FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE: JAPAN HOTELS

Many people contact me when looking for hotels that do accommodate families of 5 or more after they struggle to find options.
This is my growing list of hotels that I recommend for families with more than 2 children ( or for older children who can’t possibly sleep on a pull out bed, for example.)
I add to and edit this list often.When booking a hotel in Japan with children, many people are confused as to why the hotel assumes they will share a bed with their children. I’ve done my best to try and answer this question here.


PLEASE NOTE THAT MOST HOTELS ONLY OPEN UP THEIR BOOKING SYSTEMS 6 MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME.  
If you look earlier than 6 months it may look like a hotel is completely booked – but it is because they haven’t yet opened these dates.    The Official Tokyo Disney Resort Hotels don’t open up bookings until 3-4 months ahead of time. If you are able to find rooms earlier than 6 months in time they can often be more expensive as the sites are assuming they will be able to get the rooms once the dates are officially open (so compare current and future prices to be sure.)   If you book too early – you hotel choices will be quite limited compared to waiting. 

See here for accommodation options who provide cots / cribs Finding a hotel with cots/cribs in Japan for children older than 8 months old can sometime be tricky – I explain why and give options here.   

For some reason, many families recently seem to think they need a washing machine in their hotel room and I explain why that doesn’t need to be a non-negotiable at all when choosing accommodation in Japan. 

IF YOU HAVE A BIGGER ACCOMMODATION BUDGET FOR TOKYO AND ARE TRAVELLING WITH TEENS, I recommend getting several rooms at Hyatt House Shibuya. I have written in detail about this hotel here – teens will love being just 750 metres from Shibuya Crossing and access to the pool etc. There are also washing machines and kitchenettes in the rooms.

GETTING INTO THE DETAILS ON STAYING IN JAPAN IF YOU ARE A FAMILY OF 5 OR MORE:
I speak about it more in my Japan with kids : Don’t make these mistakes blog post here but, even if I had a bottomless budget for accommodation costs, I would choose a APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU or &Here hotel for staying in major cities in Japan with kids.   More than a Peninsula, Conrad, Hyatt, Andaz, Hiltons any of them.  I would put my money into staying at a MIMARU or an &Here and then pumping the rest of my money in to  staying at gorgeous ryokans and tea houses in the Japanese countryside. 

TOKYO HOTELS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE

DON’T JUST GO SEARCHING BY NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR FAMILY- HERE’S WHY
If you search for bigger rooms for families – many sites and agents will recommendsend to you areas like  spots in Odaiba or Disneyland.
Odaiba is reclaimed land ( hence the room for more space) and quite inconvenient to get to and from everyday so … if you choose an Odaiba option.. make sure you do your transport time calculations.  Same goes for theclose to Disneyland options ( any hotel located in Maihama or Urayasu or Tokyo Bay- here is my list. ) .  It is around 30 mins out of the city centre so they do have more space but you’re adding to your daily travel time so it might be worth evaluating price vs travel time vs hotel room space etc.

*Please note that park entry tickets for Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea are NOT included in your hotel price like in some other Disney parks around the world. You will need to buy Tokyo Disney Park tickets separately (I explain how here) or, if you are staying in an official Tokyo Disney Hotel, you can purchase while you check-in for your stay. The exception? If you’ve purchased some sort of vacation package. *

PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

Please don’t EVER try and sneak in extra people into a room in Japan. Occupancy honesty is very important – this is a country that experiences earthquakes and they need to know how many people are in a room, for safety reasons, at all times. If you are caught trying to do this you will be asked to leave and/or the police may be contacted. 

See my article here on tips for travelling in Japan with another family or a larger group

HERE ARE MY TOP HOTELS AND APARTMENTS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN TOKYO
My most favourite hotel for families “&Here Ueno” is this option in Ueno – however – they only have one hotel right now and they are selling out quickly. 

MIMARU Ueno East  OR MIMARU Ueno Okachimachi
Both of these apartment hotels have apartments that can sleep up to 8 people (more people if you have children who are small enough to bed share)These are apartment hotels and are both within 10 minutes walk of Ueno Station. Ueno is on the JR Yamanote Loop Line.  Ueno is also a bullet train stop for some of the bullet train lines too – making domestic travel super convenient.
Ueno as an area is lively in the day and the night – so there are lots of options for vibey bars, restaurants and street food but also great for families as there is Ueno Park right next to the station for some quieter time. The park is often used for markets and is also the home of The Natural Museum of Science and Nature.
On top of the normal luggage forwarding takyubin service – Mimaru offers a separate luggage forwarding service (only for to or from Mimaru properties). It’s a clever business move by the company – 1) because many international visitors think that same-day service is important 2) because it is only available to or from Mimaru properties (so it keeps guests stay at Mimaru.)
It’s a nice option – for me, the more affordable standard takyubin option is more than adequate and is very reliable.

Where can my kids play ball games in a park in Tokyo?
Please note that Ueno Park is a place for kids to play but they don’t allow ball games. For big parks in Tokyo to kick a soccer ball etc, I recommend visiting Yoyogi Park in Harajuku, Komazawa Park in Setagaya or Shinjuku Chuo Park in Shinjuku. Most smaller neighbourhood parks have a strict “no ball games” rule.
Did you know that you can now rent a bike in Yoyogi Park (including kids bikes, tandem bikes and parent & child mamachari electric bikes in Yoyogi Park with prices starting at 100 yen? (they accept most major credit cards, including Diners Club and American Express!)
To rent bikes as a family in Yoyogi Park, put “Yoyogi Park Cycling Center” into google maps (also sometimes referred to as “Pedalico”) – closest station is Yoyogi Park Station Exit 4B but you can also walk from Harajuku easily. Helmet rental is also available. The smallest child sized bike is a 12 inch (for children 2-4 years) and the Parent Child bikes are for children up to
Please note that bikes can only be used within Yoyogi Park grounds. The Cycling Center in Yoyogi is open 9am-4:30pm and is closed on Mondays (and Tuesdays if Monday is a public holiday) and is also closed during the Japan New Year Period.) See more pictures of Yoyogi Park in my Harajuku with kids article here.

