Freedom to Explore Japan
JRPassOrder Your JR Pass
Order Your JR Pass

Forum

Enter your new post below.

Back to Itinerary check

Last minute Shinkansen Seat Reservation during Golden Week likely?

flowerseed1234
flowerseed1234
over 9 years ago
1 answer

Somehow we ended up planning a trip to japan during golden week of this year.
We arrive on April 28th, and on that day, we need to travel to Kyoto after landing at narita airport. As we will be using JR passes, we would need to get seat reservations once we land and exchange the passes.

First of all, just wondering how long it would take to exchange the passes and make seat reservations.

Also wondering if anyone had experience trying to get tickets during golden week on the day of, and whether it's possible.

What about making reservations for a few days in advance, on our way back?

We are hoping that April 28th would be just before Golden Week rush, as the 29th is the first holiday date, so the week after is much nicer to take a vacation. Is this likely?

avatar
Daniel-san
19375 posts
over 9 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

The exchange process itself takes just a couple of minutes. There can be a queue which makes the process longer, it all depends on how many people at once decide to exchange their JR Pass.

The weekends during Golden week are the busiest and trains can be sold out then. You can still queue up at the train platform for a non-reserved seat. At worst case you'd have to stand but can still get on the train. From personal experience I was able to get tickets on the day of travel but not always for the train I wanted to be seated together. Making reservations 2-4 days in advance will pretty much increase your chances to near a 100%.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Useful!0
Reply

Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from £242.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 19148 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!

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