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Dumb question, but do I need to book seats before travel?

si90
si90
over 8 years ago
2 responses

Hi JR Pass Folk,

Sorry for asking such an obvious question but I can't seem to find a definitive answer: I have bought a 7 day Green JR pass and am wondering if I need to prebook seats or can I just chance it and sit in unreserved seats?
The journeys would be from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Nikko and then Nikko to Tokyo. Big thanks in advance!

All the best,

Simon.

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Green Seats are all reserved, or by appointment only as I like to think. Therefor it is recommended to make seat reservations in advance, even if it is 20min before departure.

You can also use a non reserved seat on the JR but these are all ordinary class.

Also see:
http://www.jrpass.com/blogs/reserving-seats-boarding-the-bullet-train

Hope this helps,
Daniel

si90
si90
2 posts
over 8 years ago

Hi Daniel,

Many thanks for clearing-up my confusion!

All the best,

Simon.

avatar
Daniel-san
18832 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi Simon,

Just to add a bit from personal experience,

You can still take a Green Seat if you boarded the train without reservation. The best thing is to talk to the conductor and he/she can still seat you on a Green Seat that is not takes.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with,
Daniel


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