Hi, I will have the following situation: will be in Japan on business and will have to work in company's office in Tsukuba. However if at all possible I would like to stay in Tokyo therefore commute will be involved. I will be staying near Shinagawa station.

Most logical commute seem to be Shinagawa to Akihabara then to Tsukuba on Tsukuba express. Problem is Tsukuba express doesnt have reserved seating and have watched horror footage of what may happen at Japan rail stations at the rush hour, this is my worst preferable option (cost Y1,310 one way)

Another option is to take JR Yamanote line to Ueno and then Hitachi Ltd express to Tsuchiura.. from Tsuchiura taxi to Tsukuba (was advised that taxi takes 20-30 minutes and costs ~Y5,000). So total cost will be ~Y7,800 one way). It takes about the same time as Tsukuba express option but obviously have reserved seating.

Am I missing something and there's other option?

AX