THE BEST LONGER TERM OPTION FOR FAMILIES IN TOKYO

Guys! I am bursting at the seams to tell you about Sumii Furnished Apartments in Tokyo!

Those who have followed my blog for many years know just how excited I get when accommodation options in Japan really take into consideration exactly what families really really need in Japan! A lovely lush hotel for families sounds great in theory and can be cool for a night but can all fall apart when the family members all need some space to stretch, wriggle and downtime. They also need the option to be able to wash and dry clothing, the ability to cook a light meal for picky eaters while they adjust to new foods or for jet-lagged little ones at funny hours of the day as well as the option to cater to those with special dietary requirements or allergies easily.

Sumii currently have 17 apartments all over Tokyo!

This isn’t an affiliate link but I do have a 5% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “Summer5”

How to experience what it is like to LIVE in Tokyo as a family
I am delighted to hear from more and more families (almost daily now!) who wish they could do a little taster of what it is like to LIVE in Japan as a family. Naturally, visa and job opportunities don’t always make this the most accessible option for everyone. But I’m so excited that I now have a fabulous option that I’ve already been sending on to family, friends and The Tokyo Chapter readers!
These apartments are FULLY furnished (linen, washing machine, cutlery and crockery even!).Sumii have also taken into consideration all of the things families need when considering a temporary or longer term home in Japan such as proximity to train stations, supermarkets, playgrounds and family-friendly restaurant options (this is of particular important when needing to access these options on foot.) I speak here about other points to take into consideration when choosing the best accommodation for you and your family in Japan.

Sumii now have 3 brand new apartments in the following areas (in addition to Yoyogi-Uehara) :
Ebisu
Hongo
Ueno

Ordinarily, renting a longer term space in Japan involves something called key money. Key money is a large sum of money to secure the rental property as your own – in addition to rental fees. I liken key money to a big down payment many country clubs or gyms can ask for when you become a new member.
However, I’m so glad that Sumii Apartments have decided to not charge their guests/residents any key money at all!!! Amazing, right?

These apartments have a one month minimum (which is fabulous as the standard tourist visa is maximum 90 days for many countries) and a maximum of one whole year!

Many of my readers come to Japan for all of summer or winter and have been looking for something just like this. It is just soooo much more practical and affordable for families than “living” long term in a pricey hotel where you are all on top of one another all the time.

Sumii apartments really are a game changer for families (or for families living in Tokyo who have families visiting.)

This isn’t an affiliate link (but it does let them know that you found them through me!) but I do have a 5% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “Summer5”

Would this be a good accommodation option for offering to family members who are visiting me in Japan?
YES!! If you live in Tokyo and have another family visit – this is a wonderful solution to not having the space to “house” visitors.
As you’ll know if you live in Japan – a guest room or space to host others is pretty much unheard of!
This is a way to make sure your guests are truly comfortable (you’re going to be jealous of their surroundings and the space so don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

If you have grandma and grandpa visiting, you could also have the kids have little Tokyo sleepovers at “Granny & Grandpa’s Tokyo House.” (Warning: your visitors are going to think that all Tokyo homes are this spacious and gorgeous ! Spoiler: the homes of many of my Japanese friends are MUCH smaller than these Sumii apartments – your family and friends have no idea how lucky they are to stay here!!!!!!)

Which Sumii Apartment have I personally stayed in?
I had the pleasure of being invited to stay at the Yoyogi Uehara two bedroom Sumii Furnished Apartment recently.
Oh. My. Goodness – it is PERFECT for families.

The apartment living area has so much natural light (personally, no access to natural light can affect my mental health so this is something that is so important to me).

The living area at Sumii Apartment in Yoyogi-Uehara.

And, while the living areas are flooded with light, the bedrooms have a fabulous blind/black out curtain set up so you can sleep in as long as you need – even in the warmer, lighter months.

One of the two bedrooms at Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara.

