Apartment hotels offer more space than standard hotels and come equipped with a kitchen, dining area, and laundry facilities.
They are ideal for families, groups of friends, and long-stay travelers.
This guide explains what apartment hotels are, how to choose one, and highlights popular MIMARU locations in Tokyo to help you find the best stay for your trip.
What Is an Apartment Hotel?
An apartment hotel combines the convenience of a hotel with the functionality of an apartment.
Instead of just providing a place to sleep, it includes a kitchen, washing machine, living area, and dining table.
For families, small groups, or long-stay guests, this setup offers much more comfort and a sense of local living.
If you often feel that regular hotel rooms are too small, lack facilities, or don’t have enough space to open your suitcases, an apartment hotel solves all these issues.
You can cook, do laundry, and travel with children or older family members without worrying about daily conveniences—almost like having a “second home” in Tokyo.
Many travelers are unfamiliar with the room styles of apartment hotels, so here are the common types:
・Quad Room (4 guests)：A spacious room with four beds in an open layout.
Ideal for families or groups who want to relax together in one space.
・Two-Bedroom Suite：Two bedrooms plus a shared living area or bathroom.
Perfect for those who prefer more privacy while staying together.
・Connecting Rooms：Two rooms connected by an inner door that can be opened or closed.
Ideal for groups with varying sleep schedules; enjoy both privacy and interaction.
Apartment hotels come in many layouts, including the three above.
However, to be considered a true “apartment hotel,” the room must include:
A kitchen,A living/dining area,Laundry facilities (in the room or shared)
Benefits of Apartment Hotels & Common Questions
✓Benefit 1: Spacious living area
Much larger than typical hotel rooms.
You can open multiple suitcases flat, and children have plenty of room to move around.
✓Benefit 2: Family-friendly layout
Living and dining spaces make it easy to enjoy meals and conversations together.
✓Benefit 3: Fully equipped kitchen
You can prepare baby food, warm milk, or cook simple meals—convenient, safe, and budget-friendly.
✓Benefit 4: Laundry access
Ideal for extended stays.
All properties have coin-operated laundry facilities, and some room types include an in-room washing machine.
◎Common Concern 1: Cleaning Frequency in Apartment Hotels
Many apartment hotels do not provide daily cleaning, and some only clean every three days.
⇒Solution: Always check the hotel’s cleaning policy before booking.
⭐ At MIMARU, one of Japan’s most family-friendly apartment hotel brands, the cleaning service is more comprehensive than average:
- Daily: Towel, bath towel, and bath mat replacement; trash removal; vacuuming
- Every 2 days: Bathroom cleaning and bed-making (excluding check-in day)
◎Common Concern 2: Lack of Luxury Facilities Compared to Large Hotels
Apartment hotels generally do not have facilities like pools, gyms, or spas.
⇒Solution: Consider what matters most for your trip.
If your itinerary focuses on sightseeing outside the hotel, or if your family values having a quiet and relaxing place to unwind,
then spacious rooms and high-quality in-room amenities will contribute more to your comfort than luxury facilities.
⭐ MIMARU is designed around the concept of “feeling at home.”
Even the smallest room types always include a kitchen and dining area, so families can easily prepare meals and enjoy time together.
◎Common Concern 3: Safety & Security Issues in Tokyo Apartment Hotels
Some apartment hotels rely entirely on unmanned front desks or self-check-in systems.
While convenient, past incidents—such as unauthorized individuals entering the building due to poor management—have raised safety concerns.
⇒Solution: Choose properties with a 24-hour front desk and on-site security staff.
⭐ MIMARU prioritizes guest safety.
During low-traffic hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., trained security personnel are stationed on-site to support guests and maintain a secure environment.
Apartment Hotel vs. Regular Hotel vs. Airbnb
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Apartment Hotel | Spacious rooms / Kitchen / Laundry | Cleaning frequency varies; fewer extensive facilities |
| Regular Hotel | Daily cleaning / Full facilities / Reliable services | Smaller rooms; no kitchen; less suitable for extended stays |
| Airbnb | Local-style stays / Wide variety / Can be budget-friendly | Security varies; no front desk; inconsistent cleaning standards |
Who Is Best Suited for an Apartment Hotel?
■Families with Children
Apartment hotels are perfect for family trips—rooms are spacious, facilities are complete, and parents can prepare meals in the kitchen.
Children have room to play, and everyone can relax together in the living area at night.
Even in an unfamiliar city, families can maintain the comfort and routine of home.
