Originally Posted by
bocastephen
we will have 4 people - 2 younger adults, 2 elderly.
OK. I imagined a larger group.
With four people it's not out of the question to find seats together on the train at the last minute but better to book in advance. As you said, you can reserve with Smart-EX and change the reservation for an earlier one if you find that you're running ahead of time.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
I am not sure how customs will know whose bags they are
From experience, one person pushing four suitcases is something that customs agents notice. Since everyone has to stop at the counter to show a passport and answer couple of questions, it's easy for the agent to ask "How long are you staying in Japan? Is this luggage all yours? Are you carrying a bag for another person?" ... and that's how they'll know that you're carrying someone else's accompanied luggage through customs.
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
I will use the SmartEX app to book the tickets - not sure how to pick up the tickets from the app, I assume I scan a code at the ticketing office?
I haven't used it myself yet. Apparently you can use the credit card that you used to make the reservation to pick up the tickets from a machine at the Shinkansen station. (I assume JR Central Shinkansen ticket machines only)
https://smart-ex.jp/en/lp/app/
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
1. use the wheelchair service on arrival
2. pre-register with JAL ABC for bag service
3. plan for a train between 8-830P and move it earlier if the option is available
That's all I can think of.