Tokyo sightseeing for New Year's Eve and first-day prayer at the shrine by private charter jumbo taxi | Large groups can travel in one car even at midnight

New Year’s Eve, 11 p.m. Even though my family and friends and I all set out for Tokyo together, the midnight-running train was full, taxis were unavailable, and we ended up welcoming the new year in separate locations—this was a night I didn’t want to experience. For those who want to avoid that kind of experience, this article will introduce the procedures for enjoying the New Year’s bustle and first-day prayer at the same time as a large group, following the flow of the day. For groups of 4 to 9 people, renting a jumbo taxi on a private basis is more practical than you might think.

Tokyo on New Year's Eve is the most difficult place to get around.

In Tokyo at the end of the year and during the New Year, there are many things to see and do, so it becomes difficult to read the movements of people and vehicles. Especially for large groups, the very act of moving around can affect the overall satisfaction of the day. Let me list some common sayings that I often hear.

Even during overnight operation, late-night trains don't run as smoothly as they should.

New Year’s Eve sees all-night service on many routes, but the number of passengers is not as high as during the day, and during the first-day-of-the-year rush, the car is quite crowded. It’s not uncommon for seven or eight people to be crammed into a car; in fact, it’s not uncommon for everyone to be unable to get into the same vehicle.

Large-scale restrictions will be imposed around Shibuya to celebrate the New Year.

Around the Scramble intersection, in recent years the New Year countdown event itself has been cancelled, and on New Year's Eve the section from the station intersection to Miyagi-zukuri will be closed to vehicular traffic. Police-led traffic measures are being implemented, such as prohibiting alcohol consumption on the street from the night of December 31 until early morning on New Year's Day. The crowds become concentrated, and there are times when it becomes impossible to walk properly.

Taxis often break up into two separate vehicles

Shuttle taxis are less likely to be available during the New Year’s Eve rush hour, and even if you manage to get one, it’s usually only possible to fit four people in a regular car. Eventually, we split into two groups and decide on a meeting point and time… Meanwhile, as the New Year approaches, we find ourselves facing the moment of arrival separately. This is the most common unfortunate pattern that occurs during large-scale New Year’s Eve celebrations.

An example of spending New Year's Eve in a chartered jumbo taxi

So, what would happen if we kept one charter jumbo taxi on hand from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day? Let's take a look at the chronological flow of the day's model, assuming a group of 4 to 9 people (the time is just a guide).

1. 22:30 Pick up at the hotel or at your home:Pick-up is available with a time slot to your front door. You can also store your outerwear, hand-made gifts, and any winter clothing you may have taken off along the way in the car.
2. 23:00 Night view and light-up from the car window:Avoid the crowds and drive around the spots that are perfect for photos at New Year's Eve, such as Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge. Since you don't have to walk around, even small children and elderly people won't get tired.
3. 0:00 The moment of the New Year together:Where you celebrate the New Year depends on the group's wishes. Since we're all in the same car, we can do the countdown and the toast (non-alcoholic) together.
4. 0:30 Head straight to the shrine for the first New Year's visit:Shrines that are a long walk from the nearest station can be reached by shuttle from the nearby entrance. If the shrine allows for overnight prayer, you can visit at a time that suits you.
5. 2:00 Take a break with a warm meal and sweet sake:After the prayer service, we went to a shop that is open during business hours. There was no need to worry about parking, and the driver would wait for us.
6. 3:00 Pick you up from the hotel or your home:No worries about overnight driving on the way back or having to find a replacement driver; there’s no need to switch carriers while your child is tired.

Places to visit for the New Year and first Shinto shrine visit

With a private tour, you can combine your visit to the traditional New Year's Day spots. The itinerary can be customized to suit the group's preferences.

"Is this okay?" answers to worries about using it over the New Year

Since chartering beyond midnight is a special case, please make a list of any concerns you might have beforehand. The following are the most common questions we receive in actual inquiries.

Can it be relied on even during the night or when used across the year?

Yes. Since it is a private charter for time rentals, you can use it continuously from New Year's Eve until New Year's Day. Even while waiting, the same car and same driver are available, so you can go to worship or have meals while leaving your luggage there.

Would you be okay if the destination changed along the way?

Since the entire venue is rented out on a full-day basis, it’s advantageous that you can easily adjust to changes on the day, such as if you want to visit another location because you’re not as busy as you thought (depending on the situation and time of day).

Even for large luggage or with children?

With a large jumbo taxi, you can pack your suitcases, strollers, and winter clothing together. If you need a child seat, please let us know when you contact us.

The cost aspect and the concept of "sharing the cost"

When you hear the term "private charter," it may seem expensive. However, during the late hours of New Year's Eve, trains and taxis are difficult to catch, and if you split the cost with a regular taxi, the final price will be about two times the cost. The more people there are, the easier it is to split the cost among everyone and have a private charter.

The exact price varies depending on the number of people, time, route, and season. The exact amount will be determined based on the actual situation.Pricing pagePlease visit it, orweb formFeel free to request a quote. Due to the high volume of bookings during the late hours of the year-end and New Year holidays, we recommend making your inquiry as soon as possible once you have decided on your destination and number of guests.

Reservation Flow

1. Contact:Send your desired date, time, number of people, and destination from the web form.
2. Plan & Estimate:We will suggest the optimal vehicle type, route, and estimated fare.
3. Reservation Confirmed:Confirm if you are satisfied with the content
4. Boarding on the day:Pick you up at the designated location, from New Year's Eve to the first New Year's Day, all in one vehicle

summary

At the end of the year and during the New Year holidays in Tokyo, it’s more likely to be a hassle with “getting around” than with attractions. The New Year’s Eve and New Year’s prayer ceremony with the requirements of late night, multiple locations, and large numbers of people are the instances where the value of renting a car becomes clear. At the moment when the new year begins and during the New Year’s prayer ceremony, everyone is in the same car. Without worrying about the heavy luggage or the cold weather, you can move around at your own pace. If you’re thinking about Tokyo for the end of the year and the New Year holidays with a group of 4 to 9 people, please consider the option of chartering a jumbo taxi.