Golden Week JR Pass Reservations

Hi Enya,

Golden Week is indeed a busy period but also keep in mind that there are trains departing between Tokyo and Kyoto at least every 10 minutes, each train can hold up to 1.400 seats. That's a lot of seats to go around for everyone. I think you will be okay going to Osaka if you reserve your seats on the day that you arrive but do so right away. In general, my advice to anyone going to Japan during Golden week is to book your seats 2-4 days in advance.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Dear Daniel San

Arigatou Gozaimasu!

Will I have better chances if I get greenpass since it has more cars available for me?

Regards
Enya

Dear Daniel San

My arrival is evening of the 27th, are the offices for reservations open then? Its actually like 1 day before only for my 29th April booking.
Anyway, this somewhat relieves me.
Regards
Enya

Hi Enya,

I do not think Green Class would give you more chance on a seat, well technically it will since you could use both a Green Seat and a normal seat but when you pay for Green Class you will want to travel Green Class and most trains only have one car with green seats.

Most major stations have open ticket windows until 23.00, so that should be okay.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Dear Daniel San

It really really helps a lot. I am so happy that you are here to guide me. Will it also be ok if I ask you recommendations on where to go? I do have an Itinerary but a local's point of view is invaluable.

Regards
Enya

Hi Enya,

I'm happy to give you recommendations :) Let me know what you are interested in and I'll give you some personal tips.

Dear Daniel San

3 adults (21, 50, 54 year olds), 1 ten year old, 1 79 year old (Still spry).

We go to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
What places, food, experiences are not to be missed?

April 27 - we arrive at 8 pm - Tokyo
April 28 - Tokyo
April 29 - May 2 - Osaka, Kyoto (Where else is good?)
May 3 to 4 - Tokyo
We leave May 5 - 1 pm

My Family is a big fan of making memories rather than acquiring material things. It's my son's 10th Birthday.
We love to eat (fans of street food) and the extraordinary, absorb culture (Old Japanese Village). Quaint shops. A little shopping. We love taking pictures of nature and history. If there is a hot spring which the family can enjoy, not too pricey.

My son has been to Disneyland States and HK. First time in Disney Sea. He loves Anime

Regards
Enya (first timer in Japan!)

Hi Enya,

In Tokyo, I'd head to Tsukiji market for some amazing Sashimi. I would also recommend trying out some monjayaki in Tokyo (the Tokyo style Okonomiyaki) and some of the more common street food like Takoyaki, Karage and yakitori. There are also some really cool restaurants in Tokyo that your son my like. The robot cafe is a famous example, or the Gundam restaurant in Akihabara.

In Kyoto I recommend a visit to Nishiki market for an authentic experience. Also in Kyoto, my recommendations would be Toei Ueno Ega movie village, where you can dress up like a Samurai. Head to to Fushimi Inari to run along the endless tori gates and visit Arashiyama for the Bamboo grave and ride the Toroko scenic railway.

In Osaka, try the local style Okonomiyaki to compare it with Tokyo's. Head to the Namba, Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori area to taste the downtown atmosphere. Universal Studio and the Osaka Aquarium are also not to be missed.

I did a full write up for family trip suggestions here:
https://www.jrpass.com/blogs/family-trip-with-the-japan-rail-pass-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka

Hoppe this helps,
Daniel