Family Hotels Tokyo: Your Guide to the Best Stays

Planning a trip to Tokyo with the family? You’re in for an incredible adventure! But finding the right accommodation can make or break your vacation. Tokyo, while amazing, can be a bit challenging when it comes to space, especially with kids in tow. This guide is designed to help you navigate the options and find the perfect family hotel that suits your needs and budget. We’ll cover everything from spacious rooms and convenient locations to kid-friendly amenities and nearby attractions.

Why Choose a Family-Friendly Hotel in Tokyo?

Traveling with children comes with its own set of considerations. Cramped hotel rooms, lack of on-site entertainment, and inconvenient locations can quickly turn a dream vacation into a stressful experience. Family-friendly hotels address these concerns by offering:

• Spacious accommodations: Forget squeezing into a standard double room. Family hotels often provide connecting rooms, suites, or larger rooms designed to comfortably accommodate families.
• Kid-friendly amenities: Many hotels feature kids’ clubs, playgrounds, swimming pools, and other amenities that keep children entertained.
• Convenient locations: Proximity to major attractions, public transportation, and family-friendly restaurants makes exploring Tokyo much easier.
• On-site dining options: Having restaurants within the hotel that cater to different tastes, including picky eaters, is a huge plus.
• Helpful services: Concierge services can assist with booking tours, arranging transportation, and providing recommendations for family activities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family Hotel

Before diving into specific hotel recommendations, let’s consider the key factors that will influence your decision:

Location, Location, Location

Tokyo is a vast city, and choosing the right location can save you valuable time and energy. Consider these factors when selecting a neighborhood:

• Proximity to attractions: Are you primarily interested in exploring historical sites, theme parks, or shopping districts? Choose a hotel that is conveniently located near your desired attractions.
• Access to public transportation: Tokyo has an excellent public transportation system, but navigating it with children can be challenging. Look for hotels that are close to train stations or subway lines.
• Neighborhood atmosphere: Some neighborhoods are more bustling and energetic than others. Consider your family’s preferences when choosing a location. Shinjuku and Shibuya are vibrant options, while areas like Ueno and Asakusa offer a more traditional atmosphere.

Room Size and Configuration

Space is a premium in Tokyo, so carefully consider the room size and configuration. Look for:

• Connecting rooms: These allow you to stay close to your children while still maintaining some privacy.
• Suites: Suites typically offer separate living areas, providing more space for families to relax and unwind.
• Larger rooms: Even standard rooms can vary in size. Check the square footage to ensure it’s adequate for your family.
• Bed configuration: Determine whether you need multiple beds, a king-size bed with a sofa bed, or other configurations to accommodate your family’s sleeping arrangements.

Amenities and Services

Consider the amenities and services that are important to your family:

• Kids’ club or playground: These can provide a welcome break for parents and a fun outlet for children.
• Swimming pool: A swimming pool is a great way to relax and cool off after a day of sightseeing.
• On-site restaurants: Having a variety of dining options within the hotel makes mealtimes much easier.
• Laundry facilities: Traveling with children often means dealing with laundry. On-site laundry facilities can be a lifesaver.
• Babysitting services: If you’d like to enjoy a night out without the kids, inquire about babysitting services.
• Free Wi-Fi: Essential for staying connected and researching activities.

Budget

Tokyo offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Set a realistic budget and prioritize the features that are most important to your family. Remember that prices can vary depending on the season, so book in advance to secure the best rates.

Recommended Family Hotels in Tokyo

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some of the best family-friendly hotels in Tokyo, categorized by area and budget.

Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku is a bustling area with excellent transportation links and a wide range of attractions, including the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It’s a great base for exploring the city.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is a popular choice for families, offering spacious rooms, stunning city views, and a variety of amenities. They are known for their Hello Kitty themed rooms which are a big hit with kids.

Key Features:

• Spacious rooms with connecting options.
• Multiple restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
• Swimming pool (seasonal).
• Hello Kitty themed rooms.
• Convenient location near Shinjuku Station.
• Concierge service for tour arrangements and recommendations.

