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Travelling over new year in Japan

Ashtongray
Ashtongray
about 5 years ago
1 answer

Hi, we are three adults travelling from the UK to Japan for snow sports.

Arriving in Tokyo 28 December.

Leaving 29 December for Hakuba

Leaving 4 January for Kyoto

Leaving 6 January for Tokyo

7 January return to UK

I have heard that trains in Japan over new year are very busy and that reserving a seat is required.

However if we buy a JR pass in the UK we cannot validate the pass, and cannot reserve seats, until we reach Japan, and then it will be too late.

Is it better to make this trip with a JR pass, or could we buy individual tickets for each part of the journey?

Would this be a cheaper way to travel?

If we buy individual tickets can we reserve seats in advance from the UK?

Thank you for your assistance.

avatar
Daniel-san
18919 posts
about 5 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Cost wise a 7-day JR Pass would be good for travel to Kyoto and Tokyo. When it comes to reserving seats, it will be hard whether you use a JR Pass or normal tickets.

There are some services out there that provide abroad seat reservations at a higher fee and you still need to collect the rail tickets somewhere. So it certainly won't be cheaper.

I think really think you'll have much problem though, the holiday crazy will already be over by the 4th of Jan and you could look at reserving a private transport bus or taxi to Hakuba for the 29th.

Kind regards,
Daniel

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