For oversized luggage (160 cm and above in total dimensions), a reserved seat and access to the oversized luggage area are required on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line that goes out from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka and beyond. These reservations are included with the pass and can be changed at will, making dealing with bringing around luggage easier to deal with while also keeping track of the family as you travel around!
More information about oversized luggage can be found here.Other options to look into for traveling in Japan with the family
While the Japan Rail Pass is a great option offering wide coverage, flexibility, and ease of use that are great advantages to have when traveling with the family, for some itineraries, it may not be the best choice!
If you’re traveling with your family between just two or three cities or for a shorter period of time, individual train tickets or regional passes may be more worthwhile! With train tickets, it’s important to try and reserve these ahead of time to assure availability and to also avoid waiting in lines at the station. Reserving tickets online will definitely be helpful when planning a trip with the family!
Regional passes work much like the Japan Rail Pass but cover a more specific area and last for a shorter amount of time. As a trade-off, they come in at a more affordable price! If you and your family have an itinerary that is covered by a specific regional pass or a specific regional pass complemented by some individual train tickets, this can also be great to look into to assure you have a great time exploring Japan!
Additionally, a fully organized family tour may also be a great way of exploring the country! Tours with Japan Experience have all transportation costs set up and included in the price! This tour sees some of the best of Japan with an emphasis on enjoyment for visitors of all ages and completely self guided, meaning you can enjoy at your leisure!
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