The bedrooms here have floor to ceiling storage!

Good storage anywhere but ESPECIALLY Tokyo is so important!

The second bedroom, as you can see, also has floor to ceiling storage.
Iron and Ironing board are here too.

And I can’t pretend that I wasn’t completely delighted to spot a dishwasher (!) and a beautiful deep Japanese bath and a Japanese toilet with all of the fancy buttons. The tv is also set up to log into Amazon Prime or Netflix right away! (Read here on more information on accessing Netflix etc using an overseas account in Japan.)

See how that remote is netflix, hulu, prime video etc ready to go?

The washing machine at the Sumii Apartment in Yoyogi-Uehara.

The basin and vanity part of the bathroom (you can see the towel and toiletry cupboard in the mirror reflection too) and the washing machine. The washing machine can also become a dryer – but you also have one of those magical wet rooms that you can turn into a big drying room with just the press of a button.

I love a lovely deep Japanese bath so much!

This is the kitchen!
It’s lovely to be able to prepare a meal in your own little Japanese home!
See here for my favourite things to buy in a Japanese convenience store and here for some simple meals we make using just a few convenience store ingredients.

The gas burners in the kitchen at Sumii.

The kitchen at Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara.
The kitchen at Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara.

The kitchen (and you can see one of the two bedrooms in the background here too.)

The shower and bathroom also does that cool thing that many modern Japanese apartments can do where the bathroom area can also become a big drying room for clothing. This is a game changer for families! A lifesaver, even!

The bathroom that, with the push of a button, becomes one big drying room at Sumii Apartments

The bathroom becomes a dryer with just a push of a button at Sumii apartments. How cool is that?!

I also loved being able to cook and prepare meals in the kitchen and stock up the fridge and freezer with yummy Japanese treats!

Not me gobbling up this delicious Matcha Monaco Ice-cream Bar in my Sumii Furnished Apartment in Yoyogi-Uehara. It was so so good. I love that I could keep several in the freezer here.

Making use of the kitchen facilities at Sumii Apartment Yoyogi-Uehara

I feel like no-one talks about this yummy fruit salad yoghurt from the convenience stores enough! It’s been around for years and years. This is me having some while staying at Sumii Furnished Apartments- I mixed through some cherries and blueberries from the nearby Maruetsu Supermarket too.

This camembert cheese with the disney characters on it is so cute.
I bought this at Maruetsu Yoyogi-Uehara.

A throw together dinner at Sumii after a quick walk to Maruetsu supermarket nearby.
A colourful salad, toast, rice crackers, three types of cheese, grilled vegetables, pineapple and kiwi fruit and a bottle of Chandon.

These are a really affordable way to do a really quick and cheap meal from a Japanese supermarket. This was just at Maruetsu in Yoyogi-Uehara. The red packet is a 4 cheese pizza and the green is a Margherita pizza.

See the vegetables on top of the pizza? That counts as “cooking” still, right?

This is a throw together breakfast I made while staying at Sumii apartment Yoyogi-Uehara. All of these ingredients pictured (except for the tall sweet chilli sauce bottle at the back) were purchased at Family Mart. The small bottle that says Bosco is the olive oil.

Another REALLY special addition to this particular apartment is the thin balcony/ terrace area just outside of the living room area. This area can be used to hang some laundry or, in the summer months, you can also set up a little inflatable wading pool – this additional play space for kids in the middle of Tokyo without having to go to the closest playground? What a treat! (Please note that means making sure that kids aren’t too noisy and aren’t disturbing the neighbours.)

The small balcony / terrace area next to the living area at Sumii Apartments.

Small terrace area at Sumii.

A small inflatable pool for kids to splash in to help cope with the heat and humidity in Japanese summer is such a game changer.

The intercom system allows you to see at the entrance to the whole building before anyone comes anywhere near your actual apartment.

This apartment also has an air purifier.

