Welcome to APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU — for families around the world planning a trip to Tokyo with children. Traveling abroad with young children or babies is a wonderful experience, but it also comes with unique concerns: managing daily meals, handling the ever-growing pile of laundry, and securing a spacious room where the whole family can relax.
MIMARU was created to address exactly those family concerns and to offer a “living like a local” experience. In this article, we explain in detail why MIMARU is a recommended choice for families looking for a family-friendly place to stay in Tokyo — focusing on the practical benefits such as self-catering and laundry facilities.
Why Are Apartment Hotels Chosen for Family Trips to Tokyo?
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The fully equipped kitchen for self-catering and the in-room washer-dryer — features that bring genuine “everyday functionality” — significantly reduce the stress of heavy luggage and meal planning that comes with traveling with children.
On long overseas trips or sightseeing in Tokyo with young children or babies, families often face challenges like dietary imbalance and stained clothing. In a standard hotel, beds take up most of the room, but a family-oriented apartment hotel offers a spacious dining space where the whole family can gather around the table. A kitchen — where you can heat up baby food or prepare simple meals using ingredients bought at a local supermarket — is an essential element for a family-friendly stay.
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MIMARU vs. Standard Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals
| Comparison Point | MIMARU (Apartment Hotel) | Standard Hotel | Vacation Rental (e.g., Airbnb) |
| Room size and capacity | Yes. Spacious — up to 10 guests ※Up to 10 adults in one room + up to 2 children aged 6 and under (sharing a bed) | Limited. Compact (typically 2–3 guests) | Yes. Spacious (houses or apartments) |
| Kitchen and self-catering facilities | Excellent. Full kitchen in every guest room | × None (or kettle only) | Yes. Varies by property |
| In-room washer-dryer or coin laundry (in-room / on-site) | Excellent. Available (helps reduce luggage) | Limited. Laundry service (expensive) | Yes. Varies by property |
| Multilingual front desk support | Excellent. On-site staff available for direct assistance | Yes. Available | Typically none (messaging only) |
| Hygiene standards and security | Excellent. Professional cleaning / hotel-standard security | Excellent. Professional cleaning / hotel-standard security | Limited. Depends on host standards |
The key difference lies in “multilingual front desk staff support” and “high security and hygiene standards.” MIMARU offers the spaciousness and functionality of a vacation rental combined with the peace of mind of a hotel.
Vacation rentals (such as Airbnb) have their appeal in experiencing local life, but they come with drawbacks — potential check-in issues and limited on-site support in case of emergencies. At MIMARU, guest rooms are spacious enough for families of 3, 4, or 5 or more to share comfortably. Staff available at the front desk from 7:00 to 22:00 speak multiple languages beyond Japanese, and can assist guests directly with everything from arranging taxis to recommending nearby pediatric clinics. After 22:00, a night staff is on duty, available in Japanese only.
Additionally, regular professional cleaning and a rigorous security system ensure a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for every member of the family.
MIMARU Tokyo Locations Highly Regarded by International Families Visiting Japan
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| Location | Recommended for | Notable facilities and room types | Area highlights |
| MIMARU TOKYO GINZA EAST | Families seeking a refined stay | Calm Japanese modern aesthetic | Convenient base for shopping and sightseeing |
| MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION | Families with babies and toddlers | Sumida River view / 1-min walk from station | traditional “shitamachi” (historic-town) atmosphere / convenient for grocery shopping |
| MIMARU TOKYO IKEBUKURO | Families with Pokémon-loving children | Pokémon Room | Rich entertainment options |
| MIMARU TOKYO KINSHICHO | Families who want to experience Japanese culture | Pokémon Room / Ukiyo-e Room | Large supermarket and park nearby |
| MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST / MIMARU TOKYO UENO NORTH | Multi-generational and group families | Pokémon Room (UENO EAST only) / Connecting rooms (UENO EAST only) | Excellent airport access / zoo nearby |
MIMARU Tokyo includes locations that have received internationally recognized awards and locations featuring a “Pokémon Room” that children will love — a diverse lineup of hotels where families can choose the option that best suits their travel style and convenience.
Each of our locations has its own distinct character. Please select the location that best matches your family’s stay.
MIMARU TOKYO GINZA EAST & MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION (Refined Spaces and Excellent Locations)
MIMARU TOKYO GINZA EAST was ranked 2nd in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, while MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION offers the appeal of a 1-minute walk from the station and views of the Sumida River.
