So which hotels and areas do I recommend for staying with kids on a Japan holiday?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed I also have a short and concise blog post here called “Tokyo: Where to stay as a family?”
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Please keep in mind, accommodation choices are always down to personal preference.
When travelling with my children, I value cleanliness, safety, good service and convenience. But I also consider the area highly. It is important to me to have a few parks or playgrounds near by, transport options, supermarkets and convenience stores as well as family-friendly dining options all close by.
I have written a separate blog post on hotels in Japan for families of 5 of more.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MOST HOTELS ONLY OPEN UP THEIR BOOKING SYSTEMS 6 MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME.
If you look earlier than 6 months it may look like a hotel is completely booked – but it is because they haven’t yet opened these dates. The Official Tokyo Disney Resort Hotels don’t open up bookings until 3-4 months ahead of time. If you are able to find rooms earlier than 6 months in time they can often be more expensive as the sites are assuming they will be able to get the rooms once the dates are officially open (so compare current and future prices to be sure.) If you book too early – you hotel choices will be quite limited compared to waiting.
Here is my list of Japanese hotel rooms/ apartments with multiple rooms / adjoining rooms.
See here for a list of hotels who provide cots / cribs.
TRAIN TIPS:
Please note, for calculating your own train journeys ( times, train changes and prices) I use google maps.
WALKING DISTANCES:
I talk about where you can WALK to from each area for those that love walking, like I do – or prefer to take it slow with a sleeping baby in a stroller. If you don’t enjoy walking, please just ignore those sections.
TAXIS:
Not many blogs on Japan talk about taxis in Japan. I have a whole article here. I mention the taxi prices because if you have children or more than 2 people in your party it may cost just 500 yen more than train travel to get where you all need to go in a taxi. And it is also a lifesaver when children are tired or the weather turns bad.
Before I start, if you are time poor and just want a quick answer…. the fail safe way to have an AMAZING hotel to stay in as a family while in Japan is to use the Mimaru brand. There are lots of other options I have listed below but, trust me, everyone who stays at a Mimaru has such an amazing time, recieves assistance from the reception desk if kids get sick, for forwarding luggage, for making reservations on their behalf etc. The Mimaru rooms are, by far, the most spacious ways to stay as a family in Japan (even the in room baths are beautiful!) I cannot recommend them highly enough.
A little warning: Some of the Mimaru rooms don’t have black out blinds so please bring the stick-on type or cot covers, eye covers etc if this is a need for you and your family. Some of the windows have those beautiful rice paper shutters (I love them but not everybody does.) I speak about other things to pack when travelling to Japan with kids here.
Mimaru apartment hotels at Christmas time: It’s so cute – at Christmas – some of the Mimaru branches have special christmas events such as Santa coming to visit etc.
To make the search easier to begin with… I wanted to talk about brands of hotels I will always look at first ( excluding the good old trusty global brands like Hyatt, Westin, Hiltons, Ibis etc. which I find to be good but they aren’t always in our travel budget.)
Once again, this is MY opinion and other people may feel differently.
Hotel Brands in Japan that I didn’t enjoy and won’t stay there again…
APA Hotels: I find the rooms to be small and often the non-smoking rooms smell smokey. Although, a friend of mine said that the one in Karuizawa.
Daiwa-Roynet Hotels: I find the rooms to be small and often the non-smoking rooms smell smokey. Feels like a dark, budget motel.
The B Hotels: The rooms are small and dark and often smell like cigarettes.
See here for my recommendations throughout Japan for families of 5 people or more.
Okay so Shinjuku isn’t my favourite place to stay, I’ve written about why, but it is the area I get the most questions about and some people like it a lot.
If you’d like to be right in the heart of Shinjuku, I would stay at Keio Plaza. It’s a standard hotel and they look after tourists and groups of tourists everyday. There will be lots of tour groups here but it is a very big hotel.
This hotel also has a free shuttle to Tokyo Disney Resort. Keio Plaza has a swimming pool open for use during July & August only. The cost for guests is 3000 yen per adult and 1,500 yen per child. (Japan has some pretty wild and frustrating rules with it comes to hotel pools. I speak more about it here.) There is also an in-house coin laundry. Keio Plaza is able to supply families with a cot or crib for babies younger than 10 months of age. Keio Plaza in Shinjuku have connecting rooms for their standard twin room type and plaza luxe twin rooms.