Here is my Ueno with kids guide for other food and family-friendly options here.
Between the two of these APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU you can find connecting rooms, Pokémon themed rooms, rooms with bunk beds, Japanese-western style rooms.  Each room has a small kitchen and access to laundry facilities within the building.
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan.  The detergent is almost always built into the machine.  If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run
On the train, Ueno is 5 mins from Tokyo Station & 3 mins to Akihabara Station
A little warning: Some of the MIMARU rooms don’t have black out blinds so please ask reception for rental stick on options, if required. .   Some of the MIMARU branches have special christmas events such as Santa coming to visit etc.  

MIMARU Asakusa Station andMIMARU Asakusa Suites 
(I must admit that I don’t really recommend Asakusa for young families. Not as convenient for sightseeing and getting around to other spots in Tokyo and not enough playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants to base yourself in. Still worth a visit though!)
This apartment hotel, like all others in the brand, has a small kitchenette with a cooking utensils so it is easy for larger families with small children who need access to a microwave and stove. The MIMARU in Asakusa also has a kitchen area with seating for 6 people. You can also borrow appliances from the reception desk such as toasters or coffee machines and different entertainment options.The MIMARU Asakusa Station has a blackout window screen to slide across to make the room dark. 
Busy City Kids blog has a great write up here on Mimaru Asakusa Suites here.
This hotel is just 3 mins walk from Sensoji Temple and has an in-house coin laundry (and you can see if it’s ready via a device inside of your room.)
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan.  The detergent is almost always built into the machine.  If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run
These hotel apartments can sleep up to 8 people (more people if you have children who are small enough to bed share) MIMARU Asakusa is one of the few hotels that offers multiple rooms within an apartment as an option. This is perfect for young families where parents don’t necessarily want to sleep in the same room as their children.
The Asakusa area is rich in old-world Japanese culture and is home to the beautiful and very famous Sensoji temple.  This area is quieter at night than some other areas of Tokyo but there are still lots of food options and lots to do for families.  See here for my Asakusa with kids guide – you’re going to want to take pictures of everything
MIMARU Asakusa Suites can sleep up to 10 people.
A little warning: Some of the MIMARU rooms don’t have black out blinds so please ask reception for rental stick on options, if required. . APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU’s are so cute – at Christmas – some of the MIMARU branches have special christmas events such as Santa coming to visit etc.  

The Family Suite Room at Henn Na Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi
This is a 3 star hotel but very comfortable.  The only twist for families of 5? The youngest child will need to be younger than 6 and share a bed as the room contains a double  and two Japanese singles. If you miss out on the family suite then I recommend also asking about the adjoining rooms and connecting rooms. The rooms here are clean and comfy – much smaller than a MIMARU option though.
For an extra quirk – the front desk is manned by Dinosaurs and Ninjas.
This hotel is 7 mins walk from Asakusa Station. As mentioned above, Asakusa is charming and magical. See here for my Asakusa with kids guide.

The Family Room at Landabout Ueno 
The family room sleeps 5 people ( 1 double bed and 3 singles). The rooms are modern and spacious.
It is 10 mins walk from Ueno Park or 3 mins walk from Uguisudani Station.
There is a cafe / coffee shop / bar downstairs for guests and the general public to use (there are also lots of restaurants in this area so you’d probably only need it for breakfast unless you wanted other meals.). I have talked about the benefits of Ueno in my 1st recommendation here in this blog post.
Landabout Ueno is walking distance from Asakusa (24 min walk, 10 mins/ approx 1000 yen in a cab or 15 mins by public transport)  and Kappabashi Kitchen Town area (19 mins walk, 10 mins / approx 800 yen by cab).
The area around Landabout Ueno is technically a love hotel district. This does not mean it is dangerous but it does mean that when walking around you will see lots of candy coloured and themed buildings offering “day stays.”  It is not dangerous at all but if this something that bothers you then maybe look elsewhere.
It is a great way to have more beds, separate rooms and keep costs down.

A Japanese or a Western Style Room at Cocoshuku Akasaka Premium
This apartment has a  kitchen and many separate rooms including a separate living area and separate bedrooms.  This room can fit 4 adults and additional children under 6 if they don’t require additional bedding.  This apartment is so lovely and modern. You’ll love it here.
The Akasaka / Roppongi area is my favourite to recommend for families with younger children as I believe some of the best playgrounds and parks are in this area.   This area also has a wider range of family-friendly restaurants than other parts of Tokyo.
Akasaka is so central but has a real out in the suburbs vibe with so many lovely alleyways, Japanese izakayas and Hie Shrine close by too. Here is my guide of all the things that we like to do in the Akasaka area.
Please note that Cocoshuku area self-check in accommodation only, which means that there is no reception desk to assist with luggage forwarding.

Tobu Levant Hotel Tokyo, Kinshicho
This hotel is 8 mins by train from Tokyo Station so it’s more the Tokyo Station and kind of the Tokyo Skytree area.5 mins walk from Kinshicho (JR or Subway) Stations. 
Mid-High end hotel.   Suites can accommodate up to 6 people while most other rooms fit 3-4 people. 
On the weekend you may be lucky to spot a bride and grooming heading to their reception dinner in the hotel’s function rooms.
In-house fine dining (with a view of skytree) and breakfast restaurants.   Free shuttle to Disney for guests. Airport Limousine Bus stops at this hotel. There is an Olinas Mall, Kinshicho, just 12 mins walk from this hotel.  A great shopping mall with fashion, accessories, a small toys r us and a large supermarket and food court food options. There is also a park with a playground just 5 mins walk away at Kinshi Park.  There is a public bathroom here too. It’s also a cute little spot to take in the cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom season. 

4 mins walk to 24 hour supermarket “Seiyu Kinshicho.”
4 mins walk from Life Supermarket ( I love this brand of supermarket.) *Life Supermarket stocks gluten free bread.

A Family Room at Centurion Classic Akasaka
Centurion Classic Akasaka
They offer traditional Japanese style rooms.  Private bathrooms and a bath with a shower.
Alternatively, if you book a “Luxury Corner Twin” you can get a room with two queen beds that you can push together to make one giant bed for the family, there is a balcony all the way around and a washing machine inside your own room !!!!  The rooms here are really big.
The beds here are BIG! The room is MASSIVE! The area is amazing!
I have written in detail about the Centurion Classic Akasaka here.
I also recommend their very big family rooms. So much space and lots of Tatami (in some of the room options) and even a massage chair in others!

