Tired of cramped hotel rooms and eating out for every meal? Discover the travel trend that is changing how smart travelers experience Kyoto.
Kyoto is a city that demands to be savored. From the golden pavilions to the hidden moss gardens, there is so much to see. But recently, a shift has happened among seasoned travelers. They aren’t just looking for a place to sleep; they are looking for a place to live.
The complaints about standard Japanese hotels are common: “The room was so small I couldn’t open my suitcase.” “We wanted to hang out as a group, but we were split into three different rooms.” “I just wanted a simple breakfast, not a $30 buffet.”
If you want to upgrade your trip from “tourist” to “temporary resident,” the solution is simple: Stay in an Apartment Hotel.
Leading this new wave of accommodation is the brand Minn, which combines the style of a boutique hotel with the freedom of a luxury apartment.
The Quick Verdict: If you are looking for the Best Apartment Hotels in Kyoto, Minn offers the perfect balance of space, kitchen facilities, and prime location.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Ideal for families and groups who want to stay together)
Why “Apartment Hotels” Are Taking Over Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
An Apartment Hotel gives you the best of both worlds: the professional cleaning, linens, and security of a hotel, combined with the kitchen, living room, and washing machine of an apartment.
Here are three reasons why this style is becoming the preferred choice for Western travelers in Kyoto:
1. Culinary Freedom (Mastering the Nishiki Market)
Kyoto is known as the “Kitchen of Japan.” While restaurants are amazing, eating out 3 times a day can be exhausting and expensive. With a full kitchen in your room, you can unlock a new level of travel:
- The Wagyu Feast: Visit a local butcher or the famous Nishiki Market, buy high-quality Wagyu beef and local veggies, and cook a feast in your room for a fraction of the restaurant price.
- Easy Breakfasts: Buy fresh bread from a local Kyoto bakery and enjoy a slow morning with coffee in your pajamas.
- Late-Night Snacks: Jet-lagged? You have a fridge full of Japanese convenience store treats ready to go.
2. The Joy of “Togetherness” (One Room for Everyone)
In standard hotels, once you swipe your key card, the social time ends. You are isolated in your separate boxes. Apartment hotels are designed for groups of 4 to 8 people. You can all stay in one spacious suite. Imagine ending your day sitting on the sofa, sharing photos, drinking sake, and planning tomorrow’s adventure. It brings back the fun of a school trip, but with adult levels of comfort and style.
3. Travel Lighter (In-Room Laundry)
Having a washing machine in your room is a game-changer, especially in Kyoto’s humid summers. You can pack half the amount of clothes, which means lighter luggage for the Shinkansen and more room for souvenirs. Being able to wash clothes while you sleep allows you to maintain your daily routine, even while traveling.
How to Choose the Best Apartment Hotel (Don’t Be Fooled)
Source：Minn Official Website
Not all “apartment-style” rooms are created equal. To ensure a premium experience, check these 4 criteria before booking:
- Is the Kitchen “Real”? Some places just offer a sink and a kettle. Look for IH cooktops (2 burners), a full set of cookware, and cutlery for the whole group.
- Is There a Living Zone? You don’t want to eat dinner on your bed. Ensure the room has a distinct dining area or living space separate from the sleeping area.
- Location Strategy To “live like a local,” you need a supermarket and a train station nearby. Avoid hotels that are only accessible by bus (which are often crowded).
- Design & Cleanliness You want an “apartment” feel, but not a “dorm” feel. Look for modern interiors and hotel-grade cleanliness.
Why “Minn” is the Top Choice for Apartment Hotels in Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
Among the many options, Minn stands out as the gold standard for design, location, and functionality. Here is why it is the top recommendation for the Best Apartment Hotels in Kyoto:
1. Designed for “Gathering”
Minn’s philosophy is built around the concept of “staying together.” Their suites are approximately 1.5x to 2x larger than standard Japanese hotels. Whether you are a couple wanting space or a group of 8 friends, the layout ensures everyone has a comfortable place to sit. It’s spacious, airy, and Instagram-worthy.
2. Kitchens That Invite You to Cook
Most Minn rooms come with fully equipped kitchens and proper dining tables. It turns “dinner” into an event. You can host a private party with takeout from top Kyoto restaurants or cook a simple meal for your kids. It removes the stress of finding a restaurant that can seat a large group.
3. Unbeatable Locations
Minn properties are strategically placed near key transport hubs and sights:
- Minn Nijo-jo: Right across from the UNESCO World Heritage Nijo Castle.
- Minn Gion: Steps away from the historic Geisha district and Yasaka Shrine.
- Minn Kyoto Gojo: Close to Kyoto Station and the Kamo River. You can explore the city easily and pop back home for a mid-day rest.
4. Smart & Private
With mobile check-in technology, Minn offers a seamless, contactless arrival experience. It feels like entering your own private vacation home. Yet, if you need anything, 24/7 support is just a message away.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
3 Ways to Enjoy Your Stay at Minn
Source：Minn Official Website
Style 1: The “Local Chef” Experience Go to a local supermarket, buy tofu, Kyoto leeks, and pork. Make a “Nabe” (Hot Pot) in your Minn kitchen. Pair it with local sake for the ultimate private izakaya night.
Style 2: The Multi-Generational Trip Grandparents can relax on the sofa while the grandkids play on the floor. If the kids get tired, they can sleep in the bedroom while the adults enjoy wine in the living area.
Style 3: The “Workation” Stay for a week. Work from the dining table with high-speed Wi-Fi during the day, take a walk along the Kamo River for a break, and explore the city at night.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
What Exactly is an “Apartment Hotel”?
- Definition: A facility that blends hotel standards (amenities, safety) with residential features (kitchen, laundry, living space).
- The Difference: Unlike a standard hotel, you have the freedom to cook and wash clothes. Unlike an Airbnb, you have guaranteed quality, luggage storage options, and professional management.
Upgrade Your Kyoto Trip: Start Living, Not Just Staying
Source：Minn Official Website
Stop forcing your group into tiny, separate hotel rooms. By choosing an apartment hotel like Minn, you are unlocking a deeper, more relaxing, and more authentic side of Kyoto. You aren’t just visiting the city; for a few days, you are living in it.
Popular suites with kitchens and large living areas book up fast. Check availability for your dates below.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Select from Minn Gion, Minn Nijo-jo, and other prime locations)