Why families love apartment hotels:
- Themed rooms or kid-friendly surprises make the trip more fun
- In-room kitchen allows for quick breakfasts or heating baby food
- Spacious layouts with bunk beds or multiple beds ideal for families with kids
💡 Guest Review: MIMARU Tokyo Ueno EAST
“Our Pokémon-themed room was about 40 sqm (over 430 sq ft)—much larger than typical Tokyo hotel rooms.
Instead of four single beds, there were two pairs of singles placed side by side, creating two wide sleeping areas that were perfect for families.”
■Groups of 4 or More
Traditional hotel quad rooms often place everyone in a single compact space, making it hard to maintain privacy.
Apartment hotels offer two-bedroom layouts or connecting rooms, allowing guests to spend time together while still having their own space.
It’s ideal for groups who want comfort during long stays.
Why groups prefer apartment hotels:
- Various room types that accommodate 4+ guests without splitting the group
- Shared space or kitchen for cooking meals together or having a group breakfast
- Bunk beds or multiple beds help reduce cost and provide flexible sleeping arrangements
💡 Guest Review: MIMARU Tokyo Ginza EAST
“When booking hotels in Japan, it’s rare to find rooms that fit four or more people—but not at MIMARU.
MIMARU Tokyo Ginza EAST offers seven different room types, accommodating up to eight guests.”
“The small kitchen near the entrance had a microwave, stovetop, oven, sink, and a full-size refrigerator with freezer.
There was also an electric kettle and toaster on the counter.
The long dining table with benches and stools easily seated eight of us for takeout or home-cooked meals.”
“The room had two single beds, a bunk bed, and two futons—comfortably fitting six adults and two children under six.
Beds were very comfortable with thick duvets.
Between the single beds, there was a built-in control panel with USB ports, outlets, and lighting controls.”
■Long-Stay Travelers & Digital Nomads
With self-service laundry, a kitchen, and a dining table suitable for work, apartment hotels offer far more comfort than regular hotels or Airbnb.
They provide better security, more stable services, and an environment that supports both work and daily living.
What long-stay guests value most:
- Spacious rooms with a kitchen allow guests to cook and reduce dining-out costs
- Convenient laundry facilities and clear cleaning schedules
- High-quality amenities that provide the comfort of home—more reassuring than short-term rentals or budget hotels
💡 Guest Review: MIMARU Tokyo Ginza EAST
“The biggest reason we chose this hotel was the dining table, where we could sit together to eat and chat.
There was a dedicated space behind it for storing luggage and hanging clothes, so we never felt short of space.
Among the three hotels we stayed at on this trip, this was the largest room.”
“The laundry facilities were a huge benefit.
By the time we arrived in Tokyo, we had already been traveling for over a week and needed to wash clothes.
The hotel had three washers and three dryers, plus a change machine in case we didn’t have enough coins.”
“We booked a six-person room, which felt like a real family apartment—fully equipped, with everything we needed.
We could cook meals, and having a microwave was incredibly convenient.
The refrigerator was larger than in typical hotels, and the freezer compartment was separate.”
MIMARU — Recommended Apartment Hotels in Tokyo
If you’re looking for an apartment hotel in Tokyo with a fully equipped kitchen for cooking,
you can’t miss MIMARU, a brand dedicated to creating a “home-like” stay.
Features Available at All MIMARU Locations
- In-room kitchenette for easy meal preparation
- Free rental items for children (advance reservation required, limited quantity)
- Kids stay free (no extra bed needed): Even the smallest rooms accommodate 4 adults + 2 children under 6
MIMARU is not only great for room layout and spacious design—its locations are also excellent.
Each Tokyo property sits in a prime area and offers unique features tailored to different travel styles.
