Planning a trip with your college friends, extended family, or a girls’ getaway? Don’t make the mistake of booking separate rooms. Here is how to keep the squad together in style.
Kyoto is the ultimate destination for group travel. From wandering the geisha districts in Gion to sharing a kaiseki meal, the memories you make here are best shared.
But if you are the designated trip planner (the one with the credit card and the stress), you’ve likely hit a wall: Finding a hotel that fits everyone.
Most hotels in Japan are designed for solo travelers or couples. If you search for a group of 5 or 6, you are usually forced to book three separate tiny rooms on different floors. The result?
- “Meet in the lobby at 9 AM.”
- “Whose room are we drinking in tonight? (Wait, there are no chairs.)”
- The feeling of being on a “business trip” rather than a bonding vacation.
If you want to keep the group vibe alive 24/7, the solution is not a standard hotel, nor a crowded hostel. It is the trending Apartment Hotel.
Specifically, Minn has become the top choice for group-friendly hotels in Kyoto. They offer spacious suites designed for “gathering,” allowing 4 to 8 people to stay, play, and relax in one room.
Quick Recommendation: Want to keep everyone under one roof? Minn offers the best value and space for groups in Kyoto.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Ideal for 4-8 guests with spacious living rooms)
3 Rules for Booking Group Accommodation in Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
Traveling with a group is fun, but it comes with logistical challenges. One bad hotel choice can turn “Best Trip Ever” into “I need a break from these people.” Here is how to avoid the drama.
1. Separate “Sleeping” and “Socializing” Spaces
In a standard twin room with extra beds crammed in, the beds are the chairs. If someone wants to sleep early, the party ends for everyone.
The Solution: Look for a suite with a separate living room. This layout is a friendship saver. The night owls can stay up drinking wine and chatting in the living area, while the early risers can retreat to the bedroom. Everyone gets their rhythm, and nobody gets cranky.
2. The “Bathroom Ratio” is Critical
Imagine 6 people trying to get ready for a 9:00 AM temple tour with only one bathroom that includes the toilet. It’s a recipe for disaster.
The Fix: Prioritize rooms with separate toilets and showers, and ideally, double vanity sinks. Apartment hotels like Minn often feature independent washbasins and separate toilet rooms, meaning someone can brush their teeth while another showers. This efficiency buys you extra sleep in the morning.
3. Location & Accessibility (Don’t Split the Taxis)
Moving a group of 6+ people around Kyoto is tricky. Buses are often too full to take a large group, and splitting into two taxis every time gets expensive and confusing (“Which shrine are we meeting at?”).
The Strategy: Stay near a Subway or Train Station. Being close to a station means you can move as a unit easily. Also, having a supermarket or convenience store within walking distance is essential for late-night snack runs.
Why “Minn” is the Ultimate Group Hotel in Kyoto
Source：Minn Official Website
If your goal is to create shared memories, Minn is designed exactly for that. Here is why groups—from bachelorette parties to family reunions—are choosing Minn over traditional hotels.
Reason 1: The “House Party” Vibe (Kitchen & Dining)
Booking a restaurant for 8 people in Kyoto on a Friday night can be a nightmare. Many of the best spots are tiny counter-seat izakayas. At Minn, you have a kitchen and dining area in your suite.
- The “Pre-game”: Start the night with drinks in your living room before heading out.
- The “After-party”: When the bars close (or you’re just tired), bring the party back to the room.
- The Feast: Visit the famous Nishiki Market, buy yakitori, sushi, and local sake, and host your own private tasting party. It’s cheaper, more relaxed, and you don’t have to worry about “last orders.”
Reason 2: Everyone in One Room (Up to 8 Guests)
There is a special kind of magic that happens when you all stay in the same space—reminiscing about the old days, laughing until your sides hurt, and planning the next day together. Minn offers spacious suites and connecting rooms that accommodate 4 to 8 guests. It feels like renting a luxury private villa, but with the safety and cleanliness of a hotel.
Reason 3: Cost-Performance Winner
Let’s do the math. Booking 3 or 4 separate hotel rooms in central Kyoto is expensive. Because Minn charges by the room (mostly), splitting the cost of a large suite among 6 people often works out to be cheaper than a business hotel, but with way more luxury. You get high-end design, a kitchen, and a living room for a fraction of the price of a luxury ryokan.
Which “Minn” Style Fits Your Group?
Source：Minn Official Website
For the “Girls’ Trip” (Reunion)
- The Vibe: Endless chatting, skincare sessions, and Instagram photos.
- Minn Experience: “We stayed up until 2 AM on the sofa drinking wine. The interior was so stylish, we took a million photos. Having a kitchen meant we could make a healthy breakfast before sightseeing.”
For the “Family Reunion” (Multi-generational)
- The Vibe: Grandparents, parents, and kids. Needs comfort and patience.
- Minn Experience: “The suite was perfect. The grandparents could sit on the sofa while the kids played on the floor. We could heat up milk for the baby in the kitchen. It was stress-free.”
For the “Mixed Group” (Couples/Friends)
- The Vibe: Fun but needs privacy.
- Minn Experience: “We booked a room with separate bedrooms. We hung out in the living room together but had privacy when sleeping. Best of both worlds.”
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
What is an “Apartment Hotel”?
Source：Minn Official Website
Think of it as the “Goldilocks” solution for groups:
- Not a Hotel: No cramped rooms or stiff formalities.
- Not an Airbnb: No worrying about a flaky host or questionable cleaning.
- Just Right: You get the space and kitchen of an apartment, with the professional management, security, and amenities of a hotel.
Create Memories That Last a Lifetime
Source：Minn Official Website
The best part of a group trip isn’t just the temples you see; it’s the time spent together in between. Don’t let a cramped hotel room kill the vibe. Choose a space where you can laugh, eat, and relax together.
Note: Large suites for groups (6+ people) are rare in Kyoto and sell out very fast, especially for weekends.
Gather your group and secure your dates now. Check the best rates for group stays below.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
(Select from Minn Gion, Minn Nijo-jo, and other top locations)