What if the seats are not available for me to book?

Hi Kelly!

Nice trip you are booking, I am planning a much similar trip in 2 weeks from now.

It is indeed true that trains are much more crowded during this period of time, known in Japan as Golden Week.
Still I don't think you will have to worry. Since you arrive at the 26nd you will have enough time reserve seats and plan ahead. Once you arrive you can exchange your JR-Pass right away and make all the reservations you want!

You can still board the train if reserved-seats are fully booked, almost all trains have a selection of non-reserved seats too. You have to line up for these before the train arrives and it is a good idea to be on the platform 20minutes before the train arrives to be sure of a seat. Please note that the JR does not offer refunds for full trains and delays.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Thank you very much Daniel-san.

It is very helpful.

I have bought the airtickets and booked hotel and really looking forward to this trip.

I do have a further question.

Can I purchase JRpass when I arrive Japan?

I will be arriving at New Chitose airport on 26 April around 5pm.

Would I be able to buy at the airport and at that time as the staff to book all the tickets for me?

Many great thanks,
Kelly

Hi Again!

You can only order the JR-Pass when you are outside of Japan, you than receive a voucher that you can exchange in Japan for the actual rail pass. We can however ship the voucher to your hotel, giving that you where not in Japan when you placed the order.

Once you are at Shin-Chitose Airport you can exchange the JR-Pass and book all trains you wish to travel on. I would recommend bringing a printed list with the trains you wish use, this way the JR-Staff can quickly make the reservations.

The exchange office at Shin-Chitose is open until 19:00 so be sure to activate your JR-Pass on time!

Enjoy Japan!
-Daniel

Dear Daniel-san,

Thank you very much.

Can I ship the voucher to my Sapporo Hotel and exchange the voucher at Sapporo JR Railway Station?

As I will only need the Voucher the second date I arrive in Japan, the first day I can just take a train to send me from New Chitose airport to Sapporo and from the second day I will use the JR pass, which I can make the full use.

Many great thanks.

Cheers,
Kelly

Hi Kelly!

Yes that is no problem! You can activate your JR-Pass at Sapporo station.

Please contact us directly here or at [email protected] once you plan to order, this because we may require a little bit of information for dispatch to Japan. Shipping takes 3 working days to Japan so be sure to order on time!

Have a great trip!
-Daniel