Planning a trip to Kyoto is exciting—visions of ancient temples, geisha districts, and cherry blossoms fill your mind. But if you are traveling with a group of 4 to 8 people—whether it’s a multi-generational family trip or a getaway with best friends—you likely hit a major roadblock the moment you started looking for accommodation:
“Why are the hotel rooms so small?”
It is a well-known fact that standard Japanese hotel rooms are compact, often leaving barely enough room to open one large suitcase, let alone gather as a group. Typically, groups are forced to split into multiple small rooms on different floors, turning “family time” into “see you in the lobby tomorrow morning.”
If you want to stay together, enjoy evening drinks in a living room, and avoid the high price tag of luxury suites, there is a perfect solution that is trending among savvy travelers: The Apartment Hotel.
Specifically, the brand Minn has revolutionized group travel in Kyoto, offering stylish, spacious suites designed for “staying together.”
Quick Verdict: If you want space, comfort, and a prime location for a large group, skip the business hotels. Minn offers the best balance of hotel reliability and apartment-style freedom.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Accommodates 1–8 guests with spacious living areas)
The 3 Key Factors for Booking Large Group Accommodation in Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
Choosing the wrong hotel can add unnecessary stress to your trip—think crowded bathrooms, nowhere to put luggage, and transit nightmares. Here is what you need to prioritize to ensure a smooth trip.
1. A Living Room to Connect (Not Just Sleep)
The best part of traveling with a group is the downtime between the sightseeing.
In a standard hotel, once you return to your room, the social aspect ends. You are isolated in separate boxes.
What to look for: A layout that includes a dedicated living space with a sofa and dining table.
This allows your group to:
- Plan the next day’s itinerary together over coffee.
- Enjoy snacks and drinks from the local Nishiki Market or a Konbini (convenience store) late at night.
- Share photos and relax without sitting on someone’s bed.
2. The “Bathroom Bottleneck” and Laundry Logistics
For Western travelers, Japanese “Unit Baths” (where the toilet, sink, and tub are all in one tiny plastic booth) can be a logistical nightmare for a group.
Imagine 5 people trying to get ready in the morning with only one mirror and one toilet that is occupied while someone showers.
The Solution: Look for Separate Bath and Toilet layouts.
Additionally, having an in-room washing machine is a game-changer. It allows you to pack light (saving room for souvenirs!) and refresh your clothes after days of walking, without hunting for a coin laundry with Japanese instructions you can’t read.
3. Strategic Location (Beating the Crowds)
Kyoto is famous for its beauty, but also for its traffic. City buses can get incredibly crowded, making it difficult to board with a large group, let alone with luggage.
The Golden Rule: Choose a hotel near a Subway/Train Station or within walking distance of major sites (like Gion or Nijo Castle). Trains are punctual and traffic-free. Being able to walk home after dinner without fighting for two separate taxis saves both time and money.
Why “Minn” is the Top Choice for Groups in Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
If you are searching for “Hotels in Kyoto for large groups,” Minn consistently ranks as a top recommendation. They have bridged the gap between a hotel and an Airbnb. Here is why they are ideal for your trip:
Reason 1: Designed for “Togetherness” (Up to 8 Guests)
Minn’s philosophy is built around the concept of shared experiences. Their suites are designed to comfortably sleep 4, 6, or even 8 people in a single unit.
Unlike bland hotel rooms, Minn features stylish, modern-Japanese interiors. Some rooms feature bunk beds that kids love, while others offer sophisticated tatami-style aesthetics. You get the privacy of a hotel with the warmth of a home.
Reason 2: The “Live Like a Local” Experience (Kitchen & Laundry)
Finding a restaurant in Kyoto that accepts walk-in groups of 8 people can be incredibly difficult.
Minn rooms come equipped with kitchens, cookware, and cutlery.
- Breakfast made easy: Save money and time by eating breakfast in your room before heading out.
- Stress-free dinners: If the kids are tired or the restaurants are full, you can buy high-quality Wagyu beef and local veggies and have a feast in your suite.
- Laundry: Most rooms have a washing machine, essential for families or groups on a two-week Japan tour.
Reason 3: Unbeatable Locations
Minn operates several properties in Kyoto’s most desirable areas, including Minn Gion, Minn Nijo-jo, and Minn Kyoto Gojo.
All are situated near stations or major heritage sites. This allows you to explore early in the morning, pop back to the room for a mid-day rest (crucial for summer travel!), and head out again for the evening illuminations.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
Comparison: Which Style Suits You?
Still on the fence? Here is how Apartment Hotels compare to other options in Kyoto.
| Accommodation Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Apartment Hotel (Minn) | Spacious, kitchen/laundry, group stays together, great value. | Minimal staff interaction (self-check-in style). | Families & Groups |
| Luxury Ryokan | Incredible atmosphere, traditional meals included. | Very expensive, strict dining times, often max 4 people per room. | Couples / Once-in-a-lifetime experience |
| Western Chain Hotel | Full concierge service, familiar standards. | Rooms are often small, requires booking multiple rooms. | Solo travelers / Business |
| Private Rental (Airbnb) | Private. | Quality varies, check-in can be confusing, strict noise rules in residential areas. | Adventurous travelers |
The Verdict: For groups who value freedom, space, and cost-performance, the Apartment Hotel is the clear winner.
Real Guest Experiences
Source：Minn Official Website
Travelers from overseas have praised the Minn experience:
“We were a family of 5 and usually have to book two expensive hotel rooms. At Minn, we stayed in one huge suite. It was so nice to sit in the living room while the kids played. It felt like our own apartment in Kyoto.” — (Family from Australia)
“The in-room washing machine saved us! We were traveling for 3 weeks, and being able to do laundry while we slept was amazing. The kitchen was great for late-night snacks and sake tasting.” — (Group of Friends from the US)
Secure Your Kyoto Base Now
Source：Minn Official Website
Kyoto is one of the world’s most popular destinations. High-quality, large-capacity rooms are the first to sell out, especially during Cherry Blossom (Spring) and Autumn Foliage seasons.
If you want to avoid the hassle of splitting your group or staying in a cramped room, Minn is your best bet.
Ready to book your home away from home?
Check the rates and availability for your dates below.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Choose from Minn Gion, Minn Nijo-jo, and more depending on your preferred area)