*Please note that there is another hotel called the Centurion Hotel Residential Akasaka that I don’t personally recommend. Please don’t let the two similar names confuse you.

Hotel Hisoca, Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is not my favourite area to stay as it is very built up and not much space or green for families with small children.  
But it is on the Yamanote line so it is convenient.  
If you decide to stay in this area, I recommend staying at Hotel Hisoca in Ikebukuro.  It is 4 minutes walk from the West Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station. 
Some rooms can sleep 5 guests and some 6.     
Rooms have a kettle and a toaster oven and a small fridge. For babies, the hotel is able to provide a high chair.

The Sunshine City Prince Hotel
The Sunshine City Prince Hotel is right above/ connected to Ikebukuro Station and the Sunshine City Complex. This is a western style (although they do have a few tatami rooms for larger families) hotel and is a great option if you have kids that love anime related shopping and love having lots and lots of gatcha machines close by. There is a large Family Mart within the hotel too. Room types include twin, triple, quadruple and then family rooms (Japanese style) for up to 6 people. There are 4 restaurants within the hotel – and you are connected to Sunshine City Shopping Mall so it’s easy to make use of all of the restaurants there too.
They have an on-site coin laundry for guests to use.
See here for our favourite things to do in Ikebukuro as a family – including shopping and where to eat.

A Family Suite at Stay Sakura Apartment, Asakusa Art Deco Hotel
There are several options in Tokyo and Kyoto under this brand name. Basically, the hotels are renovated apartment blocks or old homes. So the rooms are mostly apartment style – clean but basic. All rooms have a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, TV and a washing machine.  Please note that there is no front desk here – although they do have a 24 hour phone for support line.  Rooms can sleep 1-2 people and there is one family suite that sleeps up to 6.  

Stay Sakura Apartment, Edo no Mai in Asakusa
There are several options in Tokyo and Kyoto under this brand name. Basically, the hotels are renovated apartment blocks or old homes. So the rooms are mostly apartment style – clean but basic. All rooms have a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, TV and a washing machine.  Please note that there is no front desk here – although they do have a 24 hour phone for support line.  Rooms can sleep 1-2 people and there is one family suite that sleeps up to 5.  This hotel also offers connecting rooms so you could even have two rooms next to one another for a bigger family. 

APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU Akasaka
This hotel is near all the options for Akasaka with kids but are also close to Roppongi which I believe has some of the best inner city playgrounds in Tokyo (the restaurants around here are also very family friendly and are particularly English friendly.) Akasaka also means you are nice and close to Hie Shrine – which is particularly special around the New Year’s holidays. 
Akasaka  MIMARU sleeps up to 8 people in a room (up to 12 if you have children who can bedshare with you.).  The rooms are big. Clean. Modern. Photogenic. You can have western rooms or half western half Japanese rooms. Connecting rooms are available. There is a small kitchenette.  Private bathrooms. There is even a communal rooftop dining area with a breathtaking view of the city.   There is a convenience store right across the road.
MIMARU Akasaka also has a Japanese connecting room room-type where there is a door separating two sections of the room. This is great for families where parents don’t necessarily want to go to sleep at the same time as their children.   Many rooms types can sleep as many as 8 people. 
This hotel does not have a restaurant.
If you’re confused as to which MIMARU Tokyo option might best suit your family, see my blog post on Which MIMARU location is best for families? blog post here.

This area also has the Harry Potter Cafe close by (not the Harry Potter Studios) 

On top of the normal luggage forwarding takyubin service – Mimaru offers a separate luggage forwarding service (only for to or from Mimaru properties). It’s a clever business move by the company – 1) because many international visitors think that same-day service is important 2) because it is only available to or from Mimaru properties (so it keeps guests stay at Mimaru.)
It’s a nice option – for me, the more affordable standard takyubin option is more than adequate and is very reliable.

Tokyo East Side Hotel Kaie 
This hotel is just 1 min walk from Shiomi Station. The Shiomi area is becoming more and more popular with tourists as hotels here often have more land space as they are out of the centre of Tokyo, slightly (and that can also equal bigger hotel rooms.)  The neighbourhood is well known for being quiet but also very convenient for getting around Tokyo and out to Disney. It means that you are 3 stations away (less than 10 mins by train)  from Tokyo Station and you are ALSO just 10 mins by train from Maihama Station (the train station right outside Tokyo Disneyland.  
The Family Rooms have two sets of bunks (can sleep up to 4 people – more if children are young enough to bedshare.)
The hotel can provide cots (only for babies under 12 months of age)  for some room types (unfortunately not the family room as there isn’t enough space.)   
The Japanese Western Bedroom room type means that there are two beds in the western room and up to 3 futons can be set up in the Japanese style tatami room (so, 5 people in total and this room can also fit a cot.)  This room has a sliding door between the Western and Japanese style sections of the rooms. So this is ideal for families who want to put children to bed before adults. 
The Japanese-Western room has tatami flooring but 4 western style beds. This room can accommodate up to 5 people. 
The Junior Suite room can accommodate up to 4 people (two beds and two pull out beds).  It can also fit a cot. 
For even more room type combinations – you can also request connecting rooms. 
All rooms have an Nespresso machine.  

When staying with a child you can ask to borrow waterproof bedsheets and the hotel provides pyjamas and toothbrushes for children.  Depending on your room type, you may also be able to borrow a cot (only for babies under 12 months of age) or a bed rail.  The main dining restaurant has a children’s menu at dinner time. 

The Tokyo East Side Hotel Kaie has a breakfast buffet restaurant within the hotel.  Outside of breakfast hours, there is a Western style restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, a bar/cafe and a karaoke lounge (not the same as a karaoke box chain – this is mostly used as a bar or for private functions) within the hotel building.   This hotel has a comic library for guests to use (almost completely Japanese language comics, though)  and a fitness centre.  There is a tennis court 3 mins walk from the hotel, please ask the hotel staff if you would like to rent the tennis court for private use (charges apply.) 
There is an on-site coin laundry on the second floor of the hotel. 


MIMARU Tokyo Station East, Asakusa and some Ueno Mimaru locations can also accommodate families of up to 8 people and have interconnecting rooms and multi-room apartments as an option. Please note that that MIMARU Tokyo Station East is 2 mins walk from Hatchobori Station and 16 mins walk or 6 mins in a cab from Tokyo Station. 