*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
On social media you may have seen something about the Sky Plaza Ibasho in Shinjuku with a play area for kids – it is often “sold” as a place where you can have all you can drink Starbucks. But I must stress that the “Starbucks” is a coffee machine that uses Starbucks coffee. The play area is nice for little babies or toddlers if they need some space to play – but I don’t think I would call it a “must visit” as part of a tourist’s holiday itinerary or anything. Sky Plaza Ibasho is located inside of the Keio Plaza Hotel in Nishi-Shinjuku. I also don’t think it is worth paying 2000 yen to visit – unless you’re really struggling for a place to lay baby down for a minute.
SKY PLAZA IBASHO
INSIDE KEIO PLAZA HOTEL, SHINJUKU
ENTRY 2000 YEN ON WEEKDAYS OR 2500 YEN ON WEEKENDS
Hotel Gracery is proabably one of the most famous hotels in Japan for families as it is the Godzilla hotel. The area is a bit shady with kids but it’s also touristy enough to get by. If you book here, try and get a Godzilla themed room or an option with a Godzilla statue view! There is a breakfast restaurant called “Sakura” within the hotel and there is a 7-Eleven right near the ground floor entrance. The triple rooms here are a little small with not much room to do more than sleep soI don’t recommend it for active little children. It is in the red-light district of Shinjuku called Kabuki-cho and, while that isn’t dangerous for you, the bright lights outside of your hotel room window will make you want to shut your curtains tight.
A modern spin on a ryokan, is Shinjuku Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku.
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.
If you have points to spend at a Hilton, I have stayed at the Hilton in Shinjuku. I do find it quite hard to get around with small children from this hotel ( 6 mins on the subway from Shinjuku Station, 16 mins walk, 6 mins – approx 1000 yen- in a cab) but their buffet breakfast and customer service is, of course, fantastic.
The Hilton Shinjuku also are very good at catering to guests who are Gluten Free – great gluten free bread, and they can make fried rice upon request at breakfast time. The room service menu can almost all be made gluten free upon request and fries and hamburgers can be prepared and cooked separately to other dishes.
While it is a bit of a walk from the JR Station, I’ve stayed at The Knot, Shinjuku and enjoyed it. The rooms are tiny but the lobby, restaurant and bakery are all very good and conjucive to meeting other travellers.I’ve written in more detail and included pictures of The Knot Shinjuku here. If you have small children, the park and playground across the road is also very good.
Stay Sakura apartment, Shinjuku Hyakukura
There are several options in Tokyo and Kyoto under this brand name. Basically, the hotels are renovated apartment blocks or old homes. So the rooms are mostly apartment style – clean but basic. All rooms have a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, TV and a washing machine. Please note that there is no front desk here – although they do have a 24 hour phone for support line. Rooms can sleep 2-4 people.
The suite room here has an open air bath.
An extra tip if you are staying in Shinjuku and need to get to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, I recommend taking a train (takes approx 40 mins, 410 yen per person, 1 train change) or a bus from Shinjuku Busta (Bus Terminal.) This bus terminal is near the New South Exit of Shinjuku Station. The buses take approximately 1 hour and run in the morning and then back from Tokyo Disney Resort in the evening. Bus price is 1000 yen per person.
I’m currently really in love with Otsuka. There are so many cool restaurants (kid-friendly options too) and the whole area is so vibey but it’s also right on the Yamanote line which makes it so so so convenient. Remember that this area isn’t too far from neighbouring Ikebukuro.
I have written in detail about the JR Otsuka Station area and spending time there as a family here.
I’ve recently stayed at Omo5 Tokyo Otsuka. I don’t recommend this hotel for babies that are crawling or newly walking OR for tall people.
The reason? The room has a loft bed and the stairs up to the loft don’t have a rail (and a baby/toddler would LOVE to try and climb these all the time.). For the same reason – the loft makes the ceiling in the living section a bit low and the bed in the loft is ideal for kids but it would be hard for adults to stand comfortably.
If your kids have always wanted to try a capsule hotel – this might actually be a good compromise.
Apart from that though – this hotel is SOOOOOO cool and the staff are so nice. My kids squealed when they spotted the loft bed and also spent hours in the in-room bath. There is a coin laundry and there are pyjamas for guests to use while staying.
The hotel has excellent black out blinds (not as common as you might think in Japan.)
This hotel has a beautiful restaurant next to the reception- serving breakfast and dinner and there is also a DJ playing in the evening so it kind of becomes a chill bar.
You don’t need to be a staying guest to use the restaurant or bar. They offer a western style breakfast, pastries, risotto and soups.
This area is just so amazing for families.
There is a Sizzler and a Royal Host less than a minute from JR Otsuka station.
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.
I love this 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)
What is actually in this area?
My Akasaka with Kids post is here, for restaurants and sightseeing options.
For date night ideas in Akasaka read my post here.
How to get here from Narita and Haneda airports?
