Traveling to Japan with children? Don’t let cramped rooms and dining stress ruin your trip. Here is where to stay for space, comfort, and happy kids.
Dreaming of a family trip to Kyoto? We all have that picture-perfect image in our minds: the kids dressed in colorful kimonos exploring the Fushimi Inari Shrine, or spotting a geisha in Gion. It’s a magical experience waiting to happen.
But let’s be honest—traveling with kids (especially toddlers or energetic elementary schoolers) comes with a unique set of challenges. “Will the hotel room be big enough for all of us?” “What if my child refuses to eat the local food?” “How do I manage the mountain of dirty laundry?”
In Japan, where standard hotel rooms are notoriously small (often just 15-20 sqm), these worries are valid. But there is a solution that is transforming family travel in Kyoto: The Apartment Hotel.
Specifically, a brand called Minn has become the go-to recommendation for savvy parents. They offer spacious, home-like suites where you can stay together, cook, and relax—just like at home.
Quick Verdict: For families who want space, a kitchen, and a washing machine, Minn is the smartest choice in Kyoto.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Features: Kitchens, Laundry, Spacious Living Areas)
5 Reasons Why You Should Skip the Standard Hotel and Book an Apartment Hotel
Source：Minn Official Website
When you are traveling solo, a bed is just a place to sleep. When you are traveling with kids, the hotel becomes your “base camp.” Here is why standard business hotels fail families, and why apartment hotels are the superior alternative.
1. The “Shoes-Off” Culture = Safe Floors for Babies
One of the best features of Japanese homes—and apartment hotels like Minn—is the genkan (entryway) where you take off your shoes.
- Why it matters: In Western-style hotels, you walk on the carpet with dirty shoes. In a “shoes-off” apartment hotel, the floors are spotless.
- Benefit: If you have a crawling baby or a toddler who loves to play on the floor, you can let them roam freely without worrying about hygiene. It feels cleaner, cozier, and much more relaxing.
2. Room to Breathe (40 sqm+) and Separate Bedrooms
Trying to squeeze a family of four into a standard Japanese double room is a recipe for disaster. There is no room for suitcases, and once the kids go to sleep, the parents are forced to sit in the dark and whisper.
The Minn Solution: Look for suites that are 40 sqm or larger. Many offer separate living areas or partitioned bedrooms. This means parents can enjoy a drink or plan the next day’s itinerary in the living room while the kids sleep soundly in the bedroom.
3. A Kitchen for “Picky Eaters” and Jet-Lagged Mornings
Eating out 3 times a day in Kyoto can be stressful. Popular restaurants have long lines, and sometimes your child just wants a simple grilled cheese or cereal. With a Kitchen you can:
- Handle Jet Lag: If the kids wake up at 4:00 AM hungry, you can make toast and eggs immediately without waiting for a restaurant to open.
- Save Money: Skip the expensive hotel breakfast buffet. Buy fresh milk, yogurt, and fruit from a local Konbini (convenience store) or supermarket.
- Warm up Baby Food: A microwave is essential for families with infants.
4. In-Room Laundry: The Secret to Packing Light
Kids are magnets for dirt—whether it’s matcha ice cream spills or mud from a temple garden. Instead of packing 10 days’ worth of clothes (which means hauling massive suitcases through train stations), book a room with a washing machine. At Minn, you can wash clothes while you sleep. You pack half the amount, travel lighter, and go home with clean clothes. It’s a total game-changer.
5. Location: Can You Return for Nap Time?
Kids have limited batteries. Being able to pop back to the hotel for a mid-day nap or a break is crucial. Minn properties are located near Subway stations and major sites (like Nijo Castle and Gion). Unlike relying on crowded buses (which are nightmare with a stroller), being near a train station or within walking distance means you can retreat to your base camp quickly when a meltdown is imminent.
Where to Stay in Kyoto with Family? (Top Areas)
Source：Minn Official Website
Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as the hotel.
- Nijo Castle Area: Quiet, spacious sidewalks (stroller-friendly!), and central. Great for families who want peace at night but easy access to everywhere.
- Gion / Kawaramachi: The heart of the action. Great for older kids who want to shop and see the lights. Stay slightly off the main street to avoid noise.
- Kyoto Station Area: Best for logistics. If you have heavy luggage and want to be near the Shinkansen and the Aquarium/Railway Museum, this is the spot.
Why “Minn” is the Top-Rated Family Hotel in Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
Minn (which stands for “Minna” meaning “Everyone” in Japanese) is designed specifically for groups and families. Here is why it wins over Airbnb and luxury hotels:
- Consistent Quality: Unlike Airbnb, where cleanliness can be hit-or-miss, Minn is professionally managed. You get crisp linens, spotlessly clean bathrooms, and professional support.
- The “Group” Design: Rooms are designed for 4 to 8 people. No more splitting the family into rooms on different floors.
- Modern Japanese Style: The interiors are stylish and modern, often incorporating Japanese elements like tatami mats or wooden louvers, giving you a cultural experience without sacrificing comfort.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
Real Parent Reviews
Here is what families are saying about their stay:
Family with Toddlers (2yo & 5yo) “I was terrified of my kids falling off high hotel beds. Minn had low beds and a tatami-style area where we could all sleep safely. Being able to take off our shoes at the door made it feel so clean and safe for the little ones.”
Multi-Generational Trip (Grandparents + Kids) “We struggled to find a hotel that could fit 6 of us in one room. The suite at Minn was huge! After the kids went to bed, we adults sat in the living room with some sake and snacks. It was the best of both worlds.”
Summer Vacation Family “The washing machine was a godsend. Kyoto in summer is hot, and we went through two outfits a day. Being able to wash them overnight meant we didn’t have to carry smelly clothes around.”
Secure Your Family Base in Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
Kyoto is one of the world’s most popular destinations, and spacious family rooms are the first to sell out. Finding a high-quality room for 4+ people with a kitchen is rare.
If you want to turn your Kyoto trip from a “stressful challenge” into a “relaxing family memory,” Minn is your answer.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Check availability for your travel dates below.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Choose from Minn Nijo-jo, Minn Gion, and other convenient locations)
Travel Editor’s Tip: If you have small children, look for the rooms with “Japanese-style” flooring or tatami areas on the Minn website—they are perfect for safe play and sleeping!