🚄 Topic · Getting around

City to city across Japan, as a large family

The shortcut to moving a large family comfortably and on a budget is rail passes and door-to-door transfers. There's no need to pile everyone onto a packed commuter train. From the JR Pass to airport routes to luggage forwarding, we've gathered the stress-free ways to move even a group of 5 or more.

7 guides · All destinations covered · Fares marked as "approximate, please re-check"

The verdict

For a large family, "get everyone onto one option"

Instead of splitting up across crowded trains, the shortcut is to move everyone together with rail passes, airport transfers, and luggage forwarding. Between cities, take the Shinkansen with a JR Pass; from the airport, use a limousine bus or private charter; and send your luggage ahead. We've gathered the fastest route for each destination.

All guides

All transport guides

Filter by destination. From city-to-city rail passes to airport routes to luggage forwarding.

Kyoto subway as an alternative to crowded buses
Kyoto · Getting around

Getting around Kyoto: skip the buses, send your luggage ahead

Why the subway plus luggage forwarding is more comfortable than Kyoto's packed city buses when you're moving as a group.

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Hokkaido Shinkansen Hayabusa
Hakodate · Getting around

Tokyo → Hakodate: why choose the Hokkaido Shinkansen + JR Pass

How to pick the right JR Pass for a group of 5 or more, and the route north on the Hokkaido Shinkansen with big luggage included.

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Airport limousine bus from Kansai Airport to USJ
Osaka · Getting around

Kansai Airport → USJ: the definitive transport guide

Kansai Airport to Universal, compared for families — limousine bus vs train vs private transfer.

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The sea road heading to northern Okinawa
Okinawa · Getting around

Naha Airport → northern Okinawa: moving everyone together (rental car vs direct bus)

Getting a group of 5 or more from Naha Airport to JUNGLIA and Churaumi Aquarium — compared, with travel times.

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Shinkansen to Karuizawa
Karuizawa · Getting around

Tokyo → Karuizawa: reach the cool highlands by Shinkansen, no car and no transfers

A short ride from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. No transfers even for a big group, plus how to arrange luggage and reserved seats.

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Joetsu Shinkansen E7 series
Yuzawa · Getting around

Tokyo → GALA Yuzawa: a car-free ski trip with a direct Shinkansen link

The Joetsu Shinkansen connects directly to GALA Yuzawa Station. No driving on snowy roads — the whole family goes straight to the slopes.

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The Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa
Kanazawa · Getting around

Tokyo → Kanazawa: the Hokuriku Shinkansen with no transfer

Zero transfers with luggage and children. Send the bags ahead and walk the city light.

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Limited Express Hida and Nohi Bus to Takayama and Shirakawa-go
Takayama · Getting around

How to get to Takayama and Shirakawa-go: Limited Express Hida vs Nohi Bus vs private van

From Tokyo, Kansai, or Chubu, going via Nagoya is the standard. Plus the best option for 5 or more people with heavy luggage.

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FAQ

Common questions about getting around

Can we reserve Shinkansen seats together even for 5 or more people?
Book early and you can secure seats in a row. Large suitcases require an advance reservation for a "seat with oversized-baggage space" on some lines, so please also check our Shinkansen large-luggage map.
How do we move big luggage?
The most comfortable option is "hands-free travel" — send your bags ahead by courier from the airport or your accommodation. Same-day delivery has cut-off times, so arrange it early to match your arrival-day plans.
Rental car or public transport — which is better?
In areas with weak public transport, such as northern Okinawa, a large rental car has the edge. Between cities and within urban areas, a rail pass plus taxis means fewer transfers and less hassle. We explain the best pick for each destination in the individual guides.

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KyotoHakodate OsakaOkinawa KaruizawaYuzawa Takayama & Shirakawa-goAll destinations

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Once you've picked a destination, turn it into a full plan.

Where to stay, how to get around, what to do, and what to know — all in one plan.

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