Tokyo Family Stays Koenji House
The Koenji area is quite newly explored by myself and my kids. 
I wanted to share my favourite places to explore in this really fun and cool part of Tokyo.

It’s  a cool place to stay as:

-it is just a few stops from Shinjuku (this means you are also just a few stops on the train from the BUSTA bus terminal – which means easy access to limousine bus trips to the airports and day trips to Fujiyoshida and Fujikyu Highland. <- I wrote this for another site.)
– tourists rarely think of it (which can result in a more authentic Japan experience)
– it’s a fabulous place for creatives (lots of smaller artists hold their exhibitions and have their galleries/studios in this area.) 
-this is great part of Tokyo for thrifting and second hand shopping
– it’s is also one stop from Nakano Broadway (fun shopping for collectables, vintage goods/ antiques and anime/manga merchandise and cards etc.) 

To get to Koenji from Shinjuku? 6 mins on just one train!

I recommend staying in a Japanese home if you choose this area. It is a fabulous opportunity to get a taste of “living in Japan” without actually living in Japan. 
For this reason, I think it’s worth making a reservation at Tokyo Family Stays Property “Koenji House.” I’ve written about it in detail here. 

 

OTHER JAPAN-WIDE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE
APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU
If you find a room that fits everyone at MIMARU, then you should most definitely take it. They are relatively new and the market has been screaming out for this kind of space and service for travelling families.  They really are exceptional. I’ve written in detail about our stay at MIMARU in Hatchobori in Tokyo here. All MIMARU rooms have a kitchenette and small dining area and some have washing machines in the rooms and some have a coin laundry within the building.   They don’t have a restaurant in-house so you will need to eat out and about (unless you are cooking and/or bringing deli and convenience store options home, of course.)
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan.  The detergent is almost always built into the machine.  If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long runThe staff know all the information tourists need and are ready to help you with sightseeing, medical assistance, restaurant reservations and luggage forwarding.

Also -if you choose an apartment style hotel with a kitchenette and a manned front desk  – did you know that can have different types of milk and gluten free and vegan options delivered anywhere in Japan via the  National Azabu website?  This international supermarket is located in Hiroo, Tokyo (you can also, of course, visit in person).  You can also order online and have them deliver groceries to you if you are staying in Minato-ku, Tokyo  (aka the Minato ward, Tokyo) OR you can have these items delivered anywhere in Japan using the Yamato delivery service (price is from 1200 yen per box of food delivered.)  This is one of many reasons to stay at a hotel and not an airbnb in Japan – so that a hotel can accept parcels on your behalf -if you’re super clever, you can order ahead and have a box of low-allergen foods for you arrive the day you check in to your hotel (if you email the hotel ahead – they will put cold items in the fridge for you.)    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. 

Candeo Hotels (whill need to be connecting or separate rooms – but this is a good way to keep costs down)
Random suggestion: but if you were happy to all split off into groups of twos and threes, as a family,  the Candeo hotel brand is fab and they have an onsen on the top of the hotels.  I suggest this as I find it to be one of the more affordable hotels.  The onsen on the roof is so lovely – separated by gender. This brand is found in most Japanese major cities.

I have written an article for those who don’t feel naked being in an onsen here.

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN TOKYO
Cerulean Tower Hotel Tokyu Hotel, Shibuya
This hotel is 7 mins walk from Shibuya Crossing.  They have some connecting rooms available. This hotel has cots – but only to be used by babies
They also have a 20 meter indoor swimming pool but is only for 18 years and over- however, like many Japanese hotels, pool use is not included in the price of the hotel room.  It’s an additional 2,200yen per adult per day.  See here for my recommended things to do and places to eat in Shibuya 

 

The Shibuya Streams Hotels, Shibuya
Also Shibuya Excel Tokyu or Shibuya Stream Hotel are in a fabulous central location but can be expensive and they aren’t always used to accomodating families with more than 3-4 people. They can occasionally arrange for connecting rooms.These are two separate hotels about 10 minutes walk apart. Both aren’t the cheapest options so if you find a good rate – jump on it fast!  Both of these hotels have cots for babies – but the baby must be 12 months or younger to use and must be reserved ahead of time as there are a limited number of cots. 
The hotel is modern, popular, room size is pretty good for Tokyo. The whole hotel is well-established, clean, polished, reliable.   Many of the rooms have fantastic views of the city.
The Shibuya Excel Tokyu has the most amazing view from their top floor breakfast restaurant – on a clear day you can even spot Mt Fuji!
Here are things to do in the Shibuya nearby area.

Keio Plaza, Shinjuku
Keio Plaza in Shinjuku have connecting rooms for their standard twin room type and plaza luxe twin rooms.  See here for my Shinjuku with kids suggestions.

Keio Plaza is a standard hotel and they look after tourists and groups of tourists everyday.  There will be lots of tour groups here but it is a very big hotel.  This hotel also has a free shuttle to Tokyo Disney Resort. Keio Plaza has a swimming pool open for use during July & August only.  The cost for guests is 3000 yen per adult and 1,500 yen per child.  (Japan has some pretty wild and frustrating rules with it comes to hotel pools. I speak more about it here.) There is also an in-house coin laundry. 　Keio Plaza is able to supply families with a cot or crib for babies younger than 10 months of age.  
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan.  The detergent is almost always built into the machine.  If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run

 

On social media you may have seen something about the Sky Plaza Ibasho in Shinjuku with a play area for kids – it is often “sold” as a place where you can have all you can drink Starbucks. But I must stress that the “Starbucks” is a coffee machine that uses Starbucks coffee.    The play area is nice for little babies or toddlers if they need some space to play – but I don’t think I would call it a “must visit” as part of a tourist’s holiday itinerary or anything. Sky Plaza Ibasho is located inside of the Keio Plaza Hotel in Nishi-Shinjuku. I also don’t think it is worth paying 2000 yen to visit – unless you’re really struggling for a place to lay baby down for a minute. 

SKY PLAZA IBASHO
INSIDE KEIO PLAZA HOTEL, SHINJUKU 
ENTRY 2000 YEN ON WEEKDAYS OR 2500 YEN ON WEEKENDS

 

The Knot, Shinjuku
In Nishi-Shinjuku (West-Shinjuku) is The Knot.  I  have stayed there and I have lots of lovely things to say.  I don’t love the location but this place is always full of happy international travellers so they make it work with lots of transport options and suggestions. 
I recommend this hotel to people who are watching their budget ( this place is very reasonably priced for central Tokyo) and will really only be at the hotel in the morning and the evenings.   
The Knot, Shinjuku also has a Terrace Suite room which sleeps 2-6 people. Please note that this suite does not have a kitchenette. 

