Traveling with 5+ people? Here is how to master transport, dining, and hotels in Japan’s ancient capital without losing your mind.
Graduation trips, multi-generational family reunions, or just a getaway with your best friends. Traveling to Kyoto with a large group is an incredible way to create shared memories. The energy of exploring the bamboo groves or geisha districts together is unmatched.
But let’s be honest: Planning a trip for a crowd in Kyoto is logistical hard mode. Kyoto is an old city. The streets are narrow, the restaurants are tiny, and hotels are often designed for solo business travelers or couples. “How do we move 8 people when a taxi only fits 4?” “Can we find a restaurant that seats 10 without a reservation?” “Will we have to split into 4 separate hotel rooms?”
If you go unprepared, you risk spending your holiday stressed and separated. But don’t worry. As a Kyoto travel expert, I’m here to share the Golden Rules for Large Group Sightseeing and the secret to keeping your squad together at night.
The Quick Verdict: How to Win at Group Travel
Source：Minn Official Website
For the trip organizers out there, here is the bottom line. To succeed in Kyoto with a group:
- Ditch the Bus: Rely on trains or split taxis to keep moving.
- Stay Together: Don’t split into tiny separate rooms. Book a spacious Apartment Hotel like Minn where everyone can stay in one suite.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Features: Suites for up to 8 guests, large living rooms, and kitchens for private parties.)
1. Transport: Skip the Bus, Split the Cab
For a solo traveler, Kyoto’s bus system is fine. For a group of 6? It’s a nightmare. Buses are often packed to capacity, meaning half your group might get on while the other half gets left behind at the stop.
The Strategy:
- Master the Trains: Stick to hotels and sights near train lines (Subway, Keihan, or Hankyu lines). Trains are punctual and can swallow large groups easily.
- The “Split Taxi” Hack: Don’t try to flag down a rare “Jumbo Taxi” on the street. Instead, use apps like Uber or GO. Order two standard taxis to your location. Splitting the fare among 3-4 people per car is often surprisingly affordable and infinitely less stressful than the bus.
2. Dining: Avoid the “Lunch Refugee” Crisis
In Kyoto, many authentic restaurants are small counter-style spots with only 8-10 seats total. Walking in with a large group during peak hours (12:00–13:00) is impossible.
The Strategy:
- Rule of Thumb: If you haven’t booked a restaurant 2 months in advance, do not expect to sit together.
- Eat Off-Peak: Aim for lunch at 11:00 AM sharp or after 1:30 PM.
- The “Depachika” Feast: This is the pro move. Visit the basement food hall (“Depachika”) of a department store like Takashimaya or Isetan. Buy high-end sushi, yakitori, and sake. Take it back to your hotel.
- Note: This only works if your hotel has a large dining table (more on that below).
3. Sightseeing: Go Where the Space Is
Narrow alleys like Pontocho are charming but tricky for groups. Prioritize spacious locations where you won’t lose anyone.
Best Spots for Groups:
- Nijo Castle: Wide corridors and massive gardens make it easy to walk as a pack.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: While crowded, the path is singular. Agree on a meeting point (like a specific tea house halfway up) so people can climb at their own pace.
- Kyoto Railway Museum: Spacious, indoors (great for rain), and offers something for all ages.
4. The Hotel Problem: “The Split”
Source：Minn Official Website
Now, the biggest headache: Where to stay.
- Standard Hotels: Force you to book multiple “Twin Rooms.” You end up saying goodnight in the lobby and retreating to separate, tiny boxes.
- Connecting Rooms: Extremely rare and expensive in Japan.
The Solution? Apartment Hotels. You need a place with the communal space of an Airbnb but the reliability and concierge support of a hotel.
Why “Minn” is the Ultimate Group Base Camp
Source：Minn Official Website
For large groups in Kyoto, Minn is the game-changer. With locations in Gion, Nijo-jo, and Gojo, they are designed specifically for group travel.
1. Everyone in One Room (Up to 8 People!) Minn specializes in massive suites. Whether you are a group of 5, 6, or 8, you can often stay in one single unit.
- The Experience: It’s like a luxury sleepover. You have a spacious living room where everyone can hang out, share photos, and plan the next day. No more lonely nights in separate rooms.
2. The Kitchen = The Ultimate Private Izakaya Remember the “Depachika Feast” idea? Minn makes it possible.
- The Setup: Rooms come with fully equipped kitchens and large dining tables.
- The Vibe: Host your own private party. Buy local Kyoto craft beer and snacks. You don’t need a reservation, it’s cheaper than a restaurant, and you can be as loud as you want!
3. Bathroom Logistics Morning traffic jams are real with 8 people. Minn rooms are designed with this in mind, typically featuring separate toilets and bathing areas, often with independent washstands. Someone can shower while others brush their teeth, getting the group out the door faster.
4. Unbeatable Value per Person Luxury suites sound expensive, but do the math. Minn charges by the room. When you split the cost of a large suite by 6 or 8 people, the price per person is often lower than a budget business hotel. You get luxury space for a bargain price.
What Exactly is an “Apartment Hotel”?
Source：Minn Official Website
Think of it as the best of both worlds:
- Like a Home: Kitchens, laundry machines, living rooms, and multiple bedrooms.
- Like a Hotel: Professional cleaning, fresh towels, front desk support, and luggage storage. It removes the anxiety of “vacation rentals” (like key handovers or cleanliness issues) while giving you the space you crave.
Verdict: Travel Together, Stay Together
Source：Minn Official Website
Don’t let logistics ruin your group trip. By using trains/taxis, booking meals ahead (or eating in), and securing a spacious Minn suite, you turn a stressful logistical puzzle into a seamless, unforgettable vacation.
Large group suites are rare in Kyoto and sell out months in advance. Don’t wait until you are forced to book separate rooms.