Unlike a beach resort holiday in Thailand or renting a whole villa in Bali for a multi-generational family vacay – Japan with a large group can be harder than some other places in the world.
For this reason, I wanted to take the time to share some logistical tips if this is the way you would like to travel (whether it be seeing Japan with your sibling and their family and kids or the neighbors next door want to do Japan at the same time as you and so the kids can all play together.)
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using my link – at no additional charge to you.
Please note that if you are travelling with more than 8 people, I recommend leaving as many of your travel details to a travel agent.
Here are my tips for a Japan trip that involves 2 or more families (and that includes children)….
1. Accommodation for large groups or families holidaying together in Japan
Unlike a beach resort holiday where everyone will get to catch up at the breakfast buffet or gather around the pool in the evening, Japan accommodation options (even in the smaller cities) don’t often allow for this. The exception is staying at ski resorts which often have communal areas. Also, some ryokans are able to rent out private conference type rooms for family meal times but you will have to contact the property directly.
For example, I recommend Mimaru Hotel Apartments most for families (and everyone who stays in them later agrees) as there is just so much more space in the rooms, there is a kitchen, access to coin laundry facilities, the option to have multiple rooms so parents can stay up later than kids etc) don’t have a breakfast restaurant within the hotel properties.
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan. The detergent is almost always built into the machine. If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run
So, if you envision lovely breakfasts as a group I would do one of the following:
a) Choose a hotel near a diner style restaurant that can accommodate you for breakfast without needing a reservation. For example a Royal Host or a Dennys (disclaimer: Japanese Denny’s isn’t the same as American Dennys) . There are of course, many other breakfast options and if you’d like to see what is in your area you can always read my recommended breakfast and brunch spots here.
b) Choose a Western Big Brand Hotel with a breakfast buffet like a Hilton, Hyatt or a Westin etc. Some smaller hotels also have a restaurant within the building for breakfast so you could do some research into that option too (You will miss out on the in-room space of a Mimaru apartment style hotel though.)
c) Choose an area with a nice playground and coffee shop. Then you can gather around the playground in the morning with a convenience store breakfast or pastries and coffee.
For doing this, I recommend staying in Roppongi, Akasaka , Hiroo and Azabujuban for the most playground options with coffee shops near by. Also, restaurants in Nishi-Shinjuku (West Shinjuku) aren’t far from the Central Playground in Shinjuku (I’ve got pictures and more details here) and it is close to “More Than” Bakery at The Knot hotel.
Here are some other really cool retro Tokyo playgrounds (so cool that you might just want to base your accommodation choices based on the cute parks.)
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROBOT PARK IN ROPPONGI IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS / CONSTRUCTION UNTIL DEC 13, 2024.
2. Get really clear on what kind of holiday everyone wants
I would have a big brainstorming session and I’d start by going through my “Planning a Family Holiday to Japan” blog post.
How will the ages of kids affect some sightseeing or restaurant options? Is everyone in the group able bodied? Is everyone up for temples or do they want a mix of city and nature? Will JR passes work for the group? Does anyone in the group have dietary restrictions that need consideration?
I’ve written about all of these considerations here.
3. Meal times out with larger groups or multiple families in Japan
I recommend only eating as a big group for one meal a day and I recommend making a restaurant reservation in advance. Walk-ins with a large group in Japan can be tricky and also significantly limit your dining options.
For example:
If you are exploring Roppongi – a fabulous area for families – I recommend visiting this restaurant called Nirvana New York (and if you sit on the terrace during the christmas season or cherry blossom season you can take in the amazing views of the park and lights) is . This is an Indian Fusion restaurant. Babies and kids allowed and there is also space for strollers. This is the partner restaurant to the that of the same name in Central Park New York which opened in the 1970s. This is also a great space to dine with a large group or organise a private function. This restaurant offers some vegan dishes and some vegan courses (the vegan shishkebab is delicious!)
Lunch time is an all you can eat indian buffet for 3000 yen per adult! (a little cheaper on a weekday) and kids under 6 eat free!
Nirvana New York accept most major credit cards. This restaurant feels fancy but the prices are reasonable and the view is so lovely. They do take reservations.
At lunchtime I recommend budgeting for 3000-3500 yen per adult and at dinner more like 5000 yen. 
NIRVANA NEW YORK
港区赤坂9-7-4 東京ミッドタウン ガレリア ガーデンテラス 1F
GROUND FLOOR, TOKYO MIDTOWN ROPPONGI IN THE GALLERIA GARDEN TERRACE SECTION (FACING THE PARK), 9-7-4 AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11AM-3:30PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10PM)
I also recommend, once you are in Japan, booking large rooms and doing Karaoke as a group – you get your own room and can order food and drinks from a phone..it’s a great group option.
SEE HERE FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON TAKING KIDS OUT TO KARAOKE IN JAPAN.
4. Reserve Bullet Train tickets ahead of time if you plan to move as group
It is possible to book all of your travel once you are in Japan, but if this idea freaks you out you can book online using Smart-Ex.
5. Theme Parks as a big group can be tricky so I’d plan to split up and regroup
Tokyo Disney Parks and Universal Studios can be hard as a larger group (especially because some families don’t mind waiting for a certain type or parade or ride while others have kids who like scary rides etc.) It’s also extra tricky if some children still need allocated nap times etc. So I have lots of Disney and USJ tips here and I would recommend starting the day together or prebooking a lunch or dinner – or just meeting up for the fireworks.
THE NEW DONKEY KONG COUNTRY SECTION: Opens Dec 11.
It will be sooooo busy from Dec – June 2025 so please please please please get all the express passes you can (need to be purchased ahead of time.) With kids, I wouldn’t make promises that you will get to see this new land BUT you may get to see more of the others as the crowds will be focused on this section (great news for Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter fans!)
See here if you are looking for accommodation options for Families of 5 or more.
Here is my answer to the common question “Do Japanese taxis take more than 4 people?”
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using my link – at no additional charge to you.
