What are my options for reserving JR Shinkansen tickets in advance over the new year period?
So far after some extensive research it seems that reserving the tickets on eki-net.com when the tickets goes on sale seems to be the surest way of securing my seats over the new year period. The different options can be found here. I'll be travelling from Atami station to Kyoto on the 29th and collecting my tickets ahead of time on the 24th in Narita. However I have some questions with regards to collection and payment of tickets.
- Since it seems that the credit card is charged only upon collection, can I supersede the payment with my JR pass on the day of collection? (possibly cancelling and reserving them using my JR pass, or having part of the fees waived?)
- If that is not possible, and payment have to be made on top of the JR pass, can a foreign credit card be used? (It seems to accept my card during account registration)
- Can the tickets be collected at Narita airport where the JR pass is being exchanged?
- Lastly, if I were to reserve the tickets on the 24th when I arrive using my JR pass, how likely will tickets still be available?
Best Answer
The 29th should not be particularly busy, as most sources I find indicate that companies will usually let employees off on the 30th (example). That said...
- "Paying" with your pass is not possible. Cancelling and making a new booking with your pass is possible, but the price of the ticket will first be charged on your card and then refunded minus a handling fee of 330 yen*. It is of course possible that someone else will book the seat in the interval.
- Foreign cards are normally accepted.
- Yes.
- As I said above, very likely.
* The rules for determining handling fees are somewhat complex, the handling fee is 330 yen in this case, but not always.
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How far in advance can you book Shinkansen tickets?
You can buy tickets for express trains, airport express trains, and shinkansen (bullet train) tickets. You can purchase tickets up to one month in advance.How do I make a reservation for Shinkansen?
Seat reservations can be made free of charge using the Japan Rail Pass. To make a reservation, go to any JR Ticket office or a \u201cMidori-no-madoguchi\u201d (ticket window) at a JR station, or to a JR sales office. Show your JR Pass to the JR Staff, and tell the staff member where and when you wish to travel.Do you need to reserve Shinkansen tickets?
There are three types of seats on the Shinkansen: reserved seats, non-reserved seats and green seats. If you wish to buy a reserved seat ticket, you need to purchase it in advance. The great advantage of this type of bullet train ticket is that you won't need to worry about not being able to sit during the ride.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.Shinkansen Seat Reservation using Discounted Ticket (JR East PASS)
More answers regarding what are my options for reserving JR Shinkansen tickets in advance over the new year period?
Answer 2
Just thought I'll like to add on to this answer in case there are people who might want to find out more about getting tickets over busy periods in Japan.
On Nozomi, It seems that the tickets for smoking seats runs out faster
On Hikari and Kodama, non smoking seats usually runs out faster instead
Even on Kodama, reserve seatings run out a few days ago for the 29th. However there are still ample seats for green cars.
There are ample seats all round on the 28th Dec
Hope this helps if anyone is looking for answers.
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