Hello again,
As you know we will be first-timers in Japan, intending to make full use of our JR pass.
However, we are a bit worried about the transfer time needed to change trains, especially as we come from a country where trains are non-existent!
For example, on a certain day we need to travel between Nara and Hiroshima.
Hyperdia gave us this time schedule:
1. Leave Nara at 9:44
2. Arrival Osaka track 2 at 10:36, depart track 8 to Shin-Osaka at 10:45 on JR special rapid service
3. Arrival Shin-Osaka track 13 at 10.49, depart track 20 at 10:59 on Shinsankansen Sakura 553 to Hiroshima.
My problem is this: Being first-timers, not very conversant with train stations, will be be able to do the transfer in time comfortably? How easy is it for total strangers to find the appropriate platform in the time stated? Will will not have luggage except for a small backpack.
Our problem is that we will be travelling at peak times in Obon and we will hopefully have reserved seats for the shinkansen, so if we miss the train we will end up having no reserved seats.
Do you think we should play it safe and increase our transfer time?
Thank you always for your help.