Planning a family trip to Tokyo? Don’t let the “shoebox hotel” reputation scare you. Here is the secret to finding spacious, kid-friendly accommodation.
Disneyland, Ueno Zoo, and endless toy stores—Tokyo is a wonderland for kids. But for parents planning the logistics, it can quickly turn into a headache. You search online and see the reviews: “The room was so small we couldn’t open our suitcases.” “We had to split our family of four into two separate rooms.” “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 use to hack the system.
In this guide, I’ll break down why finding a family room is tricky 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】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
(Locations in Ueno, Asakusa, Kasai/Disney, and more. Perfect for families.)
Why is Finding a Family Hotel in Tokyo So Hard?
Unlike Orlando or the Gold Coast, Tokyo was built for business travelers. Here are the hurdles you will likely face:
1. The “Shoebox” Reality
In Tokyo, land is expensive. A standard hotel room is often 12–15 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 5 Rules for Choosing a Family Hotel
To avoid stress, look for these five features. If a hotel checks all these boxes, book it immediately.
1. “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 crawling baby or toddler can play on the floor without you worrying about street dirt. It immediately makes the room feel like home.
2. “All in One Room” Capacity (30sqm+)
You want a suite that sleeps 4, 5, or even 6 people—and is at least 30 square meters.
- 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.
3. Kitchen & Microwave
Dining out in Tokyo is amazing, but doing it three times a day with kids is exhausting.
- Why: A kitchen lets you prepare a simple breakfast (cereal/toast), cut up fruit for snacks, or warm up baby bottles instantly. A large fridge is essential for storing milk and drinks.
4. 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.
5. The “Nap-Time” Distance
Kids get tired. You need a hotel close to the station.
- Why: If your toddler has a meltdown at 2 PM, you want to be able to rush back to the hotel for a nap without a long commute.
Where to Stay: Top 3 Family Neighborhoods
Choosing the right base is half the battle.
1. Ueno & Asakusa Area
- Best For: Culture and convenience.
- Why: Close to Ueno Zoo (Pandas!) and Senso-ji Temple. Direct access to Narita Airport via the Skyliner train makes arrival easy.
2. Kasai Area (Tokyo Bay)
- Best For: Disney lovers.
- Why: The perfect budget-friendly base for Tokyo Disney Resort. Direct shuttle buses run to the parks, and there are plenty of parks and supermarkets nearby.
3. Nihonbashi & Tokyo Station
- Best For: Shinkansen travelers.
- Why: Walking distance to Tokyo Station makes catching the bullet train to Kyoto easy. It’s a safe, clean, and central hub.
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 all the hotspots mentioned above, 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 Japanese-modern designs 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.
- The “Depachika” Dinner: Too tired for a restaurant? Visit a department store food hall (Depachika), buy high-quality sushi and salads, and have a relaxing picnic in your living room. No dress code, no stress.
3. Laundry = Light Packing
Most rooms include a washing machine.
- The Benefit: No need to hunt for a coin laundry. Wash your clothes while you sleep.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
Real Parent Reviews
Source：Minn Official Website
Here is what families are saying about switching to Minn:
- The Disney Trip (Minn Kasai): “Having a washer/dryer in the room was a lifesaver after a rainy day at Disney! We saved so much money by eating breakfast in the room.”
- The Multi-Gen Trip (Minn Ueno): “We were a group of 6 including grandparents. Staying in one big suite meant we could all plan our day together. 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 service of a hotel with the amenities of an apartment (Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room).
- Why it wins: You get the reliability of a hotel (smart check-in, professional cleaning) 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】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
(Select from Ueno, Asakusa, Kasai, and more.)