The easiest option after a private shuttle is to take an airport limousine bus. Even if you aren’t staying at one of the bus stop hotels, you can take a cab from that stop for that last little leg OR maybe it might even be close enough to walk!
It stops at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu and Akasaka Excel Tokyu.
IN WHICH HOTELS WOULD I HAPPILY STAY?
MIMARU Hotel Apartments, Akasaka
This is probably my number 1. The rooms are big. Clean. Modern. Photogenic. You can have western rooms or half western half Japanese rooms. Connecting rooms are available. There is a small kitchenette. Private bathrooms. There is even a communal rooftop dining area with a breathtaking view of the city. There is a convenience store right across the road.
Mimaru Akasaka also has a Japanese connecting room room-type where there is a door separating two sections of the room. This is great for families where parents don’t necessarily want to go to sleep at the same time as their children. Many rooms types can sleep as many as 8 people.
This hotel does not have a restaurant.
If you’re confused as to which Mimaru Tokyo option might best suit your family, see my blog post on Which Mimaru location is best for families? blog post here.
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
Centurion Classic Akasaka
They offer traditional Japanese style rooms. Private bathrooms and a bath with a shower.
Alternatively, if you book a “Luxury Corner Twin” you can get a room with two queen beds that you can push together to make one giant bed for the family, there is a balcony all the way around and a washing machine inside your own room !!!! The rooms here are really big.
I also recommend their very big family rooms. So much space and lots of Tatami and even a massage chair!
Also, read this guest post by Priscilla who reviewed the Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Akasaka.
I recommend staying in Ueno once kids are beyond the age of needing a playground close by.
Ueno is on the JR Yamanote line, there is also a bullet train station for shinkansens (bullet trains) that depart for places such as Shin-Aomori, Sendai and Karuizawa.
Ueno is 8 mins by train to Akihabara Electric Town.
Ueno is 8 mins by cab (approx. 1200 yen) to Asakusa
Ueno is 6 mins by cab (approx 750 yen) to Kappabashi or 17 mins walk.
Ueno is 15 mins by train to Ginza
Ueno is 10 mins by train to Tokyo SkyTree
Ueno is 9 mins by cab (approx 1800 yen) to Ryogoku Sumo Stadium or 15 mins by train
Ueno is 36 mins by JR Yamanote City Loop line to Shinjuku on one single train (no changes required at all.)
Ueno is 40 mins by train to Tokyo Disneyland (change trains just once.)
Ueno is also 50 mins from Narita Airport if you use the Skyliner.
The Ueno area is vibey, convenient, great for trying out street food and restaurants piled upon restaurants. There is also Ueno Park right there for when the kids need some green time (including a big Ueno science and nature museum in the park, the Ueno Starbucks and you can also ride the swan boats here.)
Here are my favourite hotels to stay in Ueno for families. Some of these hotel options can sleep up to 8 people in one room!
This area is famous for being a glitzy and ritzy but, if you find the right place within your own budget I say go for it! SOOOOOO convenient and for kids there are so many fun things to do and see. If you like little Mum-and-Pop shops and retro alleyways Ginza is NOT for you. Everything is high rise and modern and slick here- or at least in the central areas. Amazing restaurants ( often with an amazing price tag attached) and great shopping for kids and adults around here too.
Local stations: Ginza Stations on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, the Marunouchi Line, the Tokyo Hibiya Line. Yurakucho Station on the Yamanote City Loop line, the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. Shimbashi Station is also 10 mins walk from Ginza if you use the Ginza exit. Shimbashi Station is on the JR Yamanote Line, the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the JR Tokaido Line, The JR Yokosuka Line, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, The Toei Subway Asakusa Line, the Yurikamome Line.
Closest JR Yamanote Line ( City Loop) Station: Yurakucho Station ( 5-10 minutes walk from most of central Ginza.)
If you like exploring the city on foot like I do? You can walk to:
– Shimbashi ( 19 mins on foot or approx approx 8 mins./ 1500 yen in a taxi or 12 mins on the subway with a 5 min walk at either end for 170 yen)
– Nihonbashi ( 19 mins on foot or approx 7 mins/ 1300 yen in a taxi or 8 mins on the subway for 165 yen per ticket)
– Tokyo Tower ( 37 mins on foot or approx 12 mins/ 2300 yen in a taxi or 18 mins on the subway with a 5 min walk at either end for 165 yen per ticket)
– Akasaka ( 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)
– Toranomon Hills, right next to Roppongi ( 34 mins on foot or approx 9 mins / 2000 yen in a taxi or 15 mins on the subway with a 4 minutes walk at either end for 165 yen.)
How to get to Ginza from Narita and Haneda airports?
