Looking for some advice from all of you r/JapanTravel gurus.
We are scheduled to arrive at NRT at 15:20 and need to get to our hotel in Kyoto, which has a 15:00–22:00 check‑in window. Based on conservative estimates, ChatGPT says we should reach Kyoto within that timeframe as long as there are no major delays.
We’re thinking about prebooking the train segment mainly so we have proof of onward travel for our travel‑insurance claim in case our flight is delayed – ideally helping with reimbursement for the train, the missed hotel night (or cancelled booking), and any alternate lodging.
Should we book Shinkansen tickets in advance, or is it better to just buy them after we land?
I’ve checked out the special offers on the Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Internet Reservation Service website, but I’m not sure which option is best for our situation. I think I recall seeing that it's only about a 20 minute difference between the Nozomi and the next fastest trains from Tokyo > Kyoto?
If we do reserve in advance, which specific train should we book, considering immigration wait times and the travel time from NRT to Tokyo Station?
by wallawalla21212