At MIMARU, we value providing a “comfortable space to spend time with family and friends,” and warmly welcome families visiting from all over the world. For your first trip to Tokyo, you may have many concerns about the location, such as navigating complex transfers at train stations and traveling with large luggage.
Our apartment hotels focus on excellent access from major stations so that all family members can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind. Below we will show you how to choose the best area in Tokyo and MIMARU location for your family to ensure a highly successful stay.
Choosing from 3 Areas for MIMARU in Tokyo Based on Your Purpose Is Recommended: The Differences and How to Choose between Ueno, Tokyo Station, and Shinjuku
We recommend choosing your base for staying by categorizing Tokyo into three areas according to your sightseeing goals: the Ueno/Asakusa area, the Tokyo Station/Nihombashi area, and the Shinjuku/Ikebukuro area. Each area has its own characteristics and representative MIMARU locations.
Area 1 – Ueno/Asakusa: Direct access via the Skyliner from Narita Airport & primary base for international families visiting Japan for the first time
This area offers direct access from Narita Airport via the Skyliner, allowing you to experience Japanese history and culture up close at places like Ueno Zoo and Senso-ji Temple. It is very popular as a base for first-time trips to Japan.
Multiple MIMARU locations are gathered in this area. For example, MIMARU Tokyo Ueno East is in a very convenient location, just a 3-minute walk from the Iriya Exit of JR Ueno Station. Since you can drop off your luggage immediately after arrival and travel light, you can smoothly start sightseeing even after a long flight.
Area 2 – Tokyo Station/Nihombashi: Take advantage of multiple nearby stations for travel by Shinkansen and to Tokyo Disney Resort®
This area has a calm atmosphere and is highly recommended for families who want to enjoy shopping in Ginza and popular gourmet food, while also being convenient for taking the Shinkansen to head to Kyoto or Osaka.
Despite being located in the center of Tokyo, this area offers an environment where families can relax quietly. For example, MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori features appealing multi-access, being a 2-minute walk from Hatchobori Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, and a 4-minute walk to the JR Keiyo Line station heading towards Tokyo Disney Resort®.
Area 3 – Shinjuku/Ikebukuro: A highly recommended base for sightseeing in western Tokyo, including Shibuya, Harajuku, and various anime hotspots
This vibrant western area is recommended as a base for families who want to fully experience pop culture such as anime and video games, as well as trendsetting hubs like Shibuya and Harajuku.
Despite being near a massive terminal station with access to multiple train lines, MIMARU Hotels offers a relaxing space just like home. For example, MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku West can be reached in a 10-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Shinjuku Station (or an 8-minute walk from Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line), providing smooth access to lush, green spots like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Yoyogi Park.
Reasons Why MIMARU Is Recommended as a Base for Your First Sightseeing Trip to Tokyo
A major advantage unique to MIMARU is the excellent access, with many locations being within walking distance from major stations. We feature locations near stations that allow you to move smoothly without getting lost, even with large luggage or small children.
Locations within walking distance from major stations to minimize the burden of travel
Traveling with large luggage or a stroller can be more exhausting than expected. MIMARU locations are situated just a short distance from major stations, which can greatly reduce the anxiety of getting lost and the fatigue of traveling.
For your first trip to Tokyo, the location of your base hotel is a very important factor that greatly influences your level of fatigue and, consequently, your overall satisfaction with the trip. In particular, traveling with small children or walking through unfamiliar areas with large suitcases can be more exhausting than expected.
At MIMARU, our locations are situated within walking distance of major train and subway stations (JR, private railways, and subways) to help minimize the stress of getting lost and the burden of traveling for families.
By using a major station as your base, you can navigate Tokyo’s complex transportation network more simply, allowing for smooth access to various parts of the city.
Take breaks and enjoy meals at your convenience! Stay like you live there at your family’s own pace.
Because our locations are close to stations, it is easy to return to the hotel for a nap or a break during your sightseeing. This allows for a flexible and relaxed stay without disrupting your family’s daily rhythm.
Being a short distance from the station means more than just arriving quickly. For example, when you feel a little tired from sightseeing during the day, or when a small child falls asleep, it creates a sense of extra time and peace of mind knowing you can easily return to your room to rest without overexerting yourselves.
After relaxing in your private space, you can head back out for dinner and enjoy Tokyo at night. You could also pick up seasonal, local ingredients from a supermarket near the station and prepare a leisurely dinner in the kitchen within your room. This allows for a flexible stay plan aligned with your family’s daily rhythm, as if you were living here.
FAQ Regarding Choosing a Base and Sightseeing in Tokyo
Q. I have small children and a stroller, so I am anxious about traveling from the station.
A. Many MIMARU locations are situated within a 5-minute walk from the station. Furthermore, you can download our Universal Design Map from the Nearest Station from each hotel page on the MIMARU Official Homepage. Since you can check the locations of elevators in advance using the Universal Design Map, you can avoid steps and arrive smoothly.
Q. I am deciding between multiple areas, how should I choose?
A. We offer our Travel Style Finder on the MIMARU Official Homepage, which provides suggestions based on your sightseeing goals. Simply by selecting the types of experiences you value, you can find a recommended hotel and area for your family.
Q. Can I forward heavy luggage from the airport to the hotel, or to my next hotel?
A. Yes. We offer Luggage Delivery by MIMARU as a paid service exclusively for MIMARU members. Since you can send large luggage directly between the airport and MIMARU, you can hold hands with your children while you enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo safely and unburdened. *Only Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports are supported. Please see the Luggage Delivery by MIMARU page for details.
Q. Is access to major tourist destinations easy?
A. Yes, it is very easy. Each MIMARU is located in the city center, and is close to major train and subway stations (JR, private railways, and subways). You can access popular tourist spots with fewer transfers, such as the zoo and art museums from the Ueno area, the Imperial Palace and Ginza from the Nihombashi area, and Sunshine City from the Ikebukuro area. Our multilingual front desk staff will also assist you with your travel arrangements.