The easiest option after a private shuttle is to take an airport limousine bus. Even if you aren’t staying at one of the bus stop hotels, you can take a cab from that stop for that last little leg OR maybe it might even be close enough to walk!
It stops at : The Peninsula, The Dai-Ichi Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier, Palace Hotel, Imperial Hotel, Ginza Station (Yurakucho), Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza Hotel.
What is actually in this area?
Here are my Ginza suggestions when travelling around with kids.
And for kid-free date night options read here.
WHICH GINZA HOTELS WOULD I HAPPILY STAY WITH MY KIDS?
Hyatt Centric
This hotel is gorgeous ! Every floor has a different touch that reflects the fact that Ginza was, originally, a district for textiles shopping. Also, the hotel premises used to be a newspaper printing building and every details of the lobby and front reception reflects this. The service, facilities and room interiors are all absolutely flawless.
The bars and restaurants (including breakfast) are out of this world. They can deal with allergies, high chairs… everything. These guys will look after you.
Please note that this hotel is only suitable for a couple and a baby OR a couple and and a baby and a toddler who will share bedding with parents.
This hotel has lots of eateries and the metro close by. The staff speak English well. There is also a complimentary drink hour for guests in the evenings.
This hotel accommodates couples + a baby or a child who is young enough to bedshare.
Hotel Gracery Ginza
This hotel is very English friendly. The rooms are modern and clean. They also have a laundry. The location is very central and would be easy to wake up early and start with these suggestions with kids. Please note that this hotel is only suitable for a couple and a baby OR a couple and and a baby and a toddler who will share bedding with parents.
*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
Mimaru Hatchobori
This apartment style hotel is perfect for families. It has a kitchenette and the concierge desk staff are kind and helpful.
I’ve written about our stay at Mimaru Hatchobori here.
*If you go to book Mimaru Hatchobori and find it full – you may also like to take a look at Mimaru Tokyo Station East as it is just a few minutes walk away from Mimaru Hatchobori. Mimaru Tokyo Station East can accommodate families of up to 8 people and also have multi-room apartments and interconnecting rooms.
Mimaru Ginza East
Apartment style hotel. These apartment style hotels are a game changer for families. Sleeps up to 8 people.
Conrad Tokyo
This is a higher price point – a gorgeous 5 star hotel.
This hotel is also very good with gluten-free diners/guests. Rooms sleep 2-3 people.
Karaska Hotel Premier
This hotel has connecting rooms as an option (so you could accommodate a family of four OR a family of 5 if one child is bed-sharing. It is clean and modern.
They also have a lounge for guests with bottomless drinks (including wine) in the evenings.
They also can assist with forwarding and receiving forwarded luggage. You can also order a simple in-room breakfast (Western or Japanese.)
This hotel can provide families with bed guards (bed rails) and plastic plates and cups and a baby bath (as well as other baby-related items.）
Koko Hotel Ginza 1-Chome is a convenient option worth considering if you are trying to keep that budget down. The hotel is just 1 min walk from Exit 10 of Ginza Itchome Station. The rooms are simple, small and clean. The reception desk can assist with forwarding packages. There is a coin laundry on the ground floor. The twin and universal rooms can accommodate up to 3 people (two beds and one sofa bed.)
*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
Other hotels that I have my eye on and look like they would work for us but I have never stayed…
Mitsui-Garden Hotel Go-Chome (this hotel has triple rooms so you could stay as a family of 3 or 4 if another child can bedshare. )
The Square Hotel (their premier rooms can sleep 3 – or 4 if another child can bedshare.)
Remm Plus Ginza (can accommodate a couple + baby or a family of three if the child is able to bedshare.)
THE KINSHICHO AREA
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.
Tobu Levant Hotel Tokyo, Kinshicho
This hotel is 8 mins by train from Tokyo Station so it’s more the Tokyo Station and kind of the Tokyo Skytree area.
5 mins walk from Kinshicho (JR or Subway) Stations.
Mid-High end hotel. Suites can accommodate up to 6 people while most other rooms fit 3-4 people.
On the weekend you may be lucky to spot a bride and grooming heading to their reception dinner in the hotel’s function rooms.
In-house fine dining (with a view of skytree) and breakfast restaurants. Free shuttle to Disney for guests. Airport Limousine Bus stops at this hotel.
There is an Olinas Mall, Kinshicho, just 12 mins walk from this hotel. A great shopping mall with fashion, accessories, a small toys r us and a large supermarket and food court food options.
There is also a park with a playground just 5 mins walk away at Kinshi Park. There is a public bathroom here too. It’s also a cute little spot to take in the cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom season.
