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JR pass questions

EmmaI
EmmaI
almost 2 years ago
5 answers

Hi there,

My partner and I are traveling to Japan for the for the first time this year, arriving on October 29th and leaving November 15th. Our trip is as follows: Tokyo-Osaka-Hiroshima-Kyoto-Hakone-Tokyo.

We plan to get the 14 day JR pass but not activate it until we leave Tokyo to go to Osaka.

1) Can I purchase the JR rail pass this far in advance?

2) How do I activate the JR pass when I arrive? And If I am not using it until 4 days into my trip can I still activate it when I land or do I activate it the day I intend to travel?

3) Can I reserve all seats this far in advance?

4) Our luggage is 158cm (H+L+D), do we need to reserve special seating for this? How do we prove the dimensions if asked?

5) I also saw people ask about the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, what route is this and how do you book this in advance?

Thanks so much in advance 😊
Emma

avatar
Daniel-san
19076 posts
almost 2 years ago
Expert

Hi Emma,

1.) Yes, but the pass will be delivered closer to your travel dates.

2.) You can do so at any exchange station, and then select your own starting date. Which does not have to be right away.

3.) Seats can be reserved once you have activated your JR Pass.

4.) Please see: https://www.jrpass.com/blog/how-much-luggage-can-i-bring-on-the-shinkansen-and-japanese-trains

5.) It goes between Shin-Osaka and Hakata. It can be reserved the same as any other travel :)

Happy travels,
Daniel

Useful!2
EmmaI
EmmaI
5 posts
almost 2 years ago

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your quick response. Can you collect your JR pass when you arrive even if you’re not activating it for another 3-4 days? Or can you collect it when you arrive and activate it in advance for a later date?

Also can you prebook all of your seats in advance?

Thanks
Emma

Useful!0
avatar
Daniel-san
19076 posts
almost 2 years ago
Expert

Hi Emma,

Yes, that is no problem at all. Once, exchanged you can also book any reservations you want.

Happy travels,
Daniel

Useful!0
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