Travel in Japan Shinkansen Bullet Train Gran Class VIP Cart

What is the Gran Class experience like riding Shinkansen, the Japanese bullet train? It's a pleasant special experience though it's not the VIP service you'd expect. Surely it's cluster free, which may be very valuable in Japan given how crowded, busy and hustling the country is (think Shibuya crossing craziness).

The Gran class has its own cart and place to line up. Each seat is assigned. Can be purchased via service Windows like the Modori no Madoguchi or via the ticket vending machine. It's a great by when the train is overcrowded and fully booked. This may be the only ticket available on the entire train! But it comes with a big price tag. And of course it isn't covered by JR pass.

The entrance wall has a beautiful Sakura cherry blossom lacquered finish. 

There are only 15 seats available in the dimly lit cart. Each seat is nearly fully adjustable leathered luxurious seat with lots of space, which may be extra extra luxurious in a land with limited space. However the seat cannot be flattened 180 degree like a bed or in flight first class or business class seats. It's comfy for sure but not a good sleeping spot. 

You get a pair of disposable slippers and a personal remote using which you can adjust a personal reading light beam. 

Not much is free really, you will have to buy your own bento and coffee or tea. Bummer. It's an elevated experience but it's not flying first class. Given that sometimes the trip is only 40 minutes or 2 very expensive hours, this purchase may be more vanity, last-minute last ticket than good value.