4 mins walk to 24 hour supermarket “Seiyu Kinshicho.”
4 mins walk from Life Supermarket ( I love this brand of supermarket.)
Mimaru Kinshicho
Like all Mimaru apartment hotels, this has a kitchenette and a dining area as well as an in-house coin laundry. Staff speak English and can help with directions and restaurants reservations as well as all the admin required for forwarding luggage. Most rooms here accommodate 4-6 people.
7 mins walk from Kinshi Park and playground (pictured above)
12 mins walk to Olinas Shopping Mall.
7 mins walk to Kinshicho Parco Shopping Mall.
4 mins walk to 24 hour supermarket “Seiyu Kinshicho.”
9 mins walk from Life Supermarket ( I love this brand of supermarket.)
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.)
I love this area with kids which is hilarious to me as, even 10 years ago, this area was well known for being the drinking and partying district of Tokyo! ( even now you will still see a few “sleepy” business men having a sleep outside of a pub if you walk around in the early hours of the weekend but I wouldn’t never describe Roppongi as a dangerous place for families.).
I have my longest list of family-friendly restaurants here and the whole area is sprinkled with fun playgrounds ( my kids love Robot park the best) and beautiful green parks (Arisugawa Park is walking distance.) All of my family friendly suggestions like these are in my Roppongi with kids blog post and it includes museums and even a place to see the poshest dog parlor I’ve ever seen!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ROBOT PARK IN ROPPONGI IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS / CONSTRUCTION UNTIL DEC 13, 2024.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PLAYGROUND AT ARISUGAWA IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS / CONSTRUCTION UNTIL DEC 6, 2024.
Don’t let the fact that this area is not on a JR Yamanote line deter you -access using the subway, taxi or even just walking is fantastic. It’s such a stunning area.
Local stations: Tokyo Metro Stations Roppongi, Roppongi ichome (and Roppongi Station on the Toei Line.) Other close station include Nogizaka Station ( depending on which side of Roppongi you are based.)
Closest JR Yamanote Line ( City Loop) Station: JR Ebisu Station.
If you like exploring the city on foot like I do? You can walk to:
–Azabujuban (14 mins on foot or approx 5 mins/900 yen in a taxi )
– Tokyo Tower ( 15 mins on foot or approx 4 mins/ 1200 yen in a taxi )
– Hiroo ( 22 mins on foot or approx 10 mins/ 900 yen in a taxi )
– Aoyama ( 30 mins on foot or approx 10 mins/ 900 yen in a taxi)
– Ebisu (44 mins of foot or approx 13 mins / 1200 yen in a taxi)
–Harajuku ( 44 mins on foot or approx 14 mins / 1200 yen in a taxi or 15 minutes on the subway and a 10 min walk for 160 yen per ticket)
What is actually in this area?
So many things to do with kids in Roppongi. See here.
And for late night /evening ideas without kids? Read my Roppongi Date Nights post here.
How to get here from Narita and Haneda airports?
The easiest option after a private shuttle is to take an airport limousine bus to the Grand Hyatt Roppongi and then walk or taxi to your accommodation.
IN WHICH HOTELS WOULD I HAPPILY STAY?
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.)
The lockers behind me area where you store your clothing. No swimsuits allowed.
This restaurant is pretty much right outside Candeo Roppongi.
Their breakfast menu is available until 10:30AM. 2 mins walk from Roppongi Station. They accept most major credit cards. See the full Falafel Brothers menu here. This restaurant is opposite the Candeo Roppongi.
FALAFEL BROTHERS ROPPONGI
港区六本木5-1-10 カドガンビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, KADOGAN BUILDING, 5-1-10 ROPPONGI, MINATO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 8:30AM-9PM (CLOSES AT 8:30PM ON SUNDAYS)
ANA Intercontinental in Roppongi
I’ve stayed at the ANA Intercontinental in Roppongi before and the service was stunning ( the breakfast was one of my favourite buffet brekkies in Tokyo) and the rooms are beautiful. However, I find the location to be a little inconvenient with small children. I would only stay here if someone else was paying ( hahaa ) or I had hotel points and this was my only option.
The Steak House at the ANA Intercontinental Roppongi is also recommended on the Halal in Japan website.
The Summer of 2024, the ANA Intercontinental Roppongi decided to no longer pay extra to use the outdoor pool in July and August. Here is hoping that continues on until 2025.
One convenient option, however, the Airport Limousine Bus stops right at the hotel.
Just 5 mins (approx 900 yen) in a taxi from this hotel is the Ichinohashi Park & Playground. I have more pictures and park details in my Azabujuban with kids blog post.
