually think the chances of making the 6.15pm NEx is like 85% (70% if you're picking up JR Pass).
You're absolutely right -- I misread the timetable.
Originally Posted by ksandness
When you find your train, go stand at the point on the platform where signs say "unreserved seats."
OP has a Green Car pass. Only way to sit in the Green Car without a scowl from the conductor is to get a seat reservation from the JR desk. (I don't know of a way to get the reservation from a machine if you have only a JR pass.)