I am writing this as I am feeling many people asking for this kind of guide for families.
I would like to start my “Lowest Price Accommodation in Tokyo for Families” blog post with a little disclaimer – my list of all my recommended hotels in Tokyo for families with children is here.
I AM drawing from this list. My number 1 options and the hotels to make a stay easier and more convenient for families in Tokyo are listed in this blog post here. (when visiting Japan with small active children or little babies I strongly strongly recommend NOT just going with the cheapest options – kids are only little and need special options like cots and language support when they are seriously ill for a little portion of their life as children- I recommend factoring this into your budget when planning a trip to Japan as a family.)
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase or reservation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
See here for my hotel recommendations for families of 5 or more in Japan
See here for my hotel recommendations for hotels with more than just one room
See here for hotels which provide cots for babies and toddlers in Japan
However, this selection aren’t necessarily the options I would choose first (but I do still recommend -they are clean and have the basics.)* – Because I do understand that price is the most important consideration for some people travelling with children over conveniences and some comforts.
*I would never recommend somewhere I wouldn’t stay with my own family
This list of accommodation options is for families in Tokyo who:
-are comfortable being a little further away from the station or needing to take a short train ride to get to a major train line
-have kids who don’t need space to play, have a lot of energy but need to stay in the room while others sleep
-have kids who will be eating meals outside of their hotel room for the most part
-don’t have children who have special medical needs or allergies ( Here are my in depth tips for those travelling in Japan with severe allergies. Here is my advice for seeking medical, including emergency, help in Japan.)
-don’t mind not necessarily having space to open their suitcases when it’s not lifted up and placed on their beds
-don’t need space for a cot / pack and play or need to store their stroller inside their room (Here is a list of hotels that have the space for an will provide cots for families in Japan)
-don’t need a proficient english speaking front desk to assist with directions or restaurant reservations
-don’t need a kitchenette or anything more than a kettle and a small minibar fridge
-don’t have extremely tall family members
*This is a list I plan to add to and edit often
JUST A REMINDER: IN JAPAN YOU MUST DISCLOSE HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE STAYING IN THE HOTEL ROOM. SMALL CHILDREN INCLUDED. I’ve seen hotel guests asked to leave or asked to pay for an additional room in Japan for not doing this. Also, Japan is a country with earthquakes. This means that staff need to know exactly how many people are staying in a hotel room in the case of evacuation. All heads must be accounted for.
MY RECOMMENDED LEAST EXPENSIVE TOKYO ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES
1, The Sotetsu Fresa Inn Brand
Sotetsu Fresa Roppongi
This is a good hotel if you’re watching your budget. It’s right on Roppongi Crossing. Rooms are very small (so small that you will need to open your suitcase on your bed) But it is clean and convenient. There is a simple buffet breakfast here – made by the cafe next door. They provide pyjamas for in-room use. The Roppongi area is, in my opinion, one of the most family-friendly areas to stay in Tokyo – it has some lovely playgrounds, it is where Team Lab Borderless is located and they have a very high amount of kid-friendly AND English friendly restaurants here. See my full guide on Roppongi with kids here. Just two mins down the hill from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Roppongi is a decent sized supermarket called “Olympic.”
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kinshicho
This is a great option if you are watching your budget and you don’t remind very small (but lovely and clean) rooms. This is business hotel and the staff are kind but this is not the kind of hotel that will be able to help you with too man additional services like restaurant reservations etc in a way that a Mimaru hotel desk can. There is a small mini bar sized fridge in the rooms. There is a coin laundry and microwave for guests to use in the communal areas. Pyjamas are provided for in-room use. There is a breakfast restaurant with a small but delicious breakfast buffet.
3 mins walk from Kinshicho Station.
7 mins walk from Kinshi Park and playground (pictured above)
5 mins walk to 24 hour supermarket “Seiyu Kinshicho.”
4 mins walk from Life Supermarket ( I love this brand of supermarket.)
This area will require 1-2 train changes to get to some of the main tourist sights. If that doesn’t bother you – it may be worth having a look at some options here as the prices can be a bit lower than the more centrally located spots in Tokyo.