Grand Hyatt Roppongi
I don’t often recommend the big brands but the location for young families and facilities at this hotel are fantastic. The breakfast and brunch restaurant has outdoor seating and we often just visit for meals too. I have stayed here a few times. The rooms are lovely but no different to any other Grand Hyatt out there. If you stay here? Stay for the beautiful facilities, assistance with baggage and restaurant reservations and tourist info etc … also the airport limousine bus stops right here. The Grand Hyatt in Roppongi allows children between 5-15 years of age between 9am-7pm. If you bed share with two small kids ( thats what we do but I know its not for everyone) you can manage with the gorgeous twin rooms but otherwise you will need to look at the suites. Literally across the road is the Robot playground in Roppongi mentioned in detail here.
The Robot Park is just across the road from this hotel.
More details on the Robot Park in Roppongi here.
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.
Shiba Park Hotel
This hotel is technically outside of Roppongi but it’s not that far from Hamamatsucho Station on the Yamanote City Loop Line ( 8 mins walk) and the rooms are a decent size so I think that it is worth looking at for the right price. It is also 1 minute walk from Zozoji Temple.
They even have some rooms with three beds.
The rooms have lovely little Japanese accents like paper screens etc and the bathrooms have lots of counter space. The staff are also very helpful.
The Prince Park Tower Hotel
This is a fancy hotel with incredible views. The Garden Suite Rooms sleep 4 people and the room is part tatami.
This hotel can provide cots/cribs in the rooms but only for babies who are not old enough to stand (although they have been known to bend th They can offer bed-rails(bed guards) for children 5 years and younger.
The Lively Azabujuban
This is a boutique hotel with room service etc. Their family loft room sleeps 4 adults (more children if they are small enough to bedshare.)
Please note that this area is also very close to Skytree and Ueno.
Koko Residence Hotel AsakTawaramachi
This hotel sleep up tos 5 people (more if you have children under 6 years old who do not require additional beds) depending on the rooms. The room has its own washing machine so it is more of an apartment than a hotel. You can also borrow game consoles for kids. Here are the child-friendly options in the area of Asakusa.
Mimaru Asakusa is also incredible and has multiple rooms within each apartment (great for if adults like to stay up later than children. See here for other hotels with multi-room options.
Tosei Hotel Cocono Asakusa is a simple 3 star hotel and is only 7 minutes walk from Asakusa Station. Their family rooms have bunk beds (as in 2 sets of bunks) and can sleep up to 4 people.
There is also a simple cafe with coffee, cakes and Japanese curry rice within the hotel (please take note that it is closed on Wednesdays.)
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon is a higher end hotel and rooms accommodate up to 3 people. 3 mins walk from Asakusa Station. The breakfast/dinner restaurant is on the top floor – offering a beautiful view of Tokyo Skytree. There is a special event at a nearby hotel on Fridays called “Dances by the Geisha of Asakusa” ( free for Gate Hotel guests as long as at least one drink is purchased per person.)
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.
Stay Sakura apartment, Asakusa Yokozuna
There are several options in Tokyo and Kyoto under this brand name. Basically, the hotels are renovated apartment blocks or old homes. So the rooms are mostly apartment style – clean but basic. All rooms have a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, TV and a washing machine. Please note that there is no front desk here – although they do have a 24 hour phone for support line. Rooms can sleep 2-4 people.
This branch, in particular, is Sumo themed. The suite room has a private open air bath.
Stay Sakura Apartment, Asakusa Art Deco Hotel
There are several options in Tokyo and Kyoto under this brand name. Basically, the hotels are renovated apartment blocks or old homes. So the rooms are mostly apartment style – clean but basic. All rooms have a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, TV and a washing machine. Please note that there is no front desk here – although they do have a 24 hour phone for support line. Rooms can sleep 1-2 people and there is one family suite that sleeps up to 6. .
Stay Sakura Apartment, Asakusa Town House
There are several options in Tokyo and Kyoto under this brand name. Basically, the hotels are renovated apartment blocks or old homes. So the rooms are mostly apartment style – clean but basic. All rooms have a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, TV and a washing machine. Please note that there is no front desk here – although they do have a 24 hour phone for support line. Rooms can sleep 2-4 people. The rooms here are themed to wind, flowers and butterflies. Please keep in mind that this is a very simple hotel. No frills.
Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel are rennovated loft style apartments in a hotel. It’s a really trendy and fun place to stay. The Suite King Deluxe Room and the Deluxe Twin Room can accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids (if the children are bed sharing.) There is an on-site restaurant for breakfast. There is also an on-site coin laundry for guests to use. While at the hotel you can rent phone chargers, blue tooth speakers, humidifiers and hair straighteners. The hotel also provides guests with pyjamas. This hotel also lends out adult sized bikes to guests (no child seat attachment provided.)
This hotel is 11 mins walk from Asakusa Station ( or 4 mins/500 yen in a cab.)
*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
If I wanted to be right in the middle of big city style Tokyo , I would choose Shibuya over Shinjuku every time ( I talk about why more here, if you’re interested.).
***Personally, I recommend Shibuya hotels most to families with just one baby in a baby carrier (strollers are a little harder with lots of construction works, but not impossible. OR families with kids who are 8 years and over (they can definitely walk around and don’t need playgrounds etc to blow off steam right outside of the hotel. Please note that Shibuya is very much sort after because of the convenient and bustling location. That means taht hotels tend to be expensive here – AND room sizes are often smaller than other parts. You are paying for the location. **
Its right in the middle of everything ( if you like that big city holiday) but if you also love getting lost down little alleyways but have lots of child friendly restaurants as well as options with food halls and high chairs and tourist friendly options. There are also large food halls/ delis in the basements of the large department stores here so it makes for great options for taking an array of yummy foods “home” to your accommodation and keep the costs down but still get everyone to bed on time.
You can also walk to Harajuku easily from here!
Local stations: Shibuya Station (Lines: JR, Tokyu Toyoko, Tokyu Denentoshi, Ginza, Hanzomon, and Fukutoshin)
Closest JR Yamanote Line ( City Loop) Station: JR Shibuya Station ( JR Harajuku is also walking distance)
If you like exploring the city on foot like I do? You can walk to:
– Harajuku ( 14 mins on foot or approx 4 mins/900 yen in a taxi or 3 mins on the Yamanote line for 130 yen per ticket )
– Daikanyama ( 14 mins on foot or approx 6 mins/1200 yen in a taxi or 8 mins on the subway with a 6 minute walk for 120 yen per ticket or 12 mins by bus to the Daikanyama T-Site bus stop for 150 per ticket )
– Ebisu ( 14 mins on foot or approx 6 mins/1100 yen in a taxi or 2 mins on the Yamanote line for 130 yen per ticket )
– Naka-Meguro ( 31 mins of foot or approx 10 mins / 1900 yen in a taxi or 10 mins on the subway with a 12 min walk for 120 yen per ticket)
– Roppongi ( 40 mins on foot or approx 9 mins/2000 yen in a taxi or 15 mins on the subway with a 5 min walk for 200 yen per ticket )
What is actually in this area?
For family friendly options in Shibuya see my post here.
For date night options without children , these are my favourites.
How to get here from Narita and Haneda airports?
The airport limousine buses stop at Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu and the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel ( if you aren’t staying at these hotels you can still use the bus and then taxi or walk to your closest, final destination.
The Narita Express (train) stops in Shibuya.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Shibuya
This hotel is 7 mins walk from Shibuya Crossing. They have some connecting rooms available.
They also have a 20 meter indoor swimming pool *for 18 years older only*- however, like many Japanese hotels, pool use is not included in the price of the hotel room. It’s an additional 2,200yen per adult per day.
Shibuya Excel Tokyu & Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
These are two separate hotels about 10 minutes walk apart. Both aren’t the cheapest options so if you find a good rate – jump on it fast!
The hotel is modern, popular, room size is pretty good for Tokyo. The whole hotel is well-established, clean, polished, reliable. Many of the rooms have fantastic views of the city.
The Shibuya Excel Tokyu has the most amazing view from their top floor breakfast restaurant – on a clear day you can even spot Mt Fuji!
Shibuya Tokyu Rei Hotel
This is the most modest and most affordable of my Shibuya hotel recommendations. Tokyu Rei in Shibuya is 2 mins walk from Shibuya Station. If arriving on the Metro (subway) take exit B2. The rooms here are simple, modern and clean. Rooms accommodate 1-3 people (ask for two rooms next to one another if booking for you and teenagers.) The hotel has it’s own breakfast restaurant and children under 6 eat free. (I recommend trying the curry bread on the breakfast buffet!)
This Shibuya hotel is particularly accommodating if you are gluten free ( best to email them in advance to let them know and bring a printed out dietary requirements card to the restaurant.)
All Day Place Shibuya
This hotel is just a few mins walk from Shibuya Station and the outside and lobby kind of gives “mid-range” hostel vibes. The rooms are small (there are slightly larger family rooms but that will also come with a hefty price tag – especially considering it doesn’t include kitchen options etc for families.). The rooms are clean. We paid $50AUD extra per night (me + two kids) in order to get a twin corner room over a normal twin room and I’m so glad we did as the corner section gave us more space for suitcases and just dumping our stuff in general. For the three of us- we booked a room with twin beds as my youngest is old enough to bed-share (not everyone’s cup of tea but it can save you literally hundreds of dollars on a booking in this area if you do.)
