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Need to make reservations in advance?

rllandis
rllandis
over 3 years ago
1 answer

Good morning! Wishing you a lovely week. My friend and I arrive in Japan on 1/11 and will be traveling from Tokyo to Shin Aomori on 1/12 and then onward from Shin Aomori to Hirafu, Hokkaido on 1/16 via train then onward to New Chitose to fly out on 1/19. If I buy a Japan Rail Pass, I can't make reservations until I arrive in Japan and activate my pass. Do trains tend to fill up? How likely is it that we will be able to get seats on the 1/12 train to Aomori and the 1/16 train to Hokkaido if I can't make a reservation until 1/11? For the security of dates/travel times, would you advise that I just buy tickets individually online now so we can be sure to have reservations?

Thanks so much for your advice!
Be Well,
Rachel

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Daniel-san
19362 posts
over 3 years ago
Expert

Hi Rachel,

Trains rarely sell out in Japan, and only during periods of high travel, like Golden Week and New Year are seat reservations recommended (2-4 days ahead of time). From the information provided, you will be provided during low season and there is no need to worry about seating.

Kind regards,
Daniel

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