2. Henn Na Hotel brand
If you’re trying to keep costs down as much as possible (and you don’t mind a really small room with just a bed and a small ensuite bathroom) I recommend Henn na Hotel Tawaramachi in Asakusa. The hotel is clean and modern and lots of free toiletries for guests to use too (pick them up from the reception when you check in.) This hotel has a simple breakfast restaurant on the 2nd floor (breakfast is 1780 yen and 800 yen for kids!) This hotel is 3 mins walk from Tawaramachi Station. This hotel doesn’t help with luggage forwarding but you can still forward luggage from Family Mart (on the hotel’s ground floor.) The hotel has a coin laundry on-site for guests to use. This hotel is reliable and clean but I must stress again that the rooms are REALLY small. It is also a lot more reasonably priced than many other Tokyo hotels.
The hotel reception check in desk is “manned” by projected dinosaurs – so that’s a wacky twist.
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan. The detergent is almost always built into the machine. If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run
See here for fun things to do and places to eat and play with kids in Asakusa.
See here for even more information on where to stay is Asakusa with kids.
Henn na Hotel, Akasaka
This place is so affordable and new. It is an entirely non-smoking property. There is also a laundry. Rooms are VERY small (really really small so really only consider this place if you plan on sleeping here only and are just trying to keep costs down) and simple but have everything you need.
We are only able to stay here as a family if we get a twin room and each of us adults shares a bed with one child – which is fine with us but I understand that isn’t for everyone. I talk more here about the bed-sharing thing in Japan and why many hotels assume you will share a bed with your child.
Oh…and the front desk is manned by Android Robots. It’s pretty funny.
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan. The detergent is almost always built into the machine. If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run
I love the Akasaka area because it isn’t too touristy, its SOOOO vibey at night without being too noisy. There are lots of family-friendly dining options and lots of places to see, even before you get on the train! There are also parks/playgrounds within walking distance for children who need to wriggle.
The hotels are more reasonably priced and I think its because many tourists make the mistake of avoiding this area, BECAUSE they think that not being on the JR Yamanote Line (City Loop Station), makes it inconvenient. But it means you’ll be in a WAY cooler area and will save a lot of money while doing it.
If you like eating local food, chatting to locals in Mum- & Pop style eateries in a safe area with lots of foot access to other places such as shrines and parks ? You will love Akasaka as much as I do.
This is also the area of the Harry Potter Cafe & Shop
Local stations: Tokyo Metro Stations Akasaka and Akasaka-Mitsuke. Nagatacho Station ( 5-10 minutes walk away.)
Closest JR Yamanote Line ( City Loop) Station: Akasaka to Hibiya is 5 mins and then 4 mins walk to Yurakucho ( on the JR Yamanote Line.) Akasaka-Mitsuke to JR Shibuya is 8 minutes, Akasaka-Mitsuke to JR Shinjuku is 9 minutes.
If you like exploring the city on foot like I do? You can walk to:
– Roppongi ( 16 mins on foot or approx 6 mins/ 1200 yen in a taxi or 5-10 minutes on the subway with one train change for 170 yen per ticket)
– Aoyama ( 18 mins on foot or approx 5 mins/ 1200 yen in a taxi or 10 minutes on the subway with one train change for 170 yen per ticket)
–Azabujuban (30 mins on foot or approx 8 mins/1300 yen in a taxi or 8-15 minutes on the subway with one train change for 170 yen per ticket )
– Ginza ( 38 mins on foot or approx 8 mins / 2000 yen in a taxi or 6-10 minutes on the subway for 170 yen per ticket)
– Hiroo ( 42 mins on foot or approx 10 mins/ 1200 yen in in a taxi or 8-15 minutes on the subway with one train change for 170 yen per ticket)
–Harajuku ( 46 mins on foot or approx 10 mins / 2000 yen in a taxi or 6-8 minutes on the subway to Meiji-Jingumae which is a few minutes from Harajuku for 170 yen per ticket)
There is also a Henn Na Hotel in Ginza. It is 4 mins walk from Exit 4 of Tsukiji Station. This hotel also has very basic, clean rooms. They do not have space for cots here but can provide bed rails/ bed guards for smaller children. Breakfast is included in the hotel rate here – cereal, fruit and toast in the hotel’s lounge cafe area. In the same area, guests can enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and cookies between 10am-5pm and then complimentary cocktail hour (flavoured liquors with mixers and craft beer) from 5pm. There is an in-house coin laundry here. Reception is manned by Robot People for check in and check out (you can also speak with a human if you prefer though.)