Why it’s great for families: The variety of dining options caters to different tastes, and the Hello Kitty rooms provide a unique and memorable experience for children. The convenient location makes it easy to explore the city.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Famous for its appearance in the movie “Lost in Translation,” the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views. While it’s a splurge, the spacious suites and exceptional service make it a great choice for families seeking a high-end experience.

Key Features:

• Spacious suites with separate living areas.
• Multiple restaurants and bars.
• Indoor swimming pool and fitness center.
• Stunning city views.
• Exceptional service.

Why it’s great for families: The spacious suites provide ample room for families to relax, and the indoor pool is a welcome amenity. The exceptional service ensures a comfortable and memorable stay. While pricier, the experience is unmatched.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla Head Hotel)

This hotel is famous for the Godzilla head perched atop its building. While the rooms themselves are fairly standard in size, the unique theme and convenient location make it a fun option for families with Godzilla fans.

Key Features:

• Godzilla themed rooms.
• Life-size Godzilla head on the building.
• Multiple restaurants.
• Convenient location in Shinjuku.

Why it’s great for families: The unique Godzilla theme is a major draw for children. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore Shinjuku and other parts of Tokyo.

Ueno Area

Ueno is a more relaxed area known for its museums, parks, and zoo. It’s a great choice for families who want to be close to cultural attractions and green spaces.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno

The Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno offers comfortable and affordable accommodations in a convenient location near Ueno Park and Ueno Station. It’s a great choice for families on a budget.

Key Features:

• Comfortable and affordable rooms.
• Convenient location near Ueno Park and Ueno Station.
• On-site restaurant.
• Coin laundry.

Why it’s great for families: The affordable rates make it a great choice for budget-conscious families. The proximity to Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Hotel Coco Grand Ueno Shinobazu

This hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable rooms and a rooftop open-air bath. It’s a great choice for families who want to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Key Features:

• Comfortable rooms.
• Rooftop open-air bath.
• On-site restaurant.
• Convenient location near Ueno Park.

Why it’s great for families: The rooftop bath provides a unique and relaxing experience. The proximity to Ueno Park makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities.

Tokyo Disneyland Area

If Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are the main focus of your trip, staying in the Disneyland area is the most convenient option.

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

Staying at the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is an immersive Disney experience. The hotel offers themed rooms, character dining, and direct access to Tokyo Disneyland.

Key Features:

• Themed rooms (e.g., Cinderella, Tinker Bell).
• Character dining.
• Direct access to Tokyo Disneyland.
• Swimming pool (seasonal).
• Multiple restaurants and shops.

Why it’s great for families: The immersive Disney experience is a dream come true for children. The direct access to Tokyo Disneyland makes it easy to enjoy the park. The convenience is well worth the premium for Disney enthusiasts.

Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta

Located within Tokyo DisneySea, the Hotel MiraCosta offers unparalleled access to the park and stunning views of the Mediterranean Harbor. It’s the most luxurious of the Disney hotels.

Key Features:

• Located within Tokyo DisneySea.
• Stunning views of Mediterranean Harbor.
• Themed rooms.
• Multiple restaurants and shops.
• Swimming pool.

Why it’s great for families: The unparalleled access to Tokyo DisneySea is a major advantage. The themed rooms and stunning views create a magical experience.

Hilton Tokyo Bay

The Hilton Tokyo Bay offers a more affordable option than the Disney hotels, but still provides convenient access to the parks. The hotel features themed rooms and a variety of amenities.

Key Features:

• Themed rooms.
• Multiple restaurants and bars.
• Indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
• Kids’ club.
• Free shuttle to the Disney parks.

Why it’s great for families: The themed rooms and kids’ club provide entertainment for children. The free shuttle to the Disney parks makes it easy to get to and from the parks. It offers a balance of price and convenience.

