Hotels in Japan

Japan offers a vibrant blend of nature, food, parks, and colorful urban moments that appeal to both children and adults. Families come for scenery, outdoor fun, and days filled with discovery – but the hotel you choose sets the rhythm for each day. Rooms in Japan are smaller than many travelers expect, distances feel longer than they appear on a map, and staying close to a train station can transform the entire experience.

Do you need a car along with your hotel in Japan stay?

Even though travel inside major Japanese cities is based mainly on trains and metro lines, many families choose to rent a car once they head toward nature. Renting a car allows families to explore regions such as the Fuji area, nearby lakes, and more remote natural landscapes at their own pace. For trips with children, this added flexibility can significantly improve the overall experience.

A car makes it easy to stop spontaneously during long travel days, which is especially helpful when traveling with kids. It also provides convenient access to viewpoints, lakes, and small towns that are harder to reach by public transport. Moving between an urban hotel and countryside accommodation becomes far simpler when you are not tied to train or bus schedules.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert:
Driving inside Tokyo is not ideal, but once you leave the city, a car makes the journey calmer, more flexible, and much more comfortable for families.

How to choose the right location of hotels in Japan?

One principle appears consistently: a good hotel in Japan is located within five minutes of a train station. For families, this simple rule has a major impact on day-to-day comfort. It reduces the need for long walks before or after full days of activities and keeps logistics easy for both children and adults.

A ten-minute walk may seem minor, but with kids, umbrellas, bags, or a stroller, it can feel considerably longer. Most restaurants, shops, and convenience stores are concentrated around major stations, so staying nearby saves energy every day. Distances of ten minutes or more are generally considered borderline for families.

What should you know about the rooms hotels in Japan?

Hotel rooms in Japan are generally compact. In standard hotels, room sizes usually range from 10 to 20 m², and business hotels are often even more space-efficient. This is completely normal in Japan and is worth keeping in mind when planning a stay.

Despite the compact layout, cleanliness is consistently high. Even in basic room categories, housekeeping is well maintained. Essential amenities are almost always provided: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a kettle, a mini-fridge, tea or coffee, slippers, and a light pajama set. Many business hotels also include coin-laundry facilities, allowing families to pack lighter and wash clothes during the trip.

Some hotels offer more family-friendly room types. Large apartment-style rooms may include full kitchens and washing machines. Certain room types include microwaves and washing machines. Some hotels provide on-site onsen (hot baths) reserved exclusively for guests.

How much does Hotels in Japan cost?

Several hotel categories and price levels exist, giving families a realistic picture of what to expect when planning their stay.

Budget – Basic level

Toyoko Inn (Toyoko Inn)
Breakfast is always included and simple – onigiri, miso soup, and bread. Rooms are small and firm, but clean, reliable, and affordable.

APA / MyStays / Tokyu Stay
These 3-star chains offer compact rooms in excellent locations. Some branches include an onsen. They work well for families who spend most of the day exploring and simply need a clean and practical place to sleep.

Mid-range – Comfortable for families

Hotel Wing International Select Asakusa Komagata (Hotel Wing Asakusa)
One minute from the station, with a rooftop terrace overlooking Skytree. A light breakfast is included, and the rooms are suitable for families.

Hotel Keihan Asakusa (Hotel Keihan Asakusa)
A calm location near Senso-ji, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and convenient transport options. A strong choice for families who prefer quieter evenings.

Upper-mid & Family Apartments

Mimaru (Mimaru)
Large rooms from 40 m², full kitchens, washing machines, and space for 4-10 people. Excellent for families who cook, need room to move, or plan longer stays.

Premium

Akihabara Washington Hotel (Akihabara Washington Hotel)
A great match for families with teenagers who enjoy games, electronics, and the energy of Akihabara. The rooms are simple but the location is exceptional.

Hoshino Resorts (Hoshino Resorts)
High-quality resorts, some featuring playrooms and ball pools for children. Ideal for 2-3 nights of relaxation outside the city.

Watching Tokyo grow and transform right under my window – the city never stops, and that energy makes every morning exciting.

Which Hotels in Japan types work best for families?

Accommodation can be grouped into four useful profiles based on family size, preferred comfort level, and trip style.

Families looking for budget-friendly stays

Toyoko Inn / APA / MyStays
Clean, compact, and efficient – ideal for families who spend full days outdoors and need a reliable place to sleep.

