Thinking about a family trip to Tokyo? Don’t let the “shoebox hotel” reputation scare you. Here is the secret to finding spacious, comfortable accommodation.
Disneyland, teamLabs, endless toy stores—Tokyo is a dream destination for kids. But for parents planning the logistics, it can quickly turn into a headache. The internet is full of horror stories: “The room was so small we couldn’t open our suitcases.” “We had to split our family of four into two separate rooms on different floors.” “Eating out every single meal with a toddler was exhausting.”
Tokyo’s hotel scene is unique, and frankly, not always built for families. But don’t worry. There is a solution that locals and savvy travelers are switching to.
In this guide, I’ll break down why Tokyo hotels are tricky for families and introduce the game-changing accommodation style that solves every problem: Apartment Hotels.
The Quick Verdict: The Best Way to Stay
Source：Minn Official Website
For busy parents, here is the bottom line. Skip the cramped business hotels. The smartest choice for families in Tokyo is an Apartment Hotel like Minn. With kitchens, in-room laundry, and suites that fit the whole tribe, it offers the space of a home with the convenience of a hotel.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Locations in Ueno, Asakusa, Kasai/Disney, and more. Perfect for families.)
Why is Finding a Family Hotel in Tokyo So Hard?
Source：Minn Official Website
Unlike Orlando or Gold Coast, Tokyo was built for business travelers and couples. Here are the two biggest hurdles you will face:
1. The “Shoebox” Reality
In Tokyo, land is expensive. A standard hotel room is often 15–18 square meters. Once you put two twin beds in there, there is literally zero floor space.
- The Struggle: Imagine trying to open three large suitcases and navigate a stroller in a room the size of a walk-in closet. It’s not a vacation; it’s Tetris.
2. The “Split Room” Problem
Most Japanese hotels have a strict maximum occupancy of 2 people.
- The Struggle: If you are a family of 4, you are often forced to book two separate rooms. Instead of bonding and planning the next day together, you end up saying goodnight in the hallway.
The 4 Rules for Choosing a Family Hotel
To avoid stress, look for these four features. If a hotel checks all these boxes, book it immediately.
1. “All in One Room” Capacity
This is non-negotiable. You want a suite that sleeps 4, 5, or even 6 people.
- Why: You need a living area where the adults can relax with a drink after the kids go to sleep. You can’t do that if you are all crammed into separate tiny rooms.
2. “Shoes-Off” Living
Look for rooms with Japanese-style flooring where you take off your shoes at the entrance.
- Why: It’s cleaner and safer. Your kids can crawl, play with toys, or roll around on the floor without you worrying about dirt from the streets. It feels like a home.
3. In-Room Laundry (The Ultimate Hack)
Tokyo is humid in summer, and kids get messy.
- Why: Having a washing machine in your room means you can pack half the clothes. This is crucial when navigating Shinkansen stations with luggage and kids. Wash clothes at night, dry them by morning.
4. A Japanese-Style Bathroom
Avoid the tiny “unit baths” (where the toilet, sink, and tub are squeezed together).
- Why: Look for a bathroom with a separate washing area outside the tub. It makes bathing kids so much easier, and you can actually soak in the tub to recover from walking 20,000 steps.
Why “Minn” is Tokyo’s Best Family Hotel Brand
Source：Minn Official Website
If you are looking for a place that meets all these criteria, Minn is the top choice. With locations in family hotspots like Ueno, Asakusa, and Kasai (near Disney), Minn is designed specifically for group travel.
Here is why families love it:
1. Rooms for the Whole Tribe (Up to 8 People!)
Minn specializes in spacious suites. Whether you are a family of 4 or a multi-generational group of 8, everyone stays together.
- The Fun Factor: Many rooms feature bunk beds or loft layouts that kids absolutely adore. It turns bedtime into an adventure.
2. Kitchens: A Parent’s Best Friend
Most Minn rooms come with a kitchenette or full kitchen.
- Breakfast: Save money and stress by eating cereal and fruit in your room before heading out.
- Dinner: Too tired for a restaurant? Visit a Japanese supermarket, buy sushi, yakitori, and fresh fruit, and have a picnic in your living room.
- Baby Friendly: Easily warm up milk or prepare baby food anytime.
3. Location, Location, Location
Minn hotels are strategically placed near key family attractions.
- Minn Kasai: The perfect base for Tokyo Disney Resort. Direct buses run from the station nearby.
- Minn Ueno & Asakusa: Walk to the Ueno Zoo, Senso-ji Temple, and direct trains to Narita Airport.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
Real Parent Reviews
Here is what families are saying about switching to Minn:
- “We stayed at Minn Kasai for Disney. Having a washer/dryer in the room was a lifesaver with two messy kids!”
- “We were a group of 6 (grandparents included) at Minn Asakusa. Staying in one big suite meant we could all plan our day together over breakfast. It felt like a home away from home.”
What is an Apartment Hotel?
Source：Minn Official Website
For those new to the concept: It is a fully licensed accommodation that combines the cleanliness and front desk service of a hotel with the amenities of an apartment (Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room).
- Why it wins: You get the reliability of a hotel (no awkward key exchanges) with the space of an Airbnb.
Verdict: Upgrade Your Family Trip
Source：Minn Official Website
Don’t settle for cramped rooms and split families. Tokyo is an amazing city to explore with your kids, and having a comfortable base makes all the difference. By choosing a spacious Apartment Hotel like Minn, you ensure that your downtime is just as enjoyable as your sightseeing.
Family-sized suites in Tokyo sell out fast. Secure your space now.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Select from Ueno, Asakusa, Kasai, and more.)