Latest news with #MimaruSuites
NZ Herald
31-07-2025
- NZ Herald
Mimaru Hotels: Spacious, affordable family stays in Tokyo
We wanted self-contained accommodation in a neighbourhood that made exploring easy. That meant being close to a train line, so we weren't spending half our holiday trying to find subway stations, but also not so central that we'd be kept awake by neon and nightlife. Knowing how partial my kids are to snacks, we also wanted to be within walking distance of a good 'konbini' (convenience store). On every family travel forum I scoured, one hotel brand kept popping up as highly recommended – Mimaru Hotels. This fast-growing apartment hotel chain has become a go-to for antipodean families. With 27 locations across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it's easy to see why: instead of squeezing into a tiny twin room, you get a proper apartment with a kitchen, dining table and laundry – perfect for families wanting comfort and flexibility without a luxe price tag. Even better, each Mimaru is within easy walking distance to train stations, convenience stores and pharmacies. Mimaru Suites in Asakusa. Photo / Supplied After two delayed flights, we finally arrived in Tokyo close to midnight, tired but congratulating ourselves for booking a car from the airport instead of navigating the trains at that hour. At Mimaru Suites Asakusa, a friendly staff member was waiting at the front desk to check us in, hand over slippers and toothbrushes, and guide us upstairs. Stepping into our suite felt immediately comfortable. Instead of four of us lined up in a single room, we had two separate bedrooms with low beds that felt instantly Japanese and a lounge space with a proper sofa where we could actually stretch out. The apartment was spotless, the air-con was on and there was ample storage for our suitcases and souvenirs-in-the-making. There were two bathrooms – one with a deep bath for soaking away the last of the flight, both with showers. Mimaru Suites in Asakusa. Photo / Supplied Within minutes, the kids had claimed their beds and had fallen asleep. It felt like we'd discovered the ultimate Tokyo hotel, where the traditional family room – in which everyone has to go to bed at the same time – gets a very welcome Japanese upgrade. Mimaru Suites in Asakusa. Photo / Supplied Over the next four days, we explored the best of Tokyo from our Asakusa base, wandering Senso-ji Temple's bustling streets, grazing on street snacks and taking day trips to Shibuya's famous scramble crossing, Tokyo Skytree and TeamLab Borderless art museum. Each time, our apartment was an excellent home base, and on the mornings where we weren't in the mood for a traditional Japanese breakfast, we made bowls of porridge in our kitchen. When the kids needed a break from ramen and sushi, we cooked meals with produce from a local supermarket. As for the area, Asakusa proved to be the perfect spot. Despite being so close to some of the city's busiest attractions, the neighbourhood itself feels like a slice of old Tokyo: tiny izakayas with red lanterns swaying out front, locals riding bikes and endless food options (like the iconic Age.3 which serves fried sandwiches filled with everything from chocolate cream and strawberries, to egg and fried noodles). Age.3 fried ice cream sandwich in Asakusa. Photo / Lindy Alexander Even after dark, the neighbourhood felt safe and welcoming, the kids trailing behind us as we wandered quiet backstreets, discovering late-night ