Shinjuku offers convenient access to Shibuya, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, and the Tokyo Station area, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Tokyo. With many department stores and restaurants, it is also a convenient area for families traveling with children to stay.
On the other hand, the area around Shinjuku Station has a complex layout with numerous exits and train lines, so extra care is needed when traveling with a stroller or large luggage. In addition, hotels in central Tokyo tend to have compact guest rooms due to land costs, so it is essential to check in advance whether the whole family can stay comfortably.
In this article, we explain the points families with children should consider when choosing a hotel in Shinjuku. We will also introduce the benefits of staying in Shinjuku, nearby places to enjoy with children, the differences between hotels near the station and apartment hotels, and the advantages of choosing accommodations with spacious rooms or kitchens.
Six points to consider when looking for a family-friendly hotel in Shinjuku
1. Whether four or more people can stay in the same room
Most typical hotels mainly offer rooms for two to three guests, so options where a family of four or more can stay in the same room are limited. Before booking, be sure to check the room capacity, number of beds, and whether children can sleep in the same bed as their parents.
If the rooms are separated, families with small children may find it inconvenient to deal with nighttime needs or emergencies. In addition to the room capacity, having enough space to open your luggage is also an important point to check.
2. Room size and bed configuration
Hotels in the city center often have compact rooms of around 16 to 22 square meters, which may feel cramped for two adults plus children. For families with children, rooms with multiple single beds, rooms with bunk beds, and Japanese-Western-style rooms are convenient options.
If you have small children, it is also a good idea to check at the time of booking whether bed rails are available to rental.
3. Availability of a kitchen and microwave
Shinjuku has many restaurants, but looking for a restaurant with children during busy hours can be more difficult than expected. If your room has a kitchen or microwave, you can prepare baby food or reheat takeout in the room, making it easier to arrange meals around your child’s schedule.
For multi-night or extended stays, this can also help reduce dining-out costs.
4. Ease of use of the bathroom
When traveling with children, a bathroom with a separate washing area or a separate washbasin is often easier to use than an all-in-one bathroom unit where the bath, toilet, and washbasin are combined. Check whether it is easy to use with children and whether multiple family members can get ready at the same time.
5. Availability of laundry facilities
When traveling with children, unexpected changes of clothes and soiled clothes are common. If there is a coin laundry at the hotel, you can pack less and enjoy a more comfortable stay even on multi-night stays.
Before your trip, it is also helpful to check whether laundry facilities are available, as well as the number of machines and the fees, so you won’t have to worry about it during your stay.
6. Whether luggage storage is available
If you can leave your luggage before check-in or after check-out, you can enjoy sightseeing without carrying everything with you. This is especially important for family trips with a stroller or large suitcases. Be sure to also check the front desk hours and whether there is space to store a stroller.
Benefits of staying in Shinjuku for a family trip
Shinjuku is a convenient base for sightseeing in Tokyo. With access to multiple lines, including JR, private railways, and the subway, it is convenient for traveling to areas such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Station, making it well suited for families who want to visit several sightseeing spots on a limited schedule.
Easy access to many areas of Tokyo
Shinjuku offers excellent transportation access, making it easy to visit multiple places that children want to see while fitting them into your schedule. It is also convenient for shopping or visiting character shops in the Shibuya and Harajuku areas, or for visiting indoor attractions in the Ikebukuro area.
Many options for dining and shopping
Shinjuku has many department stores, commercial facilities, restaurants, convenience stores, and drugstores, making it easy to pick up anything you need during your trip. Being able to purchase children’s drinks, snacks, extra clothes, daily necessities, and other items locally provides peace of mind when traveling as a family.
Easy to adjust plans even on rainy days
Shinjuku has many commercial facilities and observation spots where you can spend time indoors, so your plans are less likely to be affected by the weather. Even on rainy or hot days, it is easy to switch to shopping, dining, or indoor sightseeing, making it easier to plan a manageable itinerary even when traveling with small children.
Sightseeing spots around Shinjuku to enjoy with children
Around Shinjuku, there are parks, observation spots, and shopping facilities that are easy to visit even with children. When choosing a hotel, it is also a good idea to check the travel time from your accommodation to the places you want to visit, as well as how easy it is to get around with a stroller.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a spot where you can enjoy lush green scenery while still being in the heart of the city. It is an easy place to take a walk with children or rest in nature when you are tired from sightseeing or shopping.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories are observation spots in Shinjuku where you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo. Because you can spend time indoors, they are easy to include in your plans even on rainy, hot, or cold days, and the experience is likely to leave a strong impression on children.
Shinjuku Central Park
Shinjuku Central Park is located on the west side of Shinjuku Station. Depending on the hotel’s location, it can be convenient for a morning walk or a break between sightseeing, and it is also a good place for children to spend some time outdoors.
Shibuya and Harajuku areas
One of the advantages of staying in Shinjuku is easy access to the Shibuya and Harajuku areas. It is also suitable for families who want to enjoy character shops and shopping. With Shinjuku as your base, it is easier to plan an itinerary that includes sightseeing in Shibuya and Harajuku during the day, then returning to the hotel at night to rest.
If room size and facilities are important, an Apartment Hotel is also an option
For families with children looking for a comfortable stay in Shinjuku, not only typical hotels but also Apartment Hotels with kitchens and dining spaces can be an option.
For family trips with children, it is important to choose a hotel not just as a place to sleep, but as a place where the family can relax during the stay.
Apartment Hotels are often designed with larger guest rooms than typical hotels, and some also have kitchens and dining spaces. Because you can combine takeout and simple self-catering instead of relying only on eating out, they offer the flexibility to accommodate a child’s age or how they are feeling.
Which is more suitable: a typical hotel near Shinjuku Station or an Apartment Hotel?
The level of convenience for a family trip can vary greatly depending on the type of hotel.
| Comparison item | Apartment Hotel | Typical hotel near Shinjuku Station |
| Room size | Many are designed to be spacious for families | May be compact |
| Meals | Simple meals can be prepared in the kitchen | Meals tend to center on eating out |
| Laundry | Many locations have coin laundry | Varies by hotel |
| Comfort for families | Dining and living spaces available | Bed-centered |
| Families it is suited for | Prioritizes spaciousness, facilities, and comfort for multi-night stays | Prioritizes travel efficiency and proximity to the station above all else |
If you want to minimize travel time, a hotel near the station is a good choice. On the other hand, if you are traveling with infants or toddlers, staying multiple nights, or prioritizing a space where the whole family can relax, an Apartment Hotel is an easy option to consider. Choose based on the purpose of your trip and the ages of your children.
MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku West, Convenient for Family Trips in Shinjuku
MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku West is an Apartment Hotel designed for family or groups. With spacious guest rooms, a kitchen, dining space, and a separate bathroom, it is a good option for families staying in Shinjuku with children.
Guest Rooms That Make It Easy for Families to Stay Together
We offer spacious guest room layouts that are well suited to families who want to stay in the same room, as well as for multigenerational families and families traveling with siblings.
All Rooms Include a Kitchen and Dining Space
All rooms have a kitchen and dining space, and guests can use a microwave, refrigerator, cookware, and more. This is convenient when you want to prepare simple meals for children or on days when you prefer not to eat out.
Separate Washbasin and Bathroom
Because the washbasin and bathroom are separate, the layout makes bathing children and getting ready in the morning easier, even when traveling with children. It is also convenient because you can enjoy a stay that feels more like home.
Coin laundry available
There is a coin laundry inside the hotel, making it easier to manage children’s laundry during longer stays. It is also convenient for families who want to pack lighter.
Crib and Bed Rail Rentals Available Upon Request
If you are traveling with small children, you can ask about renting items such as bed rails. As quantities are limited, we recommend checking availability in advance if you need them.
▶Check availability and room types on the MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku West Official Homepage
Summary
Shinjuku is a convenient base for sightseeing in Tokyo. It offers easy access to Shibuya, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, and the Tokyo Station area, and has many options for shopping and dining, making it a suitable choice for families traveling with children.
However, the area around Shinjuku Station tends to be crowded, and some hotels may have compact rooms. For family trips, it is important to choose a hotel after checking not only how close it is to the station, but also the room size, bed configuration, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
If you would like to compare other areas to stay in Tokyo in addition to Shinjuku, please also see our article, “Which area is recommended for staying in Tokyo? Five popular stay areas to choose from based on your sightseeing goals.” It offers helpful tips for choosing an area that suits your family’s travel plans and destinations.
For families who prioritize space and facilities, an Apartment Hotel such as MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku West can also be a good option. With Shinjuku as your base, choose a hotel where the whole family can stay comfortably without strain.
FAQ
Q. Is Shinjuku a safe area to stay in with children?
A. Shinjuku is a convenient area with good transport access and many hotels and commercial facilities. However, the area around the station tends to be crowded, and the atmosphere can vary depending on the area, so if you are traveling with children, it is a good idea to check the area around the hotel and the route from the station in advance.
Q. Are there hotels in Shinjuku where a family of four can stay in the same room?
A. Yes, there are. However, at typical hotels, rooms where four or more guests can stay together may be limited. When booking, be sure to check the capacity, number of beds, conditions for children who sleep in the same bed as their parents, and room size.
Q. If traveling with children, should I choose a hotel near Shinjuku Station?
A. Hotels near the station are convenient, but please note that the area around the station tends to be crowded. If you are traveling with small children, it is a good idea to choose a hotel by considering not only the distance from the station, but also the route to the hotel, the surrounding environment, and the room size.
Q. What kind of hotel is convenient for a multi-night stay in Shinjuku?
A. For multi-night stays, a hotel with a kitchen, microwave, laundry facilities, and spacious guest rooms is convenient. This can help reduce the burden of eating out every day and make it easier to pack lighter.
Q. Is MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku West suitable for families with children?
A. With guest rooms designed for families and groups, as well as a kitchen, dining space, and separate bathroom, it is a convenient option for families staying in Shinjuku with children.