Originally Posted by OliverB

I understand, but it's the specifics of the room such as "I want this particular suite" or "this specific room overlooking the garden with bath and balcony" that concerns me. I'd also like to avoid any potential for misunderstanding wherein we'd arrive after a long train ride only to find we're booked into something other then expected, downgraded, or experience trouble with payment, like the example just posted. For that reason alone, I think it'd be helpful to have some support from a Japanese TA.