The rooms are for 2 people but can also include a small child if they are able to bed share.
3. Super Hotel brand
The Super Hotel brand is a business hotel brand.
The rooms are small, clean and simple. Breakfast is simple and lovely and the staff are kind. They are happy to help you with forwarding luggage. Super Hotels can be found all over Tokyo.
Super Hotel Otsuka
I love the Otsuka area – I’ve written about it here. It is on the Yamanote line and it feels like a little quaint suburb in the middle of the city.
Super Hotel Otsuka have bunk beds in some rooms that makes it easier for families. They also have a complimentary happy hour for guests in the lobby each evening.
4. Onsen Yuen, Shinjuku
A modern spin on a ryokan, is Shinjuku Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku. Please note that Shinjuku isn’t my favourite area to stay with children-however -I do like this hotel.
I really like Onsen Shinjuku Ryokan Yuen which is kind of a business hotel and ryokan hybrid. This is my number one choice for families in Shinjuku.
Rooms here are small, modern, clean. Has a public bath for guests to use. Tattoos are generally not allowed but if are small can be covered with a sticker (stickers can be purchased at the front desk.) Each room also has their own ensuite (so the public bath isn’t your only bathing option.) There is a coin laundry on site for guests to use and a convenience store just out the front of the hotel. This hotel is also happy to help you forward your luggage. There is a 24 hour front desk too which is so handy if kids were to get sick while you are in Japan.
Their suite and premium double rooms can accommodate up to 4 people. Otherwise the rooms are on the more affordable side so, if possible, you may want to look into booking two rooms here for a larger family.
You can also reserve a room rate that includes breakfast (western or traditional Japanese breakfast.)
Onsen Shinjuku Ryokan Yuen also have an in-house teppanyaki and tempura restaurant. Budget here for lunch is around 2500 yen and more like 8000 yen per adult at dinner time.
It’s a kind of upscale restaurant so if you take children they will need to be able to sit in their own seats and I’d also bring some colouring or something to keep them busy at the table (nothing noisy like an iPad.)
Onsen Shinjuku Ryokan Yuen is 7 mins walk from exit 3 of Shinjuku-Gyoen Mae on the Marunouchi Line or 5 mins (approx 700 yen) from Shinjuku Station.
5. R&B Hotel Brand
This brand of business hotel offers simple and comfortable rooms (albeit small.) The rooms and facilities are clean and they are almost always opposite major train stations.
An example:
R&B Otsuka Eki Kitaguchi.
Next to Royal Host is another family friendly hotel called R&B Otsuka Eki Kitaguchi.
They offer a late check out until 12pm for an additional 1200 yen.
The rooms are simple but lovely and modern. This is a simple but comfortable (what Japan calls a) Business Hotel.
Pyjamas are provided for guests to use during their stay.
This hotel has rooms that fit 2-3 people (they do offer triple rooms with 3 seperate beds) AND they also have a family connecting room option that could fit max 3 adults and 3 children (if the children are small enough to bed share.)
This hotel accepts and helps you send forwarded luggage.
They also have a coin laundry on the 4th floor.
R&B Otsuka Eki Kitaguchi hotel has a simple buffet breakfast with some bread, rice, curry, muesli and salad as well as tea and coffee. Breakfast is 700 yen per person and free for children who are bed-sharing.
6. Candeo Brand
This hotel can be more expensive if you have more than 2-3 people in your family. I love this brand so much that I always look out for this option when traveling around Japan. I especially love the rooftop public baths here.
