🌸 Japan Trip 2026

March 29 - April 11, 2026 • 9 Travelers

Home Today Logistics Packing Tokyo Kyoto/Nara Osaka Hiroshima Shopping

📦 Logistics & Essentials

✈️ Flight Details

Arrival:

  • 📍 Narita International Airport
  • 📅 March 29, 2026
  • 🕐 14:30 (2:30 PM)

Departure:

  • 📍 Narita International Airport
  • 📅 April 11, 2026
  • 🕐 9:30 AM

💡 Note: Arrive at airport 3 hours before departure (7:30 AM). Plan to leave Tokyo hotel by 5:30-6:00 AM for 9:30 AM flight.

🚚 Luggage Transport (Takkyubin)

For 9 people traveling across Japan, luggage transport is a game-changer. You travel light with day packs while your suitcases are shipped ahead.

How It Works:

  • Pick up at Hotel A: Request pickup at your hotel (ask concierge)
  • Delivered to Hotel B: Arrives overnight or next morning at next destination
  • Travel light: You carry only day pack (~20-30L) on trains
  • Easy transfers: No heavy luggage on crowded trains/subways

Booking Options:

Option 1: In-Person at Hotel (Easiest)
Ask hotel concierge to arrange. They call Yamato/Sagawa. Payment at pickup time.
Option 2: Online (Before Trip)
Yamato Transport: https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/en/
Sagawa Express: https://www2.sagawa-exp.co.jp/english/
Register, book online, reference # given.
Option 3: Convenience Stores
7-Eleven or Lawson: Fill out form, pay on spot (less convenient).

Timeline:

Day 1 (March 29): Land Tokyo → Send luggage to Hotel A
Day 4 (April 1): Send from Tokyo Hotel → Kyoto/Osaka Hotel B
Day 7 (April 4): Send from Kyoto → Osaka Hotel C
Day 10 (April 7): Send from Osaka → Hiroshima Hotel
Day 12 (April 9): Send from Hiroshima → Tokyo Hotel
Day 14 (April 11): Send from Tokyo Hotel → Narita/Haneda Airport

Pro Tips:

  • Tag luggage clearly (name, phone)
  • Write destination hotel address in Japanese
  • Hotels usually accept luggage before official check-in (confirm when booking)
  • Keep receipts (proof of delivery)
  • Take photos of bags before sending (insurance)

🛒 Stroller Strategy

When to Use:

  • Tokyo: Useful (Ueno Zoo, parks, shopping)
  • Kyoto/Nara: Carrier better for temples & stairs; stroller for flat areas
  • Osaka: Stroller OK; book rental at USJ
  • Miyajima Island: Use carrier (ferries, stairs, narrow streets)

Options:

  • Buy lightweight stroller (~$130, Summer Infant 3D Lite) & bring from home
  • Rent at USJ (book in advance)
  • Ergonomic carrier for temples/stairs (LennyGo, Lillebaby)

🚄 Transportation

JR Pass: 7-day pass covers most bullet train travel (Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Hiroshima → Tokyo)

IC Cards: Get Suica/Pasmo for all 9 people (rechargeable, works on trains/subways)

Local Trains: Use IC cards for subways and local lines

Taxis: Use sparingly; groups of 4-5 can split cost when faster than trains

📱 Internet & Communication

Pocket WiFi: Rent 2 units for group of 9 (share between subgroups)

Travel SIM: Buy at airport (Softbank, NTT DoCoMo, Rakuten)

Apps to Download (Before Departure):

  • Google Maps (offline mode)
  • Hyperdia (train schedules)
  • Suica/Pasmo app
  • Google Translate (offline)
  • Tabelog (Japanese Yelp)
  • JapanTaxi

⚠️ Important Reminders

  • Accommodations: Book NOW (cherry blossom season = crowded)
  • Ghibli Museum: Reserve tickets online (books out weeks in advance)
  • JR Pass: Buy before arrival (cheaper)
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for group trip
  • Passports: Valid 6+ months
  • Pack Light: 1 carry-on day pack + 1 checked suitcase per person (send via Takkyubin)