Need book ahead Shinkansen Tokyo-Kyoto?

I am planning on coming to Japan in your spring (our Easter period). We are going to stay in Tokyo for a few days and then catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Will there be available seats for same-day travel in April or will I need to book the train tickets some time ahead (from Australia)?

Will there be available seats for same-day travel in April or will I need to book the train tickets some time ahead (from Australia)?

Before April 29, there will likely be seats available for same-day travel on all days.

On and after April 29 is "Golden Week", and it will be difficult to get seats for same-day travel.

If you're a healthy group of 1 or 2 persons, getting seats is not much of a problem. Even if the reserved section is full, you can always queue for half an hour or so to get seats on the non-reserved section, or you can always stand or sit on your luggage between the cars.

If I were you I would make reservations since it sounds like you have the time to do it, it's not too expensive and it is very comfortable. If you have a Japan Rail pass it is free and since the costs of the trip Tokyo - Kyoto - Tokyo are about the same as the costs for a Japan Rail pass for one week, maybe you ought to look into that.

Since you are in Tokyo before leaving to Kyoto, you walk up to the reservation window in any train station and you make the reservation (also for the trip back) as soon as you know when you'll be traveling. Often the person doesn't speak English, but it if you write down the town names, dates and approximate hours, it will be no problem whatsoever. Like this, for instance:

21/04/2004 9:00 Tokyo --] Kyoto
24/04/2004 18:00 Kyoto --] Tokyo

Yes, I would make seat reservations, too, especially on your way back from Kyoto to Tokyo.

I think it's indeed a good idea to make seat reservations for the Shinkansen if you only have one day for visiting Kyoto (much too short!). In particular if you have a JR railpass, I mean, you can't use the Nozomi Shinkansen with this pass so you have to take to Hikari which goes less frequent than the Nozomi. Btw, it takes about 3 hours by Shinkansen to get from Tokyo to Kyoto and keep in mind that the last Hikari from Kyoto to Tokyo departs around 20:30.
For more information see:
http://www.world.eki-net.com/e_Trainsearch/e_timetable/index.html

Can you do seat reservation on Shinkansen before JR Pass is validated?

My entry point into Japan is Chitose Airport. Then I will be travelling with a tour from Hokkaido till Aomori. After that I will be travelling on my own for a week around Honshu. My question - can I collect the reserved seat ticket in Chitose Airport or Aomori Station (preferable)?

Does anyone know if I can exchange the voucher for the actual rail pass at either Chitose Airport or Aomori Station(preferable)? Otherwise I am dead meat!

According to the info I received you can exchange the pass at the New-Chitose Airport (6:30-22:00). Aomori Station was not listed.

can I collect the reserved seat ticket in Chitose Airport or Aomori Station (preferable)?

Collect reserved tickets? Do you mean that you made advance reservations via the internet, using ekinet?

Assuming you are refering to seat reservations made via ekinet, yes, you can pick them up at Aomori Station. But no, you cannot pick them up in Hokkaido.

Does anyone know if I can exchange the voucher for the actual rail pass at either Chitose Airport or Aomori Station(preferable)?

As Richard mentioned, it seems to be possible at New-Chitose Airport, but not at Aomori Station.

Could anyone please confirm this for me :

Shinkansen from Tokyo departs at the JR Tokyo Station and arrives at JR Kyoto Station.

I wouldn't want to assume anything, therefore am seeking confirmation. Thanks a lot :)

Shinkansen from Tokyo departs at the JR Tokyo Station and arrives at JR Kyoto Station.

Yes, that is correct.

I am arriving in Osaka on 11th August for an 11 night visit to Japan. First 4 nights and last 4 nights are in Osaka (family reasons). Should I validate my 7 day Japan Rail Pass early in visit so I can book to go to Tokyo and return on days 5, 6 and 7?

I think I now have the answer to my own question previously posted. I received my exchange order for the rail pass today in the post. My understanding is early in my arrival in Japan I can use the Exchange Order to apply for a pass at a Pass Exchange Office and at that time nominate a date of first travel (which could be several days later). Having done that I should then be able to make a booking on the Shinkansen. Is this correct?

When you order a Japan Rail Pass overseas, you get an exchange voucher, when you come to Japan you exchange the voucher for the actual JR Pass at the exchange office.

At that time, on the form you fill out to exchange the rail pass it will ask you what the first day you want to use the pass on. After you get the pass you can make reservations as long as the reservation dates are within the validity of the pass.

I plan to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on Sept. 25, 2007. (Will arrive in Tokyo Sept. 23). Is it possible for me to purchase two reserved seats for the Nozumi Shinkansan (spelling?)prior to arriving in Japan? If so, how?

Thanks

No its not possible to book Nozomi or any train tickets outside of Japan.

However the date you are traveling there is no major holiday or peak travel season, you shouldn't have any problems reserving tickets in japan.

John - thanks for this info. Very helpful. Sounds like the best option will be to purchase the tickets when I arrive in Japan and request reserved seats.