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How to make a reservation for the Tokyo -> Takamatsu Sunrise Seto overnight train

akemalyan
akemalyan
over 8 years ago
2 responses

Our plan is to purchase the Exchange Order for 2 JR passes in Thailand on Nov 29th at the soonest. However we will not arrive in Tokyo until December 29th to receive our JR passes. We need to reserve 2 seats on the Sunrise Seto overnight train from Tokyo to Takamatsu the night of December 29th. Since reservations open 1 month in advance for this train, how might we procure a reservation holding only the Exchange Order for the JR pass?

If this is absolutely impossible, is there another similar option for getting from Tokyo to Takamatsu besides by plane that would allow passengers to sleep through the night?

Any insight, suggestions or answers are greatly appreciated!!

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hello there,

I think it will be as good as impossible to book the night train on this day, both because it is near the end of the year and you simply need more time to reserve a seat on the night train in advance.

The only way would be to ask a friend in Japan to book the seats for you in advance.

Otherwise I think you could look at using a night bus, unfortunately these are not covered by the JR Pass. Or use a night bus for part of the way, such as to Kyoto, Osaka or Okayama and travel on the following morning from there by train to Takayamatsu.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

akemalyan
akemalyan
2 posts
over 8 years ago

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for your prompt and informative reply.

Is it possible for a travel agent in Bangkok (where we purchase our Exchange Orders) to buy the tickets for us? Or can we book them online ourselves and then have them refunded in Japan to re-book them under the activated JR pass?

Thank you in advance for your advice.
Abigail

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi Abigail,

If you can find a travel agent who can book JR Ticket for you, then by any means. This can add a lot of extra fees though, think of the agency fee, but also having to re-book a JR Tickets costs a certain amount.

My advise would still be to take a hotel and travel the following morning by day, its just much more safe and convenient.

Good luck!
Daniel


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