Reasons to stay here: 

– Shinjuku Chuo Park is literally across the road.

This is the lobby at The Knot
The lobby is so cool and inviting and the staff are so friendly.  It’s like a big comfy lounge room. Would be a wonderful place for families to convene if they are all staying in separate rooms. 

– This hotel is truly international.  It is modern in looks and approach.  They are more than well adjusted to assisting people who are in Japan as tourists.

– The bakery downstairs is amazing. They have vegan options all week but Sunday is vegan bakery day here.

– There is a Family Mart just 3 minutes walk away

– When getting to and from the airport, you can take the limousine bus from the Hilton or Hyatts in Nishishinjuku and then a short taxi ride to The Knot.

Some downsides of staying here: 

– The rooms are small and basic (although the prices are low which makes it a pretty good deal)
The room had everything I needed. Even a small fridge and a safe.

– The buffet breakfast isn’t great.  If you are happy to have a few little options or just cereal, jam and toast and some eggs, you’ll be fine. If you prefer a more substantial breakfast? I would opt for not having breakfast included and buying breakfast at the bakery in the lobby ( the toasted cheese sandwiches are soooo good.)
– On a beautiful day, it is possible to eat breakfast in the front courtyard, which is really pretty.

– You will need to take a subway ( not JR ) to get there.  You will need to make your way to Tochomae Station and then exit A5 ( or A4 if you require an elevator) and then walk for 3 minutes.  To walk to JR Shinjuku, it takes approximately 25 minutes and I found this to just all feel quite inconvenient ( once again, I feel that this is why this hotel is so much cheaper than other competing hotels.)   Many people with small children just decide to take a taxi to Shinjuku proper everyday (500 yen each direction) and factor it into their budget.
Once you get out of the subway at A4 exit the easiest way to get across to the park to get to the hotel is via this ramp (which is really convenient with a suitcase.)

– Because The Knot  is simple and built for those on the budget, they do not assist with extras such as baggage couriers but they were helpful with booking an airport limousine bus from two of the major hotels in the area.

Hundred Stay Hotel, Shinjuku
I haven’t stayed here but some friends recommend Hundred Stay Hotel in Shinjuku. I don’t love Shinjuku for staying ( although it’s a must do for sightseeing) but the location is so so central and rooms sleep up to 6 people.  The rooms have a kitchenette and a dining table for 6.  There is also a washing machine in the room.  It is close to Okubo and Shin-Okubo Station (so its a little bit outside of Shinjuku.) There is a 7-Eleven and an Aeon supermarket* just near the hotel.
*This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.”

The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic
The Gate Hotel in Asakusa “essential twin” rooms are connecting / adjoining rooms.  They do book up quickly though.
See here for my suggestions for visiting Asakusa with kids. 

The Deluxe Family Room with Tatami Area at Koko Hotel Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi 
This hotel sleeps 5 people (more if you have children under 6 years old who do not require additional beds)   The room has its own washing machine so it is more of an apartment than a hotel.  You can also borrow game consoles for kids. Here are the child-friendly options in the area of Asakusa.
The in-room ensuite bath and shower re also lovely.   You can also ask to borrow a baby’s crib/cot (brand was Baby Bjorn) or a high chair.   It isn’t super close to station (10-15 mins) but that is why it is cheaper than competitors like MIMARU.   

Shangri-la Hotel Tokyo, Marunouchi
And if you feel like being super fancy, the Shangri-La Tokyo’s two deluxe imperial garden view rooms can connect.

I do speak about “Private Onsens” or “Private Baths” in this article. Please please note that “Private” does NOT mean you can wear swimwear. Onsens and private and public baths in Japan are still about respecting Japanese culture. It is not a hot tub. It is a bath for bathing (which is why there are facilities next to the bath for washing your body.) I know that they nudity idea is a bit much for some people – sure was for me for many years – but, if it isn’t something you can try at this time, please skip this experience and wait until you stay somewhere overseas that has a hot tub / jacuzzi instead.

WHERE TO STAY FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN OSAKA?
I know I already mentioned it above with the other MIMARU recommendations BUT I think it is also worth adding that MIMARU Namba Station not only has lots of space but they also have a board game room near the lobby (you can use as many of their board games as you like) and offer free coffee between 7am-11am and free coffee and soft drinks from 3pm -9pm.)

In Osaka, the MIMARU Shinsaibashi West, Namba Station and MIMARU Shinsaibashi North have two rooms in each apartment.
Did you know that MIMARU Osaka Namba Station is know as the board game hotel? It has more than 130  games and puzzles for families to rent. It’s such a nice touch. See here for so many nearby restaurants and shopping suggestions (and arcades etc) that we love in this immediate area too.

I have written about our incredible stay in a Pokémon room at MIMARU Osaka Namba North here. This hotel also has a whole Japanese section in the lobby for kids!

&Here Osaka Namba
This brand new hotel is one of the most gorgeous and spacious options for families.  Rooms cater to 2 people, 4 people or 6 people.  The rooms for more than 4 also have a kitchenette and guests are able to borrow complimentary items such as toaster ovens, rice cookers, blu-ray players etc.   They are just 3 mins walk from Namba Station.  This hotel provides cute little amenity kids for kids .  This hotel is happy to assist with receiving and sending forwarded luggage from all corners of Japan.  There is a communal rooftop which works as a beautiful extra space for kids to have a wriggle and for everyone to take in the views of Osaka.   There is an onsite coin laundry here. 

The Randor Suites in Namba Osaka Suites
They offer large rooms. The Randor Suites Osaka Suites have a family room with a double bed and queen bed in the one room.

Ostay Vermilliion Namba has family rooms that accommodates up to 6 people.  There is also an in-room washing machine and a small kitchenette in the room too.  Please note that, although this hotel advertises themselves as Namba,  they are actually quite a hike /taxi or train ride from Namba Station. 

