What Makes MIMARU Different from Other Apartment Hotels with Kitchens in Japan? Comparing Space, Facilities, and Family-Friendly Features

  • Travel Tips

2026.05.09

Welcome to Japan. APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU is not just a place to stay but “a home away from home” where families and friends can create lasting memories together. On group trips abroad, moments when everyone gathers in the same space, shares stories and enjoy warm meals made with local ingredients become some of the most cherished memories.

At MIMARU, we offer comfortable spaces and heartfelt hospitality where you can fully enjoy Japan’s charm while relaxing as if you were living in Japan. We look forward to welcoming you warmly.

Choosing an Apartment Hotel in Japan: How Is MIMARU Different from Other Hotels

MIMARU stands out with guest rooms of approximately 40 square meters or larger where families or groups can relax together in one room, fully equipped kitchen facilities and convenient access to local supermarkets. Compared with typical apartment hotels, MIMARU is specifically designed for stays where large groups can feel at home.

Many apartment hotels in Japan are designed for small groups or business travelers, so larger groups often need to book multiple rooms. At MIMARU, however, we prioritize “a comfortable space to share with family and friends,” creating an environment where groups can stay together comfortably in a single space.

MIMARU vs. Typical Apartment Hotels

Comparison Item MIMARU Typical Apartment Hotel
Main intended target Families and large groups Small groups and business travelers
Approx. room size Approx. 40 sqm or more 20–35 sqm
Kitchen facilities Spacious workspace plus full set of cookware Simple mini kitchen
Large-group stays Up to 10 guests can stay together Multiple bookings often required
Tableware/Cookware Full set for the number of guests Minimal
Laundry facilities Coin laundry or in-room washer Varies, may be paid
Kids-friendly services Rental items, ANO-NE Kids Club, etc. Rarely available
Luggage delivery service Available (paid, for members) Not available

A Spacious Dining Area, Fully Equipped Kitchen, and Ample Tableware

A glimpse of the extensive tableware and cookware at APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU

Every MIMARU room is equipped with a fully functional kitchen and is stocked with tableware and cookware suitable for large groups. One of the main appeals is being able to gather around a large dining table and enjoy a relaxed meal with ingredients from Japan.

Unlike the simple mini kitchens found in typical hotels, MIMARU kitchens offer a spacious workspace so guests can fully enjoy cooking. Plates, utensils, pots, and other cookware are also provided for the number of guests, allowing families to easily prepare meals tailored to children’s tastes or baby food, even during trips where families may otherwise eat out for most meals.

Easy Grocery Shopping with Convenient Access to Local Supermarkets

A glimpse of Japanese ingredients purchased at a nearby supermarket to MIMARU

Many MIMARU properties are located near major stations in urban areas, with well-stocked supermarkets nearby. This makes it easy for guests to step out at any time to buy fresh Japanese vegetables, meat, and prepared foods.

During your stay, you can enjoy a local experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing, such as browsing seasonal ingredients and snacks at supermarkets frequented by locals. Many rooms also feature a larger refrigerator, allowing guests to stock up on ingredients for several days. Our multilingual front desk staff can also provide helpful guidance on nearby shopping options.

Why MIMARU Is Chosen for Group Trips to Japan

Families around the world highly value MIMARU for combining home-like comfort with the experience of Japanese culture, offering room configurations that can accommodate up to 10 guests together and Japanese-Western-style rooms where guests can remove their shoes and relax on the floor.

MIMARU is designed to address challenges overseas travelers may face in Japan, such as limited space and differences in daily routines. By eliminating the need to move between rooms, we offer a living space where guests can share the day’s memories together—this is the kind of hospitality we are proud to offer.

Enough Space and Beds for the Whole Family to Stay Together

An example of a spacious guest room at MIMARU accommodating up to 10 guests. Suitable for group and large family trips

We offer spacious rooms that accommodate up to 10 guests (up to 10 adults together, plus up to 2 children aged 6 and under sharing existing bedding) without the need to book multiple rooms. Separate beds, bunk beds, and in some rooms sofa beds provide a comfortable sleeping environment for everyone.

For group trips with six to eight people or more, options for hotels where everyone can stay in the same room are limited. At MIMARU, thoughtful features—such as two-bedroom rooms that help ensure privacy—help guests avoid feeling cramped even for large groups.

Recommended MIMARU Room Examples by Group Size

Group Composition Recommended Room Type Example Bed Configuration Comparison with Typical Hotels
4 Guests (family/friends) Family Apartment 2 single beds+ 1 bunk bed Typically requires 2 rooms
5–6 guests (Large Family/Friend Group) 1-Bedroom / 2-Bedroom 4 single beds + 1 bunk bed, etc. Typically requires 2–3 rooms
8–10 Guests (Multi-Generation / Large Group) Connecting Apartment Multiple single beds + Japanese futons / bunk beds, etc. Usually difficult to accommodate

Laundry Facilities That Help Even Large Groups Travel Light

A glimpse of the on-site coin laundry at MIMARU Apartment Hotel

On group trips or long-term stays, clothing and other luggage can quickly add up. At every MIMARU property, guests can use either an on-site coin laundry or an in-room washer.

Because guests can do laundry frequently during their stay, they can quickly handle situations where children get their clothes dirty and keep the amount of luggage they bring to Japan to a minimum. The extra space in their suitcases can be used to bring home plenty of wonderful purchases and souvenirs from Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We answer frequently asked questions from those considering a stay at MIMARU.

Q. Are kitchens and laundry facilities available in all rooms?

A. A kitchen is available in every guest room, but laundry facilities vary by room type. Guests will have access to either an on-site coin laundry or an in-room washer.

Q. Are baby items or child-friendly amenities available for rent?

A. Yes. We offer rentals of baby cribs, baby bathtubs, and children’s tableware. Additionally, in the Tokyo area, guests can also use the affiliated indoor playground ANO-NE Kids Club (for children aged 4–10).

Q. Is the room cleaned daily?

A: To respect your privacy during your stay, towel changes, trash collection, and vacuuming are performed daily. Full room cleaning, including bed-making and cleaning of wet areas except the kitchen, is carried out every two days during multi-night stays (starting from the third night).

Q. Can I send luggage to the hotel in advance?

A. Yes, this is possible. Please write your name as it appears on your reservation (full name in English) and your check-in date, and send your luggage to the hotel. We also offer Luggage Delivery by MIMARU, which delivers luggage directly between the airport and MIMARU (paid service requiring MIMARU membership), helping guests travel light and hands-free.

Q. Can you provide information about nearby restaurants and supermarkets?

A. Of course. Each property has multilingual front desk staff on duty, and we are happy to share local information, from recommended nearby supermarkets and takeout restaurants to family-friendly restaurants. Please feel free to ask our front desk staff anytime.

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