Families wanting maximum comfort

Hotel Wing International Select Asakusa Komagata / Hotel Keihan Asakusa
Short walking distances, calm surroundings, and immediate access to restaurants, shops, and key attractions. These areas are especially convenient for families with younger children.

Large families

Mimaru
The only accommodation mentioned that comfortably supports 4-10 guests, offering spacious rooms with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and plenty of room for everyone.

Families seeking a unique experience

Hoshino Resorts
Perfect for families who want a nature-focused stay with onsen facilities, peaceful surroundings, and a break from the busy urban environment.

How to combine hotels in Japan stays along a full itinerary?

Families often move between cities and nature in a balanced rhythm. One example of a route is:
Tokyo → Fuji Area → Kyoto → Kii-Katsuura → Kansai.
This structure blends the convenience of major cities with quiet days in natural landscapes and onsen towns.

A common pattern is:

• 3-4 nights in Tokyo near a major station
• 2-3 nights in the Fuji region (ideally with a rental car for flexibility)
• 3 nights in Kyoto near a large station for easy transport connections
• 1-2 nights in another nature area with an onsen
• Additional nights in Osaka, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka depending on the length of the trip

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Choose hotels close to the main activity planned for the day – it saves energy and helps prevent afternoon fatigue, especially when traveling with children.

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More Info

What should you check before booking hotels in Japan?

• Room types
  Japan offers a wide range of room configurations. Some hotels provide only double rooms, while others offer triple or quad rooms. Choosing the correct room type for your family size is essential for a smooth stay.
• Smoking / Non-smoking
  Many hotels still have designated smoking floors. To ensure a more comfortable environment, always select a non-smoking room when booking.
• Occupancy limits
  Japanese hotels are strict about the number of guests per room. If a room is booked for two people, three cannot stay in it. Always book the correct occupancy to avoid issues at check-in.
• Renovation date
  Some hotels are older, and their room quality varies. A renovated room can offer a noticeably better experience in terms of comfort and practicality.

Traveler Reviews of Hotels in Japan

Emily Carter – April 2021
I stayed at Hotel Wing International Select Asakusa Komagata, and the location alone made our family trip much easier. Being one minute from the station and a short walk from Senso-ji worked perfectly with two kids. Breakfast was simple but useful. The only drawback was the limited space for opening large suitcases.

Daniel Brooks – June 2019
We chose Toyoko Inn for its price, and it delivered exactly what we needed. Clean rooms, quiet nights, and a basic breakfast – onigiri, miso soup, and bread – helped us start early. The rooms are extremely small, so families who need space should be prepared for that.

Olivia Sanders – February 2023
I tried a capsule-style hotel with an onsen. It felt unusual at first but ended up being a unique experience. Very inexpensive and very clean, though with no privacy. It’s not suitable for more than one night or for families with young children.

Michael Jensen – November 2024
Our stay at Mimaru Tokyo was a highlight. The room was large by Japanese standards – full kitchen, plenty of beds, and enough space for all five of us. Having laundry inside the room was incredibly convenient. It’s more expensive than business hotels, but the comfort level is completely different.

Sarah Mitchell – May 2018
At Hotel Keihan Asakusa, everything we needed was just outside the entrance – food, shops, and quiet streets to walk with kids. The room was small but functional. Staying in Asakusa felt peaceful even in the evenings. Just note that higher-floor rooms tend to be the most requested.

Jason Lee – December 2023
We stayed at Dormy Inn, and the onsen quickly became our family’s evening ritual. The kids loved the free late-night ramen, and the hot baths were perfect after long days of walking. The room was small, but the service made up for it. It’s worth checking whether your branch includes an onsen.

Laura Bennett – September 2022
I booked a larger room at MyStays, and surprisingly it worked for our family of five. Laundry on the same floor made everything easier. The only issue was that some rooms are older, and you can feel the difference. Choosing a renovated room is definitely the better option.

Andrew Collins – July 2025
With two teenagers, staying near Akihabara Washington Hotel was the best choice we made. Being close to electronics stores and game shops kept them excited every day. The rooms were standard in size – not luxurious – but the location made the entire stay simple and fun.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

Choose a hotel within 5 minutes of a station
For families, proximity to a train station is the most important factor. Ten minutes may sound short, but with kids, umbrellas, luggage, and long days, it feels much longer.

