Now that I’ve finalized my Japan itinerary, I’m ready to buy (or plan to purchase) my train tickets and wanted to run this past the Fodorites. I’m only taking 3 trains so the JR Pass doesn’t make sense for me since it’s cheaper to buy individual tickets. These are the trains I will be using (all one way, for one person). I would prefer to reserve a seat on a specific train for peace of mind!

1. Monday, April 1: Tokyo Shinjuku to Matsumoto via JR "Azusa" limited express @ 10:00
2. Sunday, April 7: Takayama to Nagoya via Hida Limited Express @ 2:44
3. Monday, April 8: Nagoya to Shinagawa via Nozomi Shinkansen (change @ Shinagawa to one of the Keikyu Main Line trains to Haneda Term 3)

Should I buy these 3 tix on-line now (using Baolau site, per Seat61)? Or should I wait until I arrive in Tokyo on March 28 and buy them all at a JR Service Center (probably in Asakusa since I’ll be staying near by)? I’ve got all the details re: date, time, train, seat request written down so can provide those details to the JR ticket agent.

Also, I’m not sure how to determine the price info on Navitime search results: when I open the details for a route, it displays a JPY price next to the duration of the trip (is this the base fare?). Below that is a price for “Non-Reserved Seat” and a drop down option that shows prices for Reserved Seat and Green Car. To determine the total price I would pay for a Reserved Seat, should I add the base fare to the Non-Reserved or Reserved price? Say, base fare = 3,410 and Reserved Seat = 2,730, so the total amount I would pay for a Reserved Seat is 6,140?

One stray question about SUICA - I have a Suica card from 2019 which I will use;just to confirm, I need to refill the card using CASH at machines in convenience stores and stations, correct?(I don’t remembering getting cash from ATMs last time I was in Japan, but it’s so basic for me that I probably forgot doing it!)
Thanks for your thoughts!

I’m sure mrwunrfl and others can give more detailed advice, but we had absolutely no problem buying tickets with reserved seating when we were there in the fall. We would usually go to the station a day or 2 before we needed tickets, ans never had a problem getting them at the counter. I would show the agents what I was trying to buy and it worked out well. Occasionally, we needed Google translate to clarify.

Just go to a train station and go to a ticketing office. You can just use the ticketing machines outside but it may be easier for you to have a person help you. Although I have a Suica card, I just put one into my Apple wallet. Do need to use an AMX card to add money to it while in Japan. Visa does not work. Don't have a MC but have heard reports that it doesn't work either. Everyone in Japan basically uses their cellphone to pay for many things. You also get good rates of exchange by using your credit card.

>> Should I buy these 3 tix on-line now (using Baolau site, per Seat61)?
No. If you want to do it online just buy from JR.

>>Or should I wait until I arrive in Tokyo
Yes, do that.

>> Say, base fare = 3,410 and Reserved Seat = 2,730, so the total amount I would pay for a Reserved Seat is 6,140?

Yes, that is the Takayama -> Nagoya cost for a reserved seat on the JR Hida Limited Express.

IDK why but that misleading fare quote by Navitime is like what Hyperdia shows when Reserved seat is sellected:
Fare:„ 3,410 Seat Fee:„ 2,730

when you choose Unreserved seat it shows:
Fare:„ 3,410 Seat Fee:„ 2,200

The misleading part is that the limited express surcharge is included in Seat Fee at both sites.

It works out like this:
„3,410 is the base fare = what you would pay if you took an ordinary train (i.e.. a JR local)
„2,200 is the limited express surcharge
„530 is the charge for the reserved seat

You pay „6,140

That Azusa train, am pretty sure, doesn't stop at Otsuki which would mean there won't even be any tourists on that train heading to Kawaguchiko. progol took some nice photos heading to Matsumoto, nice views on the right side of the train IIRC

Your Takayama trip is not during the spring festival and, anyway, you can expectthe tourists from Nagoya etc will be leaving town by noon on Sunday.

For Nagoya to Shinagawa - the shinkansen are quite frequent. Nozomi, sure, but you could also take a Hikari shinkansen.

Am interested in what your plan is for the overnight in Nagoya.\

One more thing: when you go to Matsumoto, are you taking JR to get to Shinjuku station?

Thank you all! As suggested, I will buy these tickets once I'm in Tokyo (versus buying online). mrwunrfl I appreciate the detailed explanation about pricing. I remember progol's great photos from the train to Matsumoto - I'll see spring instead of fall colors. (And will get a seat on the right side). In answer to your question, I will be staying in Tokyo in the Asakusa area from 3/28-4/1, so will take the subway (Odeo or Shinjuku) from Asakusa to Shinjuku.

For Nagoya, I don't have any plans; it's just an overnight stay. Originally I was going to take the trip from Takayama to Haneda in one day (Monday, 4/7) but I would have arrived at HAN @ approx 2:30 pm and my flight is at 5:40 and I didn't want to worry about delays, even in Japan! So, I'm leaving Takayama on Sunday mid-afternoon and will arrive in Nagoya around 6:00 pm; staying at an APA hotel near the station and then will zip to HAN the next day. Will keep in mind Hikari as an option to Nozomi - is there an advantage to one or the other?

Apa Hotel Nagoya Ekimae is on the west side of Nagoya station which I believe is the shinkansen side, which is good for departure day. The Marriott Associa was really nice as was the Hilton. The Hilton had a free shuttle to the station (shinansen entrance, IIRC). In olden days (pre-covid) there was a fancy bar/lounge in the Marriott that had cigars (ok, a cigar bar, I guess). Men in expensive suites, real pro bartenders and waiters and I am there in jeans, sneakers, flannel shirt. But, I raised a finger to get the attention of the waiter and he hopped and scooted over to me like I was one of his vip regulars.

>> an advantage to one or the other
Probably advantage goes to Nozomi bedause I think they all will just make one stop (Shin Yokohama) before Shinagawa. Might only depend on schedule, so am suggesting you not exclude Hikari outright.

mrwunrfl That's the APA hotel i'm staying at (Nagoya Ekimae), which did look handy. Maybe I'll pop into the Marriott to relax in their bar/lounge