I was thinking of posting this in /r/JapanTravel/ but then I read the rules that it’s for only “tourists”. So, looking for advice here again.
Please point me to another sub that might be better suited for this.
I have been in Japan for 2 months and am planning on a trip to Kyoto around new year. I need some confirmation from experienced people before I book anything. So, please guide me.
I have an Engineering Visa, so I know I cannot buy JR Rail Pass. With that out of the way, I am confused as to from where I can book the tickets online. There are too many websites, so I’m not sure which one is legit.
– https://12go.co/en
– https://smart-ex.jp/en/lp/app/
– https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/overview/
– https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train_reservation/service/
Since it’s around new year, I would rather book the ticket beforehand rather than booking from the counter.
Then, I am planning on taking a luggage bag with me and the combined Length, Width and Height are around 160 cm. So, I hope I don’t have to book anything extra for it.
Which websites would you guys recommend to book hotels from? I have been looking at booking.com . Is it a safe website to book the tickets from?
Sorry these questions look very basic but It’s my first time here and have no clue because of too many options with confusions.
Thank you
P.S: I came across “Puratto Kodama Economy Plan”. Is this available to everyone? I mean tourists or non-tourists.
6 comments
You may also want to try asking in /r/Kyoto.
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I can assure you can safely book with booking.com .
I have done so, and will keep doing it. ( More than 50 times, never an issue.)
For luggage see here, recent change:
https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/transport/new-shinkansen-luggage-rules/
As the page you linked to last says:
>JR-KYUSHU Train Reservation is a service that allows you to book tickets for **JR Kyushu** and **JR-West**. Recommended for customers who want to find or book one-way or round-trip tickets.
So you can scratch both of those operators from the list.
The Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo <> Shin-Osaka) is **JR Central**.
1. You can buy advance ticket at the counter too. Easiest way when you are confused.
2. Smart-EX is the official ticketless service for Tokaido-Sanyo shinkansen operated by JR Central
3. The 3-4 links are official reservation website of JR West and JR Kyushu. Since Tokyo to Kyoto is operated by JR Central, use JR Central’s Smart-EX is a better idea. Or just buy from counter/ticket machine.
4. Platt Kodama can be used by anyone. But of course you are limited to Kodama train.
I have always purchased from eki net.
​
[https://www.eki-net.com/personal/top/index](https://www.eki-net.com/personal/top/index)
Use the smartex site and select with luggage. Book early and you may get discounts.