Look for larger room types even in budget chains
Some budget hotels offer slightly bigger rooms. Even a small increase in space can make daily routines much easier.

Use included breakfast when available
A simple, included breakfast saves valuable time in the morning and helps avoid searching for food when everyone is tired.

Choose hotels with enough space for large families
Rooms with full kitchens and in-room laundry make a major difference when traveling with children of different ages.

Open suitcases on the bed in small rooms
In compact rooms, opening the suitcase on the bed helps keep the floor free and reduces frustration.

Choose renovated rooms when possible
Renovated rooms often provide better comfort, lighting, and cleanliness, especially during longer stays.

Check for on-site facilities like an onsen
Facilities such as hot baths can be a perfect way to relax after long days, and are enjoyable for children.

Stay in locations suitable for older kids or teenagers
If traveling with tech-loving teens, staying near shops and entertainment areas can make the experience more convenient and fun.

Combine city hotels with a nature-focused stay
Spending one or two nights in a hotel outside the city with natural amenities helps everyone reset and recharge.

Book early for family-sized rooms
Rooms for four or more people are rare. Early booking is essential to secure adequate space for larger families.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

When traveling in Japan, staying in different types of accommodation – from compact business hotels to spacious family apartments – makes it clear how much hotel choice affects the rhythm of a family trip. Rooms in Japan are generally small, sometimes extremely small, and location is essential. A hotel that is a ten-minute walk from a station can feel much longer when traveling with children and luggage. Choosing hotels within five minutes of a station greatly improves convenience and daily comfort.

Staying at Mimaru made a significant difference for our family. A full kitchen and in-room washing machine allowed us to travel lighter and stay organized. On the other hand, a night at Dormy Inn reminded me how valuable an onsen can be after a long day – especially when the branch includes the well-known free evening ramen. One recurring challenge is opening suitcases in business hotels like APA or MyStays, where the space is extremely limited. Over time, I learned to pack and unpack on the bed to avoid frustration.

Japan offers countless rewarding experiences – nature, views, colorful neighborhoods, parks, and great food – and choosing the right hotel allows families to enjoy them with less effort and more comfort. The right combination of urban convenience and relaxing nature stays can turn a family trip into a memorable journey.

I invite you to create a tailored itinerary with me, choosing the hotels and regions across Japan that will make your family trip truly unforgettable.

This buffet was a dream – fresh dishes everywhere, bright colours, and the perfect start to a long day of exploring.

Price Table

FAQ

Are hotel rooms in Japan really small?
Yes. Budget and mid-range chains such as Toyoko Inn and many 3-star hotels typically offer rooms of 10-20 m², with compact bathrooms and limited space for luggage.

Do Japanese hotels offer breakfast?
Most chains do. Toyoko Inn always includes a simple breakfast with rice balls, miso soup, and bread. Many 3-star hotels provide buffet breakfasts, occasionally for an additional fee.

Are there family-friendly hotel chains?
Yes. Tokyu Stay is convenient for families thanks to kitchenettes, microwaves, and in-room washer/dryers in certain room types. Hotel Keihan Asakusa is also well located near stations, restaurants, and convenience stores.

Do hotels have onsen baths?
Several chains offer onsen-style public baths, including MyStays, APA Hotels, Tokyu Stay, and Dormy Inn. These facilities are usually gender-separated and for guests only.

Is staying near a train station important?
Yes. Choosing accommodation within 15 minutes of a station is recommended, since trains and subways are the most efficient way to travel in Japan.

Do hotels in Japan often have shared bathrooms?
Some do. One traveler noted that many budget hotels offer shared showers and toilets, so this is something to check in advance.

Are beds hard in Japanese hotels?
In some chains, yes. Toyoko Inn is known for firm beds and pillows, sometimes even firmer than traditional futons.

Are capsule or micro-hotels convenient? (first-person)
During one trip, I stayed in a micro-hotel room for 4,480 yen ($34). It felt bigger than a capsule and even had its own toilet and a comfortable chair. It was perfect for a short, budget-friendly night.

Is luggage delivery easy when staying at hotels?
Yes. Guests in hotels usually receive luggage delivery directly through the hotel concierge, making the process simple and reliable.

Do some hotels offer extra perks for families? (first-person)
When I stayed at Dormy Inn, the onsen baths, welcome drinks, and free late-night ramen made evenings enjoyable after long sightseeing days with kids.6

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