Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Worried about train travel crowds during Golden Week

rlplag@att.net
[email protected]
about 10 years ago
1 response

My husband and I will be vacationing in Osaka from April 30 to May 4. During that time, we had planned to go to Hiroshima on May 2 and spend the night in Miyajima returning to Osaka on May 3. We plan to use a JR Pass. I understand that I will not be able to make seat reservations until I arrive in Japan on April 30, and I am worried that I will not be able to get a seat on the train and that the unreserved cars will be too full and the lines too long. I am also worried that the trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima will be very crowded and we may not be able to get the train and the ferry there and back.

Do you recommend that we cancel our plans to go from Osaka to Hiroshima and Miyajima because it will be too difficult? Thank you, Roni

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
about 10 years ago
Expert

Hi Rone,

Golden Week is indeed pretty busy! Not to worry though there are a lot of trains which you can travel on and I don't think that you should have to worry about not being able to travel. Shinkansen, the high speed bullet trains, depart up to every 10 minutes and a train van have over a 1000 seats! Meaning that it really has to get busy before trains can't be booked. Just to be sure I would recommend making the reservations beforehand and I am sure that you can get seats for the 2nd of may if you reserve them on the 30th of April.

Travel for Miyajima to Hiroshima is also very short, you could even take a taxi if you don't want to use the train or tram to travel to the ferry!

So don't worry and enjoy your trip!
Daniel


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $343.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 17329 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes