Train from Kyoto to Nozawa on 2 January

Hello

Just trying to figure out if I will encounter problems booking train travel from Kyoto to Nozawa Onsen on 2 January.

We are two families (9) and won't arrive in Kyoto until 29 December to validate our JR passes and reserve seats on the connections between Kyoto-Nagoya-Nagano-Nozawa. I know this is a very busy holiday period so a bit concerned as to whether we will have difficulty making train bookings only a few days in advance.

Grateful for any advice

Clayton

I've been travelling on the first, and it was madness. Generally on the second you'd expect people to be coming home to the cities, but in 2015 that'll be a Friday, so my guess is that it could be hard. you cant push it off until the Sunday? Most of the travellers would be going the other way, then.

That's only a guess, by the way. A kinda informed one, but still a guess.

Thanks Lazy Pious

Do you think our chances of getting a seat would be improved by buying a Green Class JR Rail ticket?