Japan's Road Traffic Act bars drivers from carrying children under 6 without a child seat. This guide covers the official rules, how to book an airport transfer with kids, and the child and booster seats Sakura Travel can provide.
Travelling abroad with young children makes transport one of the biggest worries: kids are tired after the flight, and unfamiliar trains and platforms add stress. This guide explains Japan's official child seat rule, then what to do when booking an airport transfer with children.
Japan's child seat rule: the key points
According to the National Police Agency:
- Article 71-3, paragraph 3 of the Road Traffic Act says a driver may not carry a child under 6 who is not using a child seat (a "child auxiliary device").
- The seat must meet standards under the Road Transport Vehicle Act and suit the child's stage of development.
- For children aged 6 and over whose build prevents a seatbelt from being worn properly, the agency also recommends a child seat.
- The law includes exceptions, such as a child for whom a seat is medically inappropriate and other unavoidable circumstances set by cabinet order.
Whether exceptions apply to particular vehicle types, such as taxis or buses, should be checked against the statute and official notices; this article does not make that call. Regardless of the rule, a child seat reduces the risk of injury in a crash, so we recommend using one for every young child.
Booking a transfer with children
- Enter the number and age of children. The right seat depends on age and size.
- Tick the child safety seat or booster seat option. Both are available; each booking can include up to 3 child safety seats and 2 booster seats.
- Enter your luggage count. A stroller counts as luggage, so mention it.
- Provide your flight number. If your flight is delayed, we adjust using flight information, with 90 minutes of free waiting at pickup.
Why a private transfer suits families
- Priced per vehicle: the fare is per car. Narita Airport to central Tokyo is on request for an ECO sedan (tax included); Haneda Airport to central Tokyo is on request (tax included). The price is the same anywhere within Tokyo, and tolls and parking are included.
- No transfers: you go from the airport to your accommodation without changing vehicles while carrying a child and bags.
- 24-hour service: late-night arrivals can be arranged; 22:00–06:00 carries a ¥4,000 surcharge.
Vehicles: ECO 5 seats / 4 bags, Alphard 7 seats / 6 bags, Hiace 10 seats / 9 bags. Child seats take up seat space, so consider a larger vehicle for bigger groups or more luggage. All quotes are subject to confirmation by our live customer service.
Book an airport transfer with kids
Go to the booking page to enter your flight, party size and seat needs, or first see Narita to Tokyo, Haneda to Tokyo, and the Narita and Haneda route overviews. All quotes are subject to confirmation by our live customer service.
Sources
Checked on: 2026-10-16
- National Police Agency, "Use of child seats" (チャイルドシートの使用): https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/traffic/anzen/childseat.html
FAQ
- Up to what age are child seats required in Japan?
- According to Japan's National Police Agency, Article 71-3, paragraph 3 of the Road Traffic Act prohibits a driver from carrying a child under 6 who is not using a child seat. The agency also recommends a child seat for children aged 6 and over whose build means a seatbelt cannot be worn properly. See the official link at the end.
- Does Sakura Travel provide child seats?
- Yes. Child safety seats and booster seats are both available. Each booking can include up to 3 child safety seats and 2 booster seats; enter the quantity and your child's age when booking.
- Do I need to bring my own child seat?
- No. Tick the child safety seat or booster seat option when booking and we will arrange it based on the age you provide. Final arrangements are confirmed by our live customer service.
- Will the driver wait while my child and I collect luggage?
- Airport pickups include 90 minutes of free waiting, and we can meet you with a name sign. We operate 24 hours; transfers between 22:00 and 06:00 carry a flat ¥4,000 surcharge.