The beds are both on a raised platform and we pushed the two mattresses together in order to make one giant bed for all of us -and it worked well.
Our room had a small mini-bar fridge, a beautifully newly renovated shower (no bath) and the tv was set up so that we could sign in to our own netflix account from our room.
I feel that this hotel would be great with a little baby who can’t yet properly walk or families with kids 8 years old + as there isn’t a lobby to run around in or anything and the rooms are too small for little ones to blow off any steam easily (that’s my nice way of saying – you’ll drive one another crazy.)
There is a coin laundry on the 8th floor – so handy for families.
*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
The staff all speak English well and the check in system is automated – so it’s nice and quick and easy.
There is a pizza restaurant and bar within the hotel – both are busy with lots of university aged students – it’s not noisy to stay here though.
To sum up – this hotel is expensive for the room size you get, not in a particularly beautiful part of Shibuya but it is so convenient and the room/hotel has everything that families could need (as long as you don’t mind squishing together and just using the room for sleeping.)
Although I haven’t stayed here personally, the family guest house Submarine House, run by Tokyo Family Stays is in a fantastic location. Many of my readers have stayed here and say they had a fantastic time.
If you love cool little arty cafes and bakeries, and little alleyways that wander along, through and under the railway lines and past the river – you will love Nakameguro.
It’s got a real grungy ( clean and funky grungy) vibe.
The Nakameguro area is very busy during cherry blossom season as the river is a real sight to see ( but prices will be much higher and it will be noisy if you “live” near the festivities.)
Local stations: Nakameguro Station.
Closest JR Yamanote Line ( City Loop) Station: Ebisu, Shibuya, Meguro, Shinjuku.
If you like exploring the city on foot like I do? You can walk to:
– Daikanyama ( 19 mins on foot or approx 6 mins/1400 yen in a taxi or 8 mins on a bus with a 10 minute walk for 215 yen per ticket to the Daikanyama T-Site )
– Ebisu ( 19 mins on foot or approx 7 mins/1500 yen in a taxi or 5 mins by bus with a 6 min walk for 210 yen per ticket )
– Shibuya ( 30 mins on foot or approx 10 mins / 2200 yen in a taxi or 15 mins by train for a 210 yen per ticket)
What is actually in this area?
For family friendly suggestions in Nakameguro see my post here.
How to get here from Narita and Haneda airports?
Take the Limousine bus to Sheraton Miyako and then ride in a taxi for 10 mins.
IN WHICH HOTELS WOULD I HAPPILY STAY?
Hotel Gajoen, Meguro
This hotel is a truly stunning Japanese experience. The lobby is full of kimono-clad Japanese people celebrating weddings, graduations and coming of age ceremonies. I wrote about even just a visit to this hotel in my “Traditional Japan without leaving Tokyo” post here.
The hotel garden is a stunning traditional, but small Japanese garden with a waterfall and koi swimming in the pond.
The restaurants are beautiful for a special occasion. Basic this place feels classic and you wont want to walk through the lobby in your tracksuit pants – but if you can snap up a Japanese style room – you will be amazed at the comfort and hospitality.
I am currently researching other more budget-friendly options in this area. …stay tuned….
Ikebukuro is not my favourite area to stay as it is very built up BUT there are some nice accommodation options for families here now and it certainly can be bustling in the evening and it is on the Yamanote line so it is convenient. I recommend staying here if you have kids who are big anime fans as the Sunshine City Mall has lots of shopping (but you also don’t need to stay here to access those places.)
If you decide to stay in this area, I recommend staying at Mimaru Ikebukuro.
Some rooms here can sleep up to 8 people.
or at Hotel Hisoca in Ikebukuro.
It is 4 minutes walk from the West Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station.
Some rooms can sleep 5 guests and some 6.
Rooms have a kettle and a toaster oven and a small fridge. For babies, the hotel is able to provide a high chair.
I don’t really recommend staying on Odaiba as it’s quite inconvenient to get anywhere ( so I normally just recommend visiting not staying.) However, it may be worth considering if you have more than 2 children as the Grand Tokyo Nikko Daiba hotel has quite large rooms ( also room for a travel cot) and they also have a shuttle to Disney.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
If you like this post I think you’ll also like my post on the Biggest Mistakes Travelers make when choosing accommodation in Tokyo.
Please see my post here if you’re looking for similar suggestions in Kyoto.
See here for family-friendly hotels near or connected to Haneda Airport here.
PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
