Anyone have any suggestions for accommodations in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) for families? We are leaving Nov. 1 and staying for 2 weeks. There will be nine of us - 4 adults, 5 kids (11, 10, 8, 8, and 2). Thanks in advance!

air bnb. Hotels are not spacious, you would need several rooms and it most likely would not be cost effective. Some of the Ryokan's have large rooms and they just put futons down at night but there is minimal privacy if there is that many of you.

Yup, and Ryokans are quite expensive too.

Yes! Or vrbo

Rent apartments with airbnb
had great experiences doing that in Japan. Economical with so many people too.

Japanese people very honest too, I would expect very few problems using air bnb or similar services.

airbnb - we did it one week ago. You can fly to Okinawa or islands down south - the flight price is fixed on 10000 JPY per person per flight on any route inside Japan

If you are going to rent a car - please make sure you have International Driver's Permit - you can get one in AMA for $25. I can recommend local companies over AVIS/Budget etc., it is several times cheaper.

I would not recommend renting a car, the transit system is amazing-no need for a car, plus that many people you would likely need two cats... Won't be many/any rental cars there large enough for everyone to fit together.

If you're choosing between Osaka and Kyoto for accommodation - stay in Osaka, it is cheaper and more attractive than Kyoto. Train between these cities is just 25-30 minutes.

I much preferred Kyoto to Osaka, Kyoto has so much history and so many historic sights to see, Osaka is very industrial, only went there for the aquarium.

I have NEVER heard anyone prefer Osaka over Kyoto. Yup, Osaka is cheaper, but Kyoto was my favourite city of them all. Loved biking the entire place seeing all the temples and quaint back streets!

I made it and no regrets so far - Osaka has been amazing to stay

airbnb is good, Tokyo has lots to do, if you decide to use their train to travel between 3 cities, make sure to check out Japan rail pass that you can purchase online, it is cheaper.

As for rail pass - check Navitime application for actual fare price vs. pass. Passes are cheaper only if you travel intensively.

Hyperdia is a great site to figure this out.

There is a Facebook group called the Japan travel, friendly discussion group that has great info. In it I have read the government is closing down some air bnb so I would be cautious. We found some great places in Kyoto on vrbo. Things book up very early in Japan so plan as soon as you can.