Hi,
I know I am travelling at the peak period of JR train rides.
This is my Itinerary.
Day 1 28 Dec Shinagawa to Kyoto Departure 7.10am
Day 2 29 Dec Kyoto to Sagaarashiyama
Day 3 30 Dec Kyoto to Osaka return at night
Day 4 31 Dec Kyoto to Inari to Nara return at night
Day 5 1 Jan Kyoto
Day 6 2 Jan Kyoto to Hakone then Hakone to Shinjuku
Day 7 3 Jan Tokyo
I will arrive on 26th and activate my JR Pass at the JR station for travel on 28 Dec and at the same time book my seats for Shinagawa to Kyoto. What are the chances of getting my seats for the morning departure?
How do we reserve seats on line once we have activated the JR pass at the station? Or we have to reserve personally at the station? Are all the stations open early like 6.30am for us to reserve or book our seats?
Based on my itinerary, will I need to reserve my seats for all the above train rides? Problem is I dun want to have to rush to catch a train.
I cannot find a direct train from Kyoto to Odawara (going to do the Hakone round trip) at any earlier departure until 8.33am. What are other better alternatives as I want to be in Hakone earlier, I cannot get a hotel in Hakone on 1 Dec otherwise I would have travel the night before. Where else can I stay that is on route to Hakone from Kyoto?
If I buy the green car at the higher prices, does it mean that the chances of getting seats are much higher and I do not have to worry about reserving seats.
Your advice is greatly appreciated!
Ruskie