Online seat reservations with a JR-Pass
I am planning to travel to Japan and have recently bought a JR-Pass.
I am looking into making free seat reservations for some of the trains beforehand, but could not find a way to do this. I did some research on this topic and the most common answer seems to be that only JR East provides an online reservation system with English interface. This seems to imply that there is a website that allows to reserve seats in Japanese.
Is there a way for a non Japanese speaker to book seats (notably for JR Central and JR West)?
I am thinking maybe an illustrated manual on how to use the website in Japanese which makes it possible to use it or something along those lines.
Best Answer
You cannot do this online. You can do it for free at any JR station's "Green Window."
You'll find that in high-tech Japan, with tap-IC cards at every train turnstile, the JR Pass is entirely analogue. It's a total anachronism - you have to use it at physically manned turnstiles, not with any of the automatic ones.
Pictures about "Online seat reservations with a JR-Pass"
Can I reserve Shinkansen seats online with JR Pass?
Seats can only be booked in person at any Travel Service or a Reservation Office (Midori-no-madoguchi). You will be asked to show your passport and your original Japan Rail Pass.Do I need to reserve seats on Shinkansen?
When you take the Shinkansen or the limited express train, you may have to book a seat because some trains require you a seat reservation. Though some limited express trains have some non-reserved cars, you should book a reserved seat if you can.How do I reserve a seat on Shinkansen?
Seat Reservation (Using a Pass)On the top of the JR-EAST Train Reservation page, please select "Seat reservation." Choose this option when searching for a route by departure / arrival station.How do you use Ekinet?
Making online seat reservations for the Japan Rail Pass.New JR Pass official website review. How to buy a pass and how to book a seat online
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