Does the Sumii Apartment really feel like a home in Japan for a family?
It really does.

You have full access to the letterbox and the parcel box lockers( this means you can have groceries or amazon delivered straight to the apartment ! Even heavier items like slabs of juice or larger boxes of nappies/diapers.)

Did you know that, if anyone in your family is craving international foods and snacks from home – you can also have options from National Azabu (an international supermarket) delivered right to the apartment? That includes gluten free and vegan options (including different types of milk) too. This international supermarket is located in Hiroo, Tokyo (you can also, of course, visit in person). You can also order online and have groceries delivered to you using the Yamato delivery service (price is from 1200 yen per box of food delivered.) National Azabu in Tokyo stocks almond milk, oat milk, walnut milk, soy milk as well as pistachio milk. Here is my general advice on buying different types of milk in Japan.

Almond milk, walnut milk, pistachio milk, soy milk in Japan. Sold at National Azabu, Tokyo

Some of the gluten free snacks sold at National Azabu.

Gluten free cereal in Japan: National Azabu have gluten free cereals

Gluten free pasta and snacks at National Azabu that you can have delivered to your Sumii apartment – same day delivery!

Properly “living” in Japan as a family also involves taking part in the recycling and rubbish sorting, of course. The building rubbish area is so well organized ( and clearly sign-posted in Japanese and English) that it makes it so easy to follow along with the trash sorting expectations. Typical Japan having cool little systems for everything.

Can Sumii Apartments assist with extra items for families?
Yes! In fact, Sumii are open to additional requests such as cots for small children and high chairs etc. When making an inquiry let them know which options you will require as a family.
Rental options for families include the following:
-Baby gates
-Baby mattresses
-Cots
-Strollers
-Baby carriers
-Baby baths
-Baby monitors
-Milk warmers

Sumii can provide additional items such as cots and high chairs. Just ask them what you may need (eg. diaper pails, baby baths, bed rails etc.)

This isn’t an affiliate link but I do have a 5% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “Summer5”

What is in the surrounding Yoyogi-Uehara area around the Yoyogi-Uehara Sumii Apartment?
If you ask most of my friends living in Japan – most of them would say that they would live in Yoyogi-Uehara if they could. It feels like the suburbs when it is actually right in the heart of central Tokyo. The vibes are vibing here too – so many really amazing restaurants and cafes frequented by Tokyo creatives. The architecture along in this area alone is just beautiful to take in. The residents and cafe owners love good food, design and quaint dining experiences.

Yoyogi-Uehara is :
5 mins by train from Shinjuku (12 mins by taxi)
6 mins by train from Harajuku
12 mins by train from Shibuya
16 mins by train from Roppongi
20 mins by train from Koenji
21 mins by train from Tokyo Station (for taking the bullet train)
Did you also know that Yoyogi-Uehara is one of the stations that you can take the train to Odawara, Hakone-Yumoto, Katase-Enoshima and Karakida?

My favourite part about staying in Yoyogi-Uehara is the fact that it doesn’t feel at all touristy. This isn’t a hotel hot spot – it’s just locals going about their Tokyo life and it is so lovely to get amongst all of that.

You’ll fall in love with the Yoyogi-Uehara area too. There are many kindergarten and nursery schools in the area too so, if you’re up for a nice, early morning walk you will see little groups of small children with their little caps and randoseru school bags waddling by.

The Yoyogi-Uehara area immediately surrounding the Sumii furnished apartment.

The streets in the area just around Sumii Apartment Yoyogi-Uehara.

Exploring Yoyogi-Uehara.
Gotta love how even the construction signs are so polite in this area!

Are there many convenience stores near Sumii Apartments Yoyogi-Uehara?
4 mins walk to Lawson
5 mins walk to Family Mart
7 mins walk to 7-Eleven
9 mins walk to another Family Mart
12 mins walk to another 7-Eleven

See here for my tips on navigating meals and treats for kids in Japanese convenience stores.
See here for my tips on healthier convenience store options and options for baby’s first solid food options.

