Planning a week or a month in Tokyo? Don’t book a standard hotel until you read this guide on kitchens, laundry, and livability.
Whether you are a digital nomad, a family on a slow travel adventure, or a business traveler on an extended trip, spending more than a few days in Tokyo is a dream come true. You have time to explore hidden alleys, find your favorite coffee shop, and truly “live” in the world’s biggest metropolis.
But staying in Tokyo for a week or more presents challenges that weekend tourists don’t face. “Eating out three times a day is destroying my budget (and my stomach).” “I’m wasting hours hauling clothes to a coin laundry.” “This 15sqm hotel room is starting to feel like a prison cell.”
To survive and thrive during a long stay, you need to change your accommodation strategy. In this guide, I’ll share the 4 non-negotiable features you need for a stress-free extended stay and introduce the apartment hotel brand that is changing the game in Tokyo.
The Quick Verdict: The Best Way to Stay Long-Term
Source：Minn Official Website
For busy travelers, here is the bottom line. If you are staying for 5 nights or more, skip the cramped business hotels. The smartest choice is an Apartment Hotel like Minn. With full kitchens, in-room laundry, and spacious layouts, it offers the functionality of a home with the cleanliness of a hotel.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Locations in Ueno, Asakusa, Nihonbashi, and near Disney. Perfect for extended stays.)
4 Rules for Choosing a Long-Stay Hotel in Tokyo
A room that is fine for 2 nights can be a nightmare for 10. Here is your checklist for a comfortable “Tokyo Life.”
1. In-Room Laundry is Non-Negotiable
Tokyo summers are humid, and winters require layers. Laundry piles up fast.
- The Problem: Hotel laundry services are expensive, and finding a local coin laundry involves hauling bags down the street and waiting around for hours.
- The Fix: Choose a room with a private washing machine. Throw a load in before you head out for the day, and hang it to dry when you return. It allows you to pack light (carry-on only!) and always feel fresh.
2. A Real Kitchen (Not Just a Kettle)
Tokyo is a food paradise, but eating rich restaurant meals every day gets exhausting and expensive.
- The Fix: You need a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, and cooktop.
- Breakfast: Toast and coffee in your PJs.
- Dinner: Buy discounted sushi or salads at a supermarket (Depachika) and enjoy a quiet, healthy meal at home.
- Budget: Saving on breakfast and simple dinners can free up hundreds of dollars for sightseeing.
3. Size Matters: Aim for 25sqm+
The average Tokyo hotel room is 12–15 sqm. For a long stay, this is claustrophobic. You can’t even leave your suitcase open.
- The Fix: Look for rooms that are 25 sqm (270 sq ft) or larger. You need a dedicated space to sit that isn’t your bed. A sofa or dining table is essential for mental sanity.
4. “Liveable” Location
Tourist hubs aren’t always great for living.
- The Fix: Look for neighborhoods with Supermarkets (like Life, Summit, or Seijo Ishii) and Drugstores nearby. Being within a 5-minute walk of a major train station is also crucial to minimize daily commute stress.
Where to Live? Tokyo Neighborhood Guide
Tokyo is a collection of cities. Choose the vibe that fits your lifestyle.
The East Side (Ueno, Asakusa, Kuramae)
- Vibe: Old Tokyo meets hipster coffee culture.
- Best For: Cultural explorers and digital nomads.
- Perks: Direct airport access (Narita Skyliner). Great value for money. Walkable streets full of history and artisan shops.
The Center (Nihonbashi)
- Vibe: Sophisticated, clean, and central.
- Best For: Business travelers and shoppers.
- Perks: Walking distance to Tokyo Station (Shinkansen hub). Close to Ginza luxury shopping. Very safe and quiet at night.
The Bay Area (Kasai, Nishi-Kasai)
- Vibe: Residential, spacious, and family-focused.
- Best For: Families visiting Disney Resort.
- Perks: Direct buses to Disney and Haneda Airport. Lots of parks and large supermarkets. It feels like a real local neighborhood.
Why “Minn” is the Top Choice for Long Stays
Source：Minn Official Website
If you want a property that checks every single box above, Minn is the answer. Here is why it’s the preferred base for remote workers and families.
1. Fully Equipped for “Real Life”
Minn rooms aren’t just for sleeping; they are for living.
- Kitchens: Equipped with cookware and tableware. You can actually cook a meal, not just reheat noodles.
- Laundry: Most rooms have in-unit washers.
- Design: Stylish, modern interiors that look great on your Zoom calls.
2. Space to Breathe (1-8 People)
Whether you are solo or a group of 8, Minn has a suite for you.
- The Benefit: Having a separate living area means you can work or relax without sitting on your bed. For groups, it means you can stay together in one unit, splitting the cost to make it incredibly affordable.
3. Contactless & Private
Minn uses a mobile check-in system.
- The Benefit: It feels like your own private apartment. No need to go through a formal front desk every time you enter or leave. But if you need help, 24/7 support is just a message away.
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
Real Traveler Stories
Source：Minn Official Website
Here is how guests are using Minn for their extended trips:
- The Digital Nomad (Minn Nihonbashi, 7 nights): “The Wi-Fi was fast, and having a proper table to work at was huge. I loved grabbing lunch at the nearby department store basement.”
- The Family (Minn Kasai, 4 nights): “We came for Disney. Having a washer meant we packed half the clothes. The kitchen let us warm up milk and snacks for the kids instantly.”
- The Slow Traveler (Minn Asakusa, 10 nights): “We hosted a dinner party for our local friends using ingredients from the supermarket. It felt 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 service of a hotel (professional cleaning, linens, amenities) with the facilities of an apartment (Kitchen, Laundry, Living space).
- Why it wins: No lease, no key money, no hassle. Just check in and start living.
Verdict: Start Your Tokyo Life at Minn
Source：Minn Official Website
To truly understand Tokyo, you need to stay long enough to find your rhythm. Don’t let a tiny room or laundry struggles ruin the experience. By choosing a spacious, fully equipped Apartment Hotel like Minn, you turn a “trip” into a “lifestyle.”
Long-stay suites book out fast. Secure your home away from home today.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
(Select from Ueno, Nihonbashi, Kasai, and more.)