MIMARU Tokyo Akasaka / MIMARU Tokyo Ueno EAST
- Rare Connecting Apartment options
- Up to 80 sqm, ideal for multi-generational trips or two-family travel
- High-floor City View Apartments offering beautiful day and night skyline views
MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho
- Located in a quiet residential area with supermarkets close by
- Perfect for long stays and guests who wish to cook
- Special “Entire Floor Reservation” option
- Up to 12 adults + 6 children under 6 can stay on the same floor
- Enjoy full privacy without sharing the corridor with other guests
MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro
- Offers standard family rooms plus the very popular Pokémon Rooms
- A favorite among children and Pokémon enthusiasts
MIMARU Tokyo Kinshicho
- Features a special Ukiyo-e themed room inspired by local culture
- Easy access to the direct shuttle bus to Tokyo Disney Resort
Hotel Highlights & Nearby Attractions
| Hotel | Highlights | Nearby Attractions |
| MIMARU Tokyo Akasaka | Connecting rooms / up to 80 sqm | Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills |
| MIMARU Tokyo Ueno EAST | Connecting rooms / excellent location | Ueno Zoo, Ameyoko Shopping Street |
| MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho | Quiet residential area/supermarkets nearby | Ueno Park, Sensoji Temple |
| MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro | Pokémon Rooms / most considerable number of rooms among MIMARU hotels | Sunshine City, Aquarium, Anime district |
| MIMARU Tokyo Kinshicho | Ukiyo-e themed rooms / direct bus to Disney | Tokyo Skytree, Disney shuttle bus |
4 Exclusive Benefits of Booking Through the Official Website
Many travelers book through platforms like Agoda or Booking.com,
but the best benefits are actually available only on MIMARU’s official website.
- 10% Member Discount
Register for free and instantly enjoy the best available rate. - Earn 1,000 Points Per Night
Equivalent to about 1,000 yen, redeemable toward future stays. - Direct Communication with Hotel Staff
No third-party delays—quick responses to any requests or trip planning questions. - Travel Style Finder Tool
A quick way to identify which MIMARU location fits your travel needs.
【Check MIMARU Tokyo Room Rates｜Exclusive Member Deals on the Official Website】
7 Things to Look for When Choosing an Apartment Hotel in Tokyo
1.Room Size & Layout
Hotel rooms in Japan—especially in Tokyo—tend to be small.
When choosing an apartment hotel, check the actual square meters and consider whether:
・You can open your suitcase fully
・Children have space to move around freely
For groups of 4 or more, prioritize two-bedroom suites or connecting apartments,
which offer more space and maintain privacy.
2. Number of Bathrooms
Nothing slows down a trip like waiting for the bathroom.
With larger groups, this becomes even more inconvenient.
If traveling with 6+ people, choose a room with at least two separate bathrooms to minimize waiting time.
3. Kitchen Facilities
Some “apartment-style” hotels only offer a tiny counter and microwave.
If you plan to heat baby food or cook simple meals, check whether the kitchen includes:
Microwave,IH stove,Pots & pans,Full set of tableware and utensils
This ensures the kitchen is actually usable.
4. Laundry Facilities
Laundry is important for long stays or families with children.
Some rooms have in-room washers, while others only offer coin laundry in the building.
Always confirm the type of laundry facilities before booking.
5. Photos vs. Reality
Hotel photos can appear spacious even when the actual room is smaller.
Check guest photos and videos, or search reviews for keywords like
“suitcase,” “room size,” or “space” to get a realistic idea.
6. Location & Daily Convenience
Besides proximity to the subway, pay attention to whether the area has:
Supermarkets,Convenience stores,Drugstores
For families and long-stay guests, these are more important than shopping districts.
7. Cleaning & Security
Many apartment hotels provide cleaning only every 3 days,
and some operate without a staffed front desk.
Before booking, confirm:Cleaning schedule,24-hour front desk availability,Security measures
MIMARU Tokyo Apartment Hotels – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do apartment hotels in Tokyo cost?
The average is 45,000–60,000 JPY per night, depending on room type, size, and location.
When staying at MIMARU, dividing the cost among multiple guests is often cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms—making it ideal for families and groups.
Q: Is MIMARU family-friendly? Do they offer baby items?
Yes—very much so.
MIMARU offers free rentals such as baby beds, baby bathtubs, and kids’ chairs
(advance reservation required, limited availability).
Some room types are barrier-free and suitable for wheelchair users.
Q: Which MIMARU locations are the most popular?
- MIMARU Tokyo Ueno EAST: Convenient location with connecting apartments
- MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro: Pokémon-themed rooms—very popular with children and families
- MIMARU Tokyo Kinshicho: Ukiyo-e & Pokémon-themed rooms, ideal for family trips
Q: Can solo travelers or couples stay at MIMARU?
Absolutely.
Even though rooms are spacious, they’re comfortable for one or two guests who want more room to relax.
Many travelers find it much more comfortable than standard business hotels.
Q: Is MIMARU suitable for long stays?
Yes.
Every room includes:A kitchen,Microwave,Refrigerator,Laundry facilities (in-room or shared)
This makes MIMARU ideal for stays of a week or longer, including digital nomads.
Most properties are in central locations with supermarkets and convenience stores nearby, making daily living easy and stress-free.