Namba Oriental Hotel have residential style apartment suites. While this may not be in everyone’s travel budget, the rooms are like little mini apartments with a kitchenette, dining table and bunk beds which means the rooms accommodate as many as 6 people.  This hotel has a complimentary laundry lounge for guests (coin laundry lounge that doesn’t require any coins) and they will even notify you once your laundry is ready.  This hotel also has a breakfast buffet in the morning.   This hotel provides cots for babies younger than 1 and bed rails for older children free of charge. Guests can all use the hotels complimentary pyjamas during their stay.   Namba Oriental Hotel will also assist with sending and receiving forwarded luggage.  

Swissotel Nankai Osaka – This hotel has interconnecting rooms – fabulous for families.    This hotel also has triple rooms. This hotel has cots/cribs available on request (limited number so email to reserve asap).
Children 12 and under can eat breakfast for free here.  This hotel also has a gym, jacuzzi, sauna and swimming pool (Please note that children 6 and younger are not allowed to use the pool and those between 7-16 years of age can only use the pool between 9am-6pm. Cost to use the pool, even for guests, is 2000 yen per person per day.)  

Swissotel Nankai Osaka also has several restaurants, including Teppanyaki, Chinese and Japanese restaurant options. 
There is a Cocoichibanya across the road and a Burger King within the same building. See here for other restaurants who welcome children in this area.

The in-house teppanyaki restaurant at the Swissotel Nankai Namba welcomes children. It is called teppanyaki restaurant Minami in Osaka welcomes children.   This is high end dining so I’d be sure to save it for a special occasion.  Please note that lunch is literally half the price of dinner here.  Also please read my post here on how teppanyaki in Japan is a bit different to how you may be used to it in your home country.  This restaurant is on the 10th floor.  Minami accepts most major credit cards. 
This restaurant won「The 2023 World Luxury Restaurant Awards for “Best Luxury Farm to Table Restaurant – Global Winner”, “Best Locally Sourced Produce Menu in Asia” and “Best Teappanyaki-style Cuisine in Asia.”

Nest Hotel Umeda This is the perfect hotel. Rooms are small, clean and modern.  The lobby area is done up beautifully and is set up like a lovely communal lounge room so this hotel would be great for families who plan on getting many separate rooms or a few families who are travelling together. It’s really affordable and you can all catch up in the lobby at the start and end of the day for a chat or for making plans. Room types are double, twin and triple. Some rooms have sofa beds and can sleep up to 5 people (if some of those 5 people are small children.) 

The Rise Osaka Namba isn’t fancy but it does have bunk beds and can accommodate families of 5 and 6 in their family rooms. It is 12 mins walk from Namba Station.   The rooms are very spacious and there is a nice breakfast here too. 

Hankyu Respire Hotel Osaka is located in Umeda – an area I love for shopping and dining so much (I speak more about it here.)   This hotel isn’t super fancy or anything but has lots of different room types and even offers connecting rooms for up to 5 people – even more if you have children who are small enough to bedshare.   This hotel has it’s own restaurant for breakfast and also serves italian and mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. You can see the full Hankyu Respire Hotel Osaka restaurant’s menus here.   The hotel offers baby toys rental and can also organise for baby related items such as baby blankets, baby baths, diapers and baby cutlery.  You can also rent strollers for children under 15kgs and scooters (if you are a staying guest.)  There is also an in-house coin laundry and gym.   Level 5 of the hotel also has a small children’s playground and game arcade. 
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan.  The detergent is almost always built into the machine.  If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run

Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba is a great, affordable option for families.  10 mins walk from Namba Station and 10 mins is quite a walk for Japan so consider if this will impact your holiday before you book.  They can also organise for connecting rooms so a family of 6 can all stay together (this is also a fab options for parents who like to stay up after their kids go to bed.).  This hotel also has a buffet breakfast in the morning and the same restaurant is used at a lounge for guests in the afternoons and evenings where guests can help themselves to complimentary soft drinks.    The buffet breakfast on the ground floor has gluten free bread as an option. There is also a hotel microwave that guests can use at any time of the day.  This hotel is happy to help you forward luggage (and receive luggage too.) Room types are double, twin or triple (and connecting rooms are also an option.)
This is also one of the few hotels that lets guests check in earlier than check-in time at 3pm (if the room is ready, of course) for an additional 1000 yen an hour.  Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba also have an in-house coin laundry. 
*A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan.  The detergent is almost always built into the machine.  If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is a higher end of hotel (and a price tag to match) but it is beautiful and the hotel is connected to the Namba Parks shopping complex. The family rooms here have a king bed and a set of bunk beds – so it is great for a family of four who really like to stay in 5 star hotels.   This hotel also can organise for connecting rooms for larger families.  This hotel has a spa for beauty and massage treatments – there is also a rooftop fine dining restaurant. 

Side note: There is an adorable playcentre inside Namba Parks called Dadway Play Studio. Read all about it here.

Candeo Osaka The Tower
I love this brand. The rooms are lovely and clean and the staff at reception are so helpful.  There is also a rooftop (enclosed) public onsen style pool, seperated by genders, of course (Please note that you can not wear swimsuits here. This is an authentic Japanese public bath – for hotel guests only.) Each guest room also has a small ensuite (some rooms also have a bath.)   Candeo Osaka The Tower is 6 mins walk from Yodoyabashi Station.  There is a breakfast restaurant here and, at lunch and dinner time, this restaurant becomes an Italian buffet restaurant with a view. Some of the suite rooms here can accommodate as many as 6 adults. This hotel can arrange connecting rooms for larger families.  

If you are looking at a higher end hotel (or wanted to use Hilton points) the Waldorf Astoria Osaka is an option.  The King Premier Room, the King Corner Suite and the Astoria Penthouse, the Waldorf Penthouse and the Presidential Penthouse rooms sleep 3.   The bedroom corner suite sleeps 6. This hotel is 10 mins walk from Umeda Station and Jr Osaka Station. They have cots for smaller children.  Kids can also use the pool when accompanied by an adult.  The Peacock Alley cafe and the French restaurant within the hotel both welcome kids, has space for strollers and also have kids menus. 

 
Tokujiro no Yado
For large families I highly highly recommend a beautiful Japanese house called Tokujiro no Yado. I have written in detail about it here. Up to 10 people can sleep here!! It is not in the centre of town but is a great way to sleep more people and save a LOT on accommodation costs.