The Family Mart near Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara Apartment. This Family Mart in particular also has a small organic vegetable section.

The organic produce and dried fruit section of Family Mart near Sumii apartments in Yoyogi-Uehara.

More of the vegetable and dried banana options at the Family Mart near the Yoyogi-Uehara Sumii apartment.

Being Japan, as you can imagine, there are vending machines on pretty much every single corner.

Are there many supermarkets near Sumii Apartments Yoyogi-Uehara?
2 mins walk to Good News Store specialty supermarket (open Thurs-Sun 12pm-7pm)
4 mins walk to Italian grocery store Piatti (open Wed-Sun 11am-1pm & 2pm-7pm)
7 mins walk to Maruetsu Yoyogi Uehara (open daily 9am-11pm)
9 mins walk to Tokyo Camii Halal Market (open daily 10am-7pm)
9 mins walk to OdakyuOX supermarket (open daily 10am-11pm)
12 mins walk to GAIA organic goods supermarket (open daily 11:30am-7:30pm)

Maruetsu Yoyogi-Uehara. Just 7 mins walk from Sumii Apartments Yoyogi-Uehara.
*Maruetsu supermarkets also stock Beyond Meat (plant based meat alternatives) *and Beyond Tofu for cheese alternatives.*

Some examples of eady-made salad options at Maruetsu Yoyogi-Uehara. Top shelf: Colourful Tuna & Corn Salad, 20 types of Veg Salad, Onion Salad, Steamed Chicken and Wakame Seaweed Salad. Middle Shelf: Thickly Sliced Cheese Caesar Salad, Salad with Specialty Dressing. Bottom Shelf: 1/2 Your Daily Veg Green & Yellow Veg Salad with Carrot Dressing, Daily Fibre Salad with Quinoa.

Examples of some of the ready made meals at Maruetsu Yoyogi-Uehara. Top shelf: Fried Squid with a spice satchet, Grilled Shishamo cooked with Mirin. Second from the Top Shelf: Marinated and cooked Chicken Skewers, Grilled Squid, Salmon Nuggets with a sauce satchet, Squid and Pickled Radish with Cheese Dressing. Second Shelf from the bottom: Chicken Skewers, Grilled Capellin Fish, Squid, Garlic Potato Salad with Shrimp、Clam Stew. Bottom Shelf: Salmon Mince Cutlets, Squid, Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese, Canadian Clam Salad.

Are there many places to eat out with kids in the immediate area around Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara apartments?
There are !
And here are a few of our favourites (for a range of budgets and for lots of different types of food too)

Bondi Coffee Sandwiches
This cafe is very popular with local families for good reason. The cafe is spacious and light and well known for lots of yummy veggie-laden sandwiches, acai bowls, smoothies and baked potatoes. They also sell 2-3 vegan sandwiches AND can substitute cow’s milk for oat milk.
It is 10 mins walk from the Sumii apartments in Yoyogi-Uehara. This is a walk-in restaurant only so need to worry about reservations. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Please note that they only accept card payments (no cash.) Open daily 7am-7pm.
You can also order these Bondi treats straight to your apartment using Ubereats!

Cosmos Juice Tomigaya
This juice stand, as well as juice, serves smoothies, acai bowls, vegan veggie bowls, wellness shots etc. The kids smoothie options include green smoothies or blueberry or strawberry smoothies. Open 7am-3pm (Closed Wednesdays.) They accept most major credit cards. This smoothie/juice bar is 7 mins walk from Sumii apartment Yoyogi-Uehara.

Freshness Burger
Freshness Burger is a Japanese fast food chain and the very first store is right here ! It’s like a little cubby house too! Very cute. See the full Freshness Burger menu here. This branch is just 7 mins walk from the Sumii apartment in Yoyogi-Uehara.

