Unreserved seats during August school holidays

Chrissie

Hi there
We will be travelling with a JR Pass in August this year, from 9th till 22nd. Given that it will be school holidays, is it sensible to take unreserved rail seats or would we miss out because the seats may all be taken? Or too busy? Thanks

Tenjin

August per se is not a problem, though the brutal heat and humidity will be. The only issue could be O-bon, but it depends where in japan you are.