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Travelling during Golden Week

Ckng2
Ckng2
about 8 years ago
3 responses

Hi sir/mdm,

I have booked my flights (landing in Narita around 2pm, 29th April'16) , accommodation and Japan rail pass for Japan trip between 29th April to 15 May. However, I have recently realized that it clashes with the holiday (Golden Week) period in Japan. My plans are as follows:

Day 1 (fri)-travel from Narita airport to Hakodate
Day 2 (sat)-explore Hakodate
Day 3 (sun)-explore Hakodate and travel to Sapporo
Day 4-7 (mon)- Explore Sapporo
Day 8 (tues)-travel to Osaka
Day 9(sat7)-explore Osaka
Day 10(sun8)-explore Kyoto
Day 11(mon9)- explore Osaka
Day 12(tues10)- travel to Tokyo
Day 13(wed11)-explore Nikko
Day 14-16(Thursday)-explore Tokyo
Day 17(sun15)-return to sg

I am currently concerned whether it will still be possible to obtain below train tickets (after my arrival) given the peak season:
1. N'EX from narita to Tokyo on day 1
2. Hayabusa Shinkansen from Tokyo to shin-hakodate-hakuto stn on day 1
3. Hayabusa/tokkaido shinkansen from Hakodate to Osaka stn on day 8

Kindly share your opinions or advice.
(I don't mind taking the last Shinkansen of the day , neither do I mind topping up for a green seat.)

Cheers
CK

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

I am not really worried about 1.) N'EX as this is a special airport train and not that much influenced by Golden Week not about 3.) As you would have plenty of time to reserve these tickets once in Japan.

However 2. The Hayabusa to Hokkaido is what slightly worries me, Friday the 29th is the first day of Golden Week and this train line is very popular due to its resent opening. I however don't see an alternative to trying to reserve tickets once landed at Narita Airport (and hope for the best). There no way to reserve the tickets outside of Japan and collect them on the day of travel. Afraid I don't see any other option, outside of booking a flight or changing the itinerary.

Good luck!
Daniel

Ckng2
Ckng2
3 posts
about 8 years ago

Hi Daniel-San,

Thanks for the response and insights!

Would it be much better if I were to change my flight date to 28th Apr instead of 29th Apr then? Would you think there will be certainty in getting a 5/7pm Shinkansen ticket heading to Hakodate?

Alternatively, I'm also considering the possibility of upgrading to a green car ticket or as you have suggested , getting a domestic flight out.

What do you think?

Cheers
CK

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Hi CK,

I can't say for sure but the 28th may be a saver option all together, however I can't give a full guarantee. What you could do is fly in on the 28th and reserve a ticket for Tokyo - Aomori via this website. Collect it on the 28th and travel on the 29th. The Eki Net website I linked requires tickets to be picked up 1 day in advance, so it would not work if you wish to travel directly on to arrival.

I think that would be the safest option if possible.
-Daniel

Ckng2
Ckng2
3 posts
about 8 years ago

Hi Daniel-San,

Thanks a lot! The advice is truly helpful and much appreciated!

Cheers
CK


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