Many of the official Universal Studios Japan hotels can accommodate up to 8 people with lots of different types of room configurations. I’ve written in detail about the options for families staying close to Universal Studios in Osaka here.    Please note that this takes you out of the city centre. 

Some of the MIMARU branches have Pokémon or Ninja themed rooms and some have rooftop communal areas.


WHERE TO STAY FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN KYOTO?

In Kyoto, the MIMARU Kyoto Shijo has 3 separate rooms within one apartment for families. MIMARU Shijo Suites also run free Japanese calligraphy experiences in the lobby on certain days.　It can sleep up to 6 people.  The MIMARU Kyoto Central & MIMARU Kyoto Station have two bedrooms.

MIMARU Shinmachi Sanjo is walking distance to Nishiki Market and an easy 8 min walk to the closest train station (just a few stops from Kyoto Station.)  There is a supermarket and convenience stores close by too.  15 mins walk to Nishiki Market. This hotel also has Pokémon rooms.  Rooms here can sleep 4, 6 or 8 people (the 8 people room is actually a connecting room.)  Many of the rooms have a washer and dryer in the rooms. The staff here are so good at booking restaurants for their guests.
This Mimaru is often more affordable than the other locations. Mr Maurice’s rooftop Italian restaurant (very kid-friendly) is also right around the corner. It’s in my recommended Kyoto restaurants here. Another one of my recommended restaurants nearby? Tiger Gyoza Hall.

Here are my more general Kyoto accommodation recommendations for smaller families here. 

A Machiya (Old tea house)
This is where I would stay at a Machiya ( an old teahouse in the teahouse district.). They are soooo beautiful.   See here. OR. BENTEN RESIDENCES
Benten Residences is in the Higashiyama District (it’s so so beautiful here -especially at night.)   This is a 3 bedroom restored old Japanese home.　　This home is beautiful but does require a short walk to the closest station for 11 mins and you’ll need to take a cab or bus to Kyoto Station. There are lots of stairs here.   For the location and stair reasons, I, personally, only recommend this home to those with  kids who are 8 or older (kids who can manage a little commute daily as it will get old quickly with little kids.)   The Japanese bath here is stunning.  Even though it is a home, the owners are happy for you to forward luggage to their office ahead of time. Some bedrooms are western style and others tatami. 

OR

HoteI Imagine Kyoto
I love Hotel Imagine Kyoto . It’s just minutes on foot from Kyoto Station too.

 Good Nature Hotel,Kyoto
Good Nature Hotel in Kyoto has beautiful big modern rooms.  Their Deluxe Corner Room, Purple Dried Flower Room, White Dried Flower Room and  Superior Twin sleeps 3 adults.  The “Welcome Baby” room sleeps 4.

Kyoisuke Inn, Kyoto
Kyoisuke Inn, Hokomachi is a stand alone house (an old tea house actually) and it has an outdoor and indoor private bath.
This house is just 6 minutes walk from Kyoto’s Nishiki Market and sleeps up to 7 adults.  Their website is a bit tricky to navigate so I recommend looking at booking via booking.com

Randor Residential Hotel Kyoto Suites 
Randor Residential Hotel Kyoto Suites  sleep 5-6 people per room (and one of their rooms even sleep 7 people.)  There is a mixture of Japanese and Western Style Rooms.   
Please note that this hotel is 15 mins walk from Kyoto Station (or 7 mins/800 yen in a cab.) Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto, Shijo Karasuma
This hotel can do connecting rooms (they also will provide doorstops in order to keep the doors open between the rooms) and their Twin Queen Family Suite sleeps up to 6 adults.  This hotel has an all day restaurant called Together & Co. (salads, burgers, steak, pasta.) This hotel is 10 mins (approx 900 yen) in a taxi from Kyoto Station.  Pocket Hotel, Kyoto Shijo Kand Pocket Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo (there are two locations) 
This is a great option if you are on a tight budget.  These are basically hostels but are clean and each room has it’s own lock for privacy.   
For women travelling with just a female child- there is a women only floor option.
Bathrooms are communal – separated by gender (ie. there is a woman’s shower room and a men’s shower room.) 
The hotel provides pyjamas for guests to use during their stay. 
They also have connecting rooms -so you can have one set of bunks in one room connected to a room with another set of bunk rooms making it a total of 4 people (and you could get several of these types of rooms for larger families.)   The Karasuma Gojo option has rooms with two sets of bunk beds (ie. sleeps 4 people in one room) AND they have an option with one set of bunk beds and two single beds pushed together to make one big bed (ie. sleeps 4 people in one room.) 
Starbucks is just on the corner of the Kyoto Shijo Karasuma hotel .  There is a gyoza restaurant literally next door called Motoi Gyoza. They welcome families with kids and have space to store strollers while you dine. The Kyoto Shijo Karasuma Hotel is also 1 min walk from Nishiki Market. 

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN HIROSHIMA
A Ryokan in Miyajima
If you decide to stay on Miyajima, you may want to go all lush and stay at one of these ryokans. I haven’t stayed at these personally though.    I almost always stay on the mainland and day trip to Miyajima but friends who have stayed overnight did say they liked it.

Where to stay in Hiroshima as a bigger family?
Nest Hotel Ekimae
For staying in Hiroshima, I would recommend Nest Hotel Ekimae.  It is right next to ( 4 mins walk)  Hiroshima Station.  Location is amazing.  Rooms are clean and new.  Simple brekkie restaurant downstairs. I found it to be so lovely and very reasonably priced. You could get a studio suite that sleeps 9 people.Kiro Hotel Hiroshima
Kiro Hotel is a good option in Hiroshima with kids.
It is situated near Okonomimura.  Rooms sleep up to families of 6.   They have an on-site coin laundry. *A little note on coin laundries in hotels in Japan.  The detergent is almost always built into the machine.  If someone in your family has allergies to certain washing powders it is probably best to email in advance to find out what they use and what your options are. Oh.. and another note.. if the washer and dryer is built into one machine – the dryer setting really only works well for 1-2 items (big items like a pair of jeans and a long sleeved top, I mean) so don’t do what I do and just put in heaps of things to dry for longer – hoping that they will dry. It doesn’t work like that. Best to do little tiny drying sessions for the best drying results. It a lesson in patience but it will save you lots of coins in the long run
There is also a communal space with a bar and coffee stand.