Featuring a simple yet refined Japanese modern design, this location has received high praise from travelers around the world and was awarded 2nd place in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards. It is a recommended choice for families seeking a calm stay while using it as a base for shopping and sightseeing.
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· MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION
Getting around with young children can be challenging, but this location is just a 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the Sumida River from their rooms, and the surrounding area has plenty of supermarkets and restaurants, making for a practical and comfortable stay.
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MIMARU TOKYO IKEBUKURO & MIMARU TOKYO KINSHICHO (family-friendly Concept Rooms)
As a special space sure to bring smiles to children’s faces, these locations feature the “Pokémon Room.” KINSHICHO also offers a “Ukiyo-e Room” where guests can appreciate Japanese tradition.
The original “Pokémon Room” has received exceptionally high reviews from families. Pokémon emerging from Poké Balls can be found relaxing across the walls, ceiling, bathroom, kitchen, and every corner of the guest room — creating a space that will become one of the most memorable highlights of a Tokyo trip for children.
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Like IKEBUKURO, this location features a Pokémon Room, as well as a range of concept rooms including a “Ukiyo-e Room” to experience Japanese culture. The surrounding area has many family-friendly commercial facilities, making it a very convenient area for grocery shopping with a baby.
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MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST / MIMARU TOKYO UENO NORTH (Convenience and Family & Group Rooms)
Located in the Ueno area with excellent access from Narita Airport, these locations offer spacious rooms suited for multi-generational family trips and group travel, including grandparents.
Situated in one of Tokyo’s top family-friendly areas, within walking distance of Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, and the Tokyo National Museum. Connecting rooms support multi-generational and group travel, and there is also a popular “Pokémon Room” welcomed by a giant Snorlax plush. In addition to the memories made sightseeing in Ueno, guests can enjoy a special experience right in their rooms.
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©Pokémon. ©Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc.
Like UENO EAST, this location is in the Ueno area with excellent access from Narita Airport. It features room types including a “Premium Family Apartment” with a counter kitchen that comfortably accommodates up to 6 adults, a “Premium Japanese Apartment” with tatami flooring, and a “Train View Family Apartment” that children will love — making it a recommended choice for group trips and multi-generational travel.
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FAQ
Q. We are traveling with a baby. Are there facilities available for preparing baby food?
A. Yes, there are. Every guest room is equipped with a full kitchen including an IH cooktop, microwave, refrigerator, and a range of cooking utensils (pots, frying pans, knives, etc.) as well as tableware. You can purchase fresh ingredients at a nearby supermarket and prepare meals tailored to your child’s needs at any time.
Q. We would like to cook using the kitchen facilities. Are there places nearby to buy groceries?
A. Yes. Each MIMARU location is carefully selected to ensure walking-distance access to supermarkets and convenience stores. For example, near MIMARU TOKYO ASAKUSA STATION and MIMARU TOKYO KINSHICHO, there are well-stocked supermarkets where browsing local Japanese ingredients can become an enjoyable activity for the whole family.
Q. How can we do laundry during our stay?
A. This varies by location and room type, but some guest rooms are equipped with an in-room washer-dryer, while others have access to shared coin laundry facilities on-site. In either case, you can wash clothing right away even if your child gets something dirty, and it allows you to keep the luggage you bring to Japan to a minimum. This practical benefit is highly appreciated by many families.
Q. We have large suitcases and a stroller. Is it possible to store luggage before check-in or after check-out?
A. Yes, it is. Luggage storage is available at the front desk (please note that storing luggage from the day before check-in or until the day after check-out may incur additional charges). You can also use “Luggage Delivery by MIMARU,” a service that allows direct delivery of luggage between the airport and MIMARU (this is a paid service that requires MIMARU membership registration). Many guests have appreciated being able to enjoy sightseeing hands-free from the moment they arrive at the airport.
Q. We are deciding between a vacation rental and MIMARU. What are the benefits of an apartment hotel?
A. MIMARU offers space and living facilities (kitchen, dining space, and laundry) comparable to or exceeding those of a vacation rental, while also providing attentive support from hotel front desk staff, luggage storage service, and guaranteed security and cleaning standards. For families traveling overseas with young children in particular, the combination of “peace of mind” and “convenience” is the greatest advantage that vacation rentals cannot match.
Q. Is it possible to arrange childcare so adults can go out sightseeing on their own?
A. Yes. An affiliated facility of MIMARU TOKYO offers an indoor play area called “ANO-NE Kids Club,” which also accepts drop-in childcare. This can also be used on rainy days or when adults want to enjoy shopping or dining on their own. For details and reservations, please contact the front desk at each location.