Hi Dimitri, have a question for you. Had asked this previously on the forum but the Japanese agent I bought my Rail Pass from advised that the trains would be crowded.
Landing 27 Dec and leaving 5 Jan 2015 via Narita.
Will be traveling out to Chubu region from 27 - 31 Dec and then returning to Tokyo on the 31 Dec to spend new year's eve. Remaining days (1-5 Jan) will be spent in Tokyo.
Seek your kind advice:
1. Given that it will be new year's eve (31 Dec), will it be difficult getting a train ticket back from Kanzawa / Takayama to Tokyo?
2. Will most of the shops be closed on 1-4 Jan 2015? Have read japan-guide.com and understand that most shops / attractions / restaurants closed on 1 Jan, while opening up from 2 Jan onwards. I'll be fine with missing 1 day of shopping / eating but hope everything opens from 2nd Jan onwards
I will offer my understanding of the the New Year/(much similar to the Obon rush)...
When it is New Year, the Japanese will return back to their hometown to stay with their parents. Just like the Chinese, especially those in the major cities in China, people will be rushing home in time for New Year's day. The transportation out of major cities will be chaotic and fully booked. On the 3rd day of the New Year, people will be rushing back and this time round the transportation crush will be going into the city.
Of course I cannot guarantee anything but I think there should not be a problem getting back into Tokyo on New Year's Eve. If you should face any problems, it will probably be getting out of Kanazawa, as the locals will be going back to their hometown in the countryside.
Nevertheless, you should reserve all your seats once you touch down at Narita and Haneda airport to be on the safe side.