Why when reserving a seat on line they ask you for your credit card?
Is the reservation free for JRP holders?
If you don't pick up your reserved seat ticket, is there a charge? how much?
What if you make a seat reservation and then your plan changes, can you change your seat reservation without charge?
Can you make seat reservations at the train stations?
Thanks
Hi there,
If you are booking a seat online using the JR-East reservation system you must enter a credit card number to place the reservation. Once you place your online reservation you must pick up the reservation ticket 1 day before your booked travel at the latest.
The possibility of a charge unless you pick up your reservation ticket 1 day in advance is the main reason I do not recommend people to use the JR-East online reservation system unless they are very sure they can pick up the reserved ticket in advance.
I recommend that you place all your reservations for free at the train stations once you get to Japan and have your Japan Rail Pass. No credit card is required, and you can get all your tickets at once. Unless you are extremely concerned about getting a specific train there are generally many seats available for reservation.
As the reservations once you are in Japan with your Japan Rail Pass are free, you are able to change them any time by simply visiting the nearest JR station ticket office.
We have a good blog post about making seat reservations once you are in Japan here.
Hope this helps!
