Trains during cherry blossom time

Hi,

I will be traveling to Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo during cherry blossom time. Are trains to scenic spots like this filled to capacity during this time, so I should think about getting a ticket in advance, or buying a ticket the day of travel no problem? TIA.

On weekends I would definitely expect very full trains. On weekdays maybe a bit better.
There is a local train from Otsuki (and an other local train to Otsuki from Tokyo) that you can take even when there are no tickets left on the express train nor express bus. But you might be standing for a good part of the trip. Ifd guess Tokyo to Otsuki might be okay on the local train as you go against the flow. But Otsuki to Kawaguchiko might be full.

If you have the opportunity to buy tickets a few days in advance after checking weather that might be better

Yes, transportation is more crowded, but if you want to save money, you could also take a bus from Shinjuku Station. I went there last time during Golden Week, which was even worse. But still doable, and yes, if possible, go during a weekday. As for the Pagoda, you'll find few people leaving the 5 Lakes area around noontime - that's when more people are going in. Besides, if you primarily want to focus on the Pagoda, you'd need to get off at Shimoyoshida Stn, and between there and Kawaguchiko is only about 15 minutes by train. I just hope you are not elderly or have bad knees/hips. Getting to the pagoda takes a murderous stair climb, or you need to walk up a very winding road.