Tired of dining out every night? Discover why Apartment Hotels are the smartest choice for foodies and families in Tokyo.
Sushi, Ramen, Tempura. Tokyo is undeniably one of the world’s greatest food cities. But after a few days of navigating crowded restaurants, reading menus with Google Translate, and eating rich meals three times a day, a common feeling sets in: Restaurant Fatigue.
“I just want a simple breakfast without leaving my room.” “Dining out with my toddler is stressful.” “We need to save some budget for shopping.”
If this sounds like you, there is a solution that is transforming travel in Japan: Hotels with Kitchens. Imagine buying premium Wagyu beef or fresh sashimi from a local market and enjoying it in your own private dining room. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about upgrading your experience.
Here is why your next Tokyo stay should be in an apartment hotel, and the best brand to book.
The Verdict: The Best Way to “Live” in Tokyo
Source：Minn Official Website
For busy travelers, here is the bottom line. To balance culinary exploration with comfort, skip the tiny business hotels. Choose an Apartment Hotel like Minn. With fully equipped kitchens and spacious dining areas, Minn allows you to turn “just another meal” into a memorable private dining experience.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Locations in Asakusa, Ueno, Nihonbashi, and more. Full kitchens included.)
3 Reasons Why You Need a Kitchen in Tokyo
Source：Minn Official Website
“Why cook on vacation?” you might ask. In Tokyo, having a kitchen isn’t about chores; it’s about unlocking a new layer of the city.
1. The “Depachika” Feast
Tokyo has a secret weapon: Depachika (Department Store Basements). Located in hubs like Ginza and Shinjuku, these food halls are legendary. They sell Michelin-quality bento boxes, fresh sushi, yakitori, and French pastries.
- The Problem: There is nowhere to eat them in the store.
- The Solution: Bring your haul back to your hotel kitchen. Plate it up, pour some sake, and host a luxurious private dinner party in your pajamas. No reservations required.
2. Save Your Budget (and Your Stomach)
Tokyo can be expensive. Eating out for every meal adds up fast.
- Breakfast: Instead of a $25 hotel buffet, buy milk, fruit, and fluffy Japanese bread (Shokupan) from a convenience store for $5.
- Dinner: Balance that heavy ramen lunch with a light, healthy salad or simple soup made in your room.
- The Result: You feel healthier and have extra cash for experiences (or souvenirs).
3. A Lifesaver for Families
If you are traveling with kids, you know the struggle. Picky eaters, food allergies, and the stress of keeping toddlers quiet in a quiet Japanese restaurant.
- The Benefit: A kitchen lets you prepare familiar comfort foods, warm up baby bottles, or slice fruit for snacks. It turns “mealtime stress” into “family time.”
How to Choose the Right Hotel
Not all “kitchenettes” are created equal. Before you book, check these three things:
- Is it Fully Equipped? Some hotels only give you a kettle. You need a real kitchen: induction cooktop, frying pan, knife, cutting board, and microwave.
- Is There a Dining Table? Cooking is pointless if you have to eat on your bed. Look for a room with a proper dining table and chairs.
- Is a Supermarket Nearby? Check Google Maps for “Supermarket” (not just “Conbini”). Look for chains like Life, Summit, or Seijo Ishii.
Why “Minn” is Tokyo’s Best Apartment Hotel
Source：Minn Official Website
If you want a property that checks all the boxes—style, space, and function—Minn is the top recommendation. Here is why travelers love it:
1. Kitchens Built for Cooking
Minn rooms don’t just have a sink; they have functional kitchens.
- The Experience: Visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, buy fresh seafood, and make your own Hand-rolled Sushi (Temaki) party in your room. It’s an interactive cultural experience you can’t get in a standard hotel.
2. Space to Gather
Tokyo hotels are notorious for being tiny (15 sqm is common). Minn prioritizes livability. With spacious living and dining areas, you can turn a takeout meal into a celebration. Whether it’s pizza night or a Wagyu steak dinner, you have the space to enjoy it together.
3. Perfect for Groups (1-8 People)
Traveling with a group of friends or extended family? Minn offers suites that accommodate up to 8 people.
- The Vibe: Instead of splitting into separate rooms, stay together. Cook breakfast together, plan the day at the dining table, and share the journey.
4. Strategic Locations
Minn hotels are located in Tokyo’s best neighborhoods:
- Minn Asakusa: Near Senso-ji Temple and kitchenware street Kappabashi.
- Minn Ueno: Perfect for museum lovers and airport access.
- Minn Nihonbashi: Close to Tokyo Station and Ginza. You are never far from a great market or a train station.
Real Traveler Stories
Source：Minn Official Website
Here is how guests are using Minn to upgrade their trips:
- The Family: “We bought bento boxes at the department store and ate them in our room. It was so relaxing not to worry about our toddler making noise in a restaurant.”
- The Girls’ Trip: “We bought wine and cheese at Mitsukoshi and had a girls’ night in. The wine glasses were provided, and the room was so stylish!”
- The Long Stay: “We stayed for 10 days near Disney (Minn Kasai). Having a washing machine and kitchen made us feel like we actually lived in Tokyo.”
What is an Apartment Hotel?
Source：Minn Official Website
For those new to the concept: It is a hybrid accommodation that combines the cleanliness and service of a hotel with the amenities of a home (Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room).
- Why it wins: You get the freedom of an Airbnb with the reliability and easy check-in of a hotel.
Verdict: Make “Delicious” Memories
Source：Minn Official Website
Don’t let your trip be defined by restaurant queues and expensive bills. By choosing a hotel with a kitchen like Minn, you gain the freedom to eat what you want, when you want. It’s the secret to a stress-free, authentic Tokyo experience.
Rooms with kitchens are in high demand in Tokyo.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Select from Asakusa, Ueno, Nihonbashi, and more.)