See! It’s the first Freshness Burger branch! That’s a bit cute!

An example of the Freshness Burger menu.

You Know What? Pizza Restaurant & Cafe
You Know What? is just 6 mins walk from Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara & just 1 min walk from Yoyogi-Uehara Station. They serve pizza, pasta, wine, cocktails. They also serve brunch and coffee. This cafe/restaurant welcomes children and also has space for strollers. Every adult diner is asked to order one food & one drink item. I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult for lunch and more like 4500 yen at dinner time. They accept most major credit cards. Please note that there is a 110 yen service charge to dine here. Make a reservation for You Know What? here. Open 9am-10pm (Last Orders 9:30pm.)

You Know What? Pizza Restaurant & Cafe, Yoyogi-Uehara.

Kitchen Origin
This is a great option for a takeaway bento to eat at the park or back at the apartment. It is just near Yoyogi-Uehara Station so is good for grabbing something on the way back home. It is set up like a deli and you can choose all the sides in your bento yourself. They also have a wide range of onigiri (rice balls.) Bento prices range from 500 – 1000 yen.
This Kitchen Origin branch is 6 mins walk from Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara. Open 7am-10:30pm. They accept most major credit cards.

Kitchen Origin Yoyogi-Uehara. A design your own bento style delicatessen.

See all of those yummy onigiri all lined up at Kitchen Origin?

Little Mermaid Bakery
Within Yoyogi-Uehara Station is a bakery called Little Mermaid. This is a chain and the Yoyogi-Uehara Store is open from 8am-9pm. They accept most major credit cards. See pictures of the products sold at Little Mermaid bakery Japan.

Little Mermaid Bakery, Yoyogi-Uehara.
Bakery options at Little Mermaid.

Table by S
This is a hamburger shop and they welcome families. It is on the 2nd floor (above Gaia organic supermarket that I’ve mentioned above.) It is 12 mins walk from Sumii and 3 mins walk from Yoyogi-Uehara Station. There are stairs and an elevator. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
Open Tues-Sun 11:30 -4pm & 6pm-9pm (Closed Mondays.) All meals are under 2000 yen. They accept most major credit cards. As well as hamburgers, they sell wine and cocktails. They have space for strollers. No space to change nappies though. Their most popular menu items include a cheeseburger, a jalapeno cheeseburger, a lamb burger and an avocado cheeseburger.

Goo Italiano
Goo Italiano welcomes kids and babies. This Italian restaurant is 1 min walk from the East Exit of Yoyogi-Uehara Station or 10 mins walk from Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara. Please note that this restaurant isn’t great at customizations so best to just order what is on the menu.
Open 5pm-11pm (Last Orders 10pm) & Open for Lunch on Weekends and Public Holidays.
They accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting 5000 yen per adult at dinner time here and more like 2000 yen at lunch time.

Are there many playgrounds near Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara apartments?
There sure are!

Uehara Park
Uehara Park is 3 mins walk from the Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara apartment. This local park is buzzing with little local children from around 3pm onwards. When putting it into google – enter “Shibuya Kuritsu Uehara Park.” There are public toilets here too & a vending machine.

Uehara Park is just 3 mins from the Sumii apartment.

Tomigaya Park
Tomigaya Park is just 11 mins walk from the Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara apartment. This park is small but it does provide enough for kids to have a lovely little play. There are public toilets here – a vending machine too.

This isn’t an affiliate link but I do have a 5% off discount code for Sumii – please be sure to use the code “Summer5”

Where can I buy nappies / diapers near Sumii Yoyogi-Uehara apartments?

Cocokara Fine drugstore stocks nappies. It is 11 mins walk from the Sumii apartment.

Cocokara Fine Drug Store in Yoyogi-Uehara sells nappies.

The drugstore inside Yoyogi-Uehara Station called Tomods also sells nappies /diapers. They also sell quite a range of jars and tins of baby food and baby friendly crackers etc.