Other Recommended Hotels

Here are a few other family-friendly hotels in Tokyo worth considering:

Imperial Hotel Tokyo

A historic hotel known for its impeccable service and elegant atmosphere. While not specifically geared towards families, the spacious rooms and central location make it a comfortable option.

Key Features:

• Spacious rooms.
• Multiple restaurants and bars.
• Indoor swimming pool and fitness center.
• Central location near the Imperial Palace.
• Exceptional service.

Why it’s great for families: The spacious rooms provide ample room for families to relax, and the central location makes it easy to explore the city. The exceptional service ensures a comfortable and memorable stay.

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Located in Roppongi, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo offers luxurious accommodations and convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s a great choice for families who want to be in the heart of the action.

Key Features:

• Spacious rooms and suites.
• Multiple restaurants and bars.
• Indoor swimming pool and fitness center.
• Convenient location in Roppongi.
• Babysitting services available.

Why it’s great for families: The spacious rooms and suites provide ample room for families to relax, and the babysitting services allow parents to enjoy a night out. The central location makes it easy to explore the city.

Tips for Traveling to Tokyo with Kids

Here are a few tips to help make your family trip to Tokyo a success:

• Pack light: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and using public transportation, so pack light to avoid lugging heavy bags around.
• Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
• Purchase a Japan Rail Pass: If you plan to travel extensively outside of Tokyo, a Japan Rail Pass can save you money.
• Learn some basic Japanese phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases will be helpful.
• Carry cash: While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, many smaller establishments still prefer cash.
• Utilize convenience stores: Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson are ubiquitous and offer a wide range of snacks, drinks, and other essentials. They are also great for withdrawing cash.
• Embrace the culture: Tokyo is a fascinating city with a unique culture. Embrace the customs and traditions to enhance your experience.
• Plan ahead: Book accommodations, transportation, and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
• Take breaks: Don’t try to cram too much into each day. Schedule breaks to allow your children to rest and recharge. Parks and gardens offer peaceful respites.
• Be prepared for crowds: Tokyo is a densely populated city, so be prepared for crowds, especially during rush hour and at popular attractions.
• Consider a pocket Wi-Fi: A pocket Wi-Fi device will allow you to stay connected and access maps and information on the go.
• Download translation apps: These can be incredibly useful when navigating menus or communicating with locals.
• Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand will help keep your children happy and satisfied between meals.
• Use stroller-friendly routes: Not all areas are stroller-friendly. Plan your routes in advance and be aware of stairs and narrow sidewalks.
• Take advantage of family-friendly facilities: Many department stores and shopping malls have nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities.

Making the Most of Your Family Trip to Tokyo

Tokyo offers a wealth of activities and attractions for families. Here are a few suggestions:

• Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: These world-class theme parks are a must-visit for families with children.
• Ghibli Museum: Dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, this museum is a magical experience for fans of all ages. Reservations are required well in advance.
• Ueno Park: Home to several museums, a zoo, and beautiful gardens, Ueno Park offers something for everyone.
• Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple is a fascinating cultural landmark.
• Tokyo National Museum: Explore Japanese art and history at this impressive museum.
• Sumida River Cruise: Enjoy scenic views of Tokyo from the Sumida River.
• Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation): A fun and interactive museum that explores science and technology.
• Sanrio Puroland: A theme park dedicated to Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters.
• TeamLab Borderless: An immersive digital art museum that is a visual feast for the senses.
• Explore local parks and playgrounds: Many neighborhoods have small parks and playgrounds where children can play and interact with local kids.
• Try local foods: Introduce your children to Japanese cuisine, such as sushi, ramen, and tempura. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly options.

Conclusion

Planning a family trip to Tokyo can seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right accommodation, it can be an unforgettable experience. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and choosing a family-friendly hotel that suits your needs and budget, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable vacation for the whole family. Remember to book in advance, pack appropriately, and embrace the unique culture of Tokyo. With a little preparation, you’ll be well on your way to creating lasting memories with your loved ones.

Enjoy your adventure in Tokyo!