Order Your JRPass
Order Your JRPass

Forum

Enter your new post below.

Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Reservation of seats in advance

tourist
tourist
about 12 years ago
9 answers

Hi, We are two travellers planning to travel to Japan in from November 10th-18th.We are planning to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Nikko.
Can you reserve seats online on the trains using the railpass? From what i read the reservation has to be done at ticket counters at the station. Is there no way i can do the reservation before my travel to Japan, so that i can be assured of the seat? My only worry is that seats may not be available. I come from India, where seats on the railways are a precious commodity. Seats on the indian rails get completely booked 3 months in advance.
Any help on the matter will be appreciated.

Thanks,

avatar
mari
1950 posts
about 12 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

I'm afraid you cannot reserve online before you arrive in Japan except on certain JR-East lines (please note the strict terms of use!).

But no not worry! There are many trains on the routes you mention so you will have no problems at all in reserving a seat when you arrive in Japan, or even using non-reserved open seating (though you should make free reservations to ensure you sit together). At that time of year you will have no problems (no national holidays etc) aside from during rush hour periods where the trains will get busier as normal.

I recommend that you place all your JR reservations at once when you land at the JR ticket office. That way you'll be able to travel with more security and enjoy your trip.

I hope this helps!

Useful!1
tourist
tourist
9 posts
about 12 years ago

Thank you Mari, this certainly helps! i will do as you recommend and place the reservations when we arrive in Japan

Useful!2
Reply

Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $336.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 18043 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan
Japan Rail Pass

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

Order Now

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes