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Takayama Matsuri

Pauthy
Pauthy
over 7 years ago
2 answers

Hi everybody,

I am arriving in Tokyo next week and was very lucky to find accommodation close to Takayama over the Matsuri weekend mid-April in Gero Onsen.

I would like to ride either the Hida Express or the Takayama line from Gero Onsen to Takayama in the morning and back in the evening on April 14th. I expect these trains to be very full and likely booked out in terms of seat reservations, but I was wondering:

1) Even if I can't make a seat reservation, can I count on being able to squeeze into the train (I am OK standing)? Do I have to make reservations in general, or is it always possible to board the train at least?

2) Same goes for the my ride home - google says the last train from Takayama leaves at 9:36pm. Can I rely on being able to board that train, given that there will be lots of people?

3) Does anybody know if there are any additional trains or buses that are added for the Matsuri weekend to accommodate the additional travelers over that weekend?

Thanks so much for you help!!

Matthias

avatar
Daniel-san
19295 posts
over 7 years ago
Expert

Hi Matthias,

1.) You can queue up for a non reserved seat at the station platform, or if none are available, you can stand. Reservations are not required to board most trains, as the JR Pass already is your train ticket.

2.) Same goes as in 1.). That said, try to make your reservations the moment that you exchange the JR Pass. This will give you the best chance for getting seats.

3.) I'm not aware for additional serves but you can also use local trains between Takayama and Gero, this may actually be a bit less crowded as most party goers will use ltd. express trains or stay in Takayama.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Useful!1
Pauthy
Pauthy
2 posts
over 7 years ago

Thank you so much Daniel-san, and fingers crossed!

Useful!0
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