Fav Hotel (There are two options in Hiroshima) 
These hotels are apartment hotels with a kitchenette.  The rooms sleep up to 6 people and are spacious. The bedding is bunk style but the bottom beds are queen sized.  Please note that these hotels are unmanned so you will need to hail your own taxis on the street (which is easy) and won’t be able to forward luggage directly to and from the hotel. 


OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN KOBE
Here are my more general Kobe with kids accommodation recommendations. 
ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Kobe
This hotel has amazing night views as it is up on the mountain side of Kobe – next to Shin-Kobe (the bullet train) station.  Rooms here are bigger than many other hotel rooms in Sannomiya or Motomachi. The Premium Rooms allow for you to choose between 2 double beds or 3 single beds.  The Japanese Style Suites can sleep 4 people on futons. The two bedroom suite has 4 single beds. Guests who stay on Club Floors can also make use of the Club Lounge.   This hotel also can organise for connecting rooms. 
This hotel is also able to provide cots for babies under 12 months of age.   
They also have a good buffet breakfast.  There are seven restaurants on site here (5 of those restaurants are kid-friendly.)  They also have an on-site hotel spa for facials and massages etc. You can see the full spa menu here. 
The hotel has a shuttle down to the Sannomiya shopping and restaurant district.  
There is also a pool and a fitness centre.  Please note that pool use is not included in the accommodation costs – it is an additional 2200 yen per person per day (I know, it’s hard to get your head around that part – I speak more about unusual pool rules in hotels in Japan here. )

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN NAGOYA
Nikko Style Nagoya
Although I haven’t been lucky enough to stay here I attended a virtual tour of Nikko Style Nagoya and was so impressed with the facilities and family friendly options.The Nikko Style Nagoya hotel is 10-15 minutes walk from the station ( or approx 1000 yen in a taxi) and the whole hotel is so modern and filled with Nagoya specific artwork ingredients and special touches.   This includes the materials in the rooms and the locally sourced ingredients in their restaurant and bar on the ground floor.
One particular touch I love is their in-house bike rental services – and this includes bikes for children.
The premises is non-smoking except for one “smoking room” on the lobby floor.
The breakfast menu has three options ( one of them being a Japanese breakfast option) and the restaurant does have high chairs for babies.   In the evening, the on-site restaurant welcomes families.  See the Nikko Style Nagoya restaurant/cafe menu here.
Room types extend to “Premier” and “Deluxe” Triple Rooms.  (these rooms allow up to 3 adults and 2 children – provided those two children are young enough to share beds with adults.) As you can see from their site, the rooms are much bigger than standard Japanese business hotel rooms at very, very affordable prices.
This hotel is also just 3 minutes walk from the Yanagibashi seafood produce markets.
See here for my family friendly places to visit and dine in Nagoya with kids.

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN TAKAYAMA
If you are staying in beautiful, beautiful Takayama… 
I recommend staying at at hotel called Fav Hotel Hida Takayama East. 
This hotel has a sauna and cold plunge pool for guests to use (need to make a reservation for a set time.) 
Fav Hotel is modern, beautiful and spacious.  Rooms sleep up to 6 people (they are bunk beds but the bottom bunks are queen sized beds.
Each room has a kitchenette and a dining area. 
They are happy to provide bed rails and toys for children to use during their stay. 
This hotel is 5 minutes walk from Takayama Station.
Please note that this hotel does not have a manned reception desk so you will need to hail taxis yourself (which is not always easy if you’re not at a train station) and luggage forwarding to and from the hotel is not an option. 

Fav Lux Hidatakayama
Rooms can accommodate families of 2, 4 or 6 (with a mixture of Japanese or Western style rooms to choose from.). They have two saunas for guests to reserve (at a small additional cost.) There is an in-house coffee shop that also has baked goods such as breads, pastries and cakes. 

OTHER HOTEL OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES OF 5 OR MORE IN HAKONE
Hakone Kowakien Hotel
This hotel has a mixture of different Japanese and Western type rooms -although all beds are actual beds – up off the ground. Most rooms sleep between 4-6 people.    There is an open air onsen and also a private onsen that you can rent to use as a family for 2500 yen for 60 mins. 
Guests are welcome to help themselves to tea and coffee anytime at a small lounge area near the front desk between 5am-midnight.
The hotel has a bar (no children allowed.). The hotel also has its own beautiful private Japanese garden. There is a soft play space on the second floor for babies and toddlers. The ground floor also has a baby change area and designated breastfeeding space. There is an in-house spa here.

This hotel is frequented by many Japanese families (isn’t as touristy as many of the other family-friendly accommodation options in Hakone.)

The hotel offers complimentary access to Yunessun and a bath called Mori no Yu.  

Hakone Yutowa is a beautiful place to stay for families.  It really is excellent. If you have allergies or are coeliac/ gluten free the breakfast is marked clearly with allergens and (if given advance notice) they can bring dinner options out without sauces or marinades etc.  The hotel has a reading library and a fire pit so its the perfect place to just stop moving and relax for this part of your Japan holiday.  There is also a kids playroom with blocks and some other toys and a “play lounge” for bigger kids with board games and jenga. In the library section, soft drinks and tea are provided free for guests at any time – and unlimited alcoholic drinks from 7pm – 10pm.  
This hotel has a public bath but also a smaller bath that you can rent for just you and your family for 30 mins at a time (perfect if you don’t yet feel comfortable getting naked in front of strangers – please note: NO swimsuits allowed in the baths at any time.  If you don’t want to go naked then best skip these baths all together and just make use of your in room facilities.)  Some rooms can accommodate up to 5 people.  

See even more accommodation recommendations for staying in Hakone here. 

 

COULD WE DO IT CHEAPER?
Staying with a larger family in big cities (especially Tokyo) is expensive and not easy to find somewhere you can all stay all together.
I guess if you prefer to cut costs over convenience, assistance and comfort – you could

-look at dormitory style accommodation
-you can stay outside of the city and commute
-you can split the group/family up into several small rooms so you’re paying more like 10,000yen  x 2 or 3

See here if you are looking for hotels with more than one room ( so that children can go to sleep before parents, for example.)

Here is my answer to the common question “Do Japanese taxis take more than 4 people?”

PLEASE NOTE: This article contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

 

If you have children who are 12 or older and you love high end travel experiences – I highly recommend staying at this high-end luxury property in Niigata (just 2 hours outside of Tokyo.)