I’ve stayed at Candeo hotels in Tokyo, Kobe and Osaka.
Candeo Roppongi
Comfortable, small-ish, new, clean rooms. Nice breakfast. Fantastic location. You’re in the middle of everything here. Very affordable ( except for high season).
Private small bathroom in room. This hotel has a breakfast restaurant – kids 5 and under are free. This hotel provides slippers and pyjamas for guests to use during their stay.
The rooftop public baths separated by gender ( like most public baths in Japan, no swimsuits allowed.)
7. The Knot
I don’t love staying Shinjuku with kids but …one hotel that is certainly NOT on the sleazier side of Shinjuku but a bit more out of the way in Nishi-Shinjuku (West-Shinjuku) is The Knot. I have stayed there and I have lots of lovely things to say. I don’t love the location but this place is always full of happy international travellers so they make it work with lots of transport options and suggestions.
I recommend this hotel to people who are watching their budget ( this place is very reasonably priced for central Tokyo) and will really only be at the hotel in the morning and the evenings.
The Knot, Shinjuku also has a Terrace Suite room which sleeps 2-6 people.
Reasons to stay here:
– Shinjuku Chuo Park is literally across the road.
This is the lobby at The Knot
The lobby is so cool and inviting and the staff are so friendly. It’s like a big comfy lounge room. Would be a wonderful place for families to convene if they are all staying in separate rooms.
– This hotel is truly international. It is modern in looks and approach. They are more than well adjusted to assisting people who are in Japan as tourists.
– The bakery downstairs is amazing
– There is a Family Mart just 3 minutes walk away
– When getting to and from the airport, you can take the limousine bus from the Hilton or Hyatts in Nishishinjuku and then a short taxi ride to The Knot.
Some downsides of staying here:
– The rooms are small and basic (although the prices are low which makes it a pretty good deal)
The room had everything I needed. Even a small fridge and a safe.
– The buffet breakfast isn’t great. If you are happy to have a few little options or just cereal, jam and toast and some eggs, you’ll be fine. If you prefer a more substantial breakfast? I would opt for not having breakfast included and buying breakfast at the bakery in the lobby ( the toasted cheese sandwiches are soooo good.)
– On a beautiful day, it is possible to eat breakfast in the front courtyard, which is really pretty.
– You will need to take a subway ( not JR ) to get there. You will need to make your way to Tochomae Station and then exit A5 ( or A4 if you require an elevator) and then walk for 3 minutes. To walk to JR Shinjuku, it takes approximately 25 minutes and I found this to just all feel quite inconvenient ( once again, I feel that this is why this hotel is so much cheaper than other competing hotels.) Many people with small children just decide to take a taxi to Shinjuku proper everyday (500 yen each direction) and factor it into their budget.
Once you get out of the subway at A4 exit the easiest way to get across to the park to get to the hotel is via this ramp (which is really convenient with a suitcase.)
– Because The Knot is simple and built for those on the budget, they do not assist with extras such as baggage couriers but they were helpful with booking an airport limousine bus from two of the major hotels in the area.
There is also “The Knot Hiroshima” and I’ve written about it in detail here.
8. The Nest Hotel Brand
Nest Hotels are simple and clean. The rooms are small. They often have a small croissant and coffee style breakfast for guests, provide pyjamas for in-room use and they also usually have an on-site coin laundry. Their hotels are all very centrally located not far from major train stations. This brand can be found in many major cities in Japan.
Nest Hotel Yaesu is just minutes walk from the Shinkansen side of Tokyo Station or 5 mins walk from the D1 exit of Nihonbashi Station. The rooms here are mostly for 2 adults and a small child (who can bed share) but they do have a universal room type with two large singles and a sofa bed for one person. They have an in-house coin laundry. Here are places to eat and shop with kids in this Tokyo Station area.
This hotel is 4 mins by train from Akihabara, 6 mins to Ueno, 2 mins to Ginza, 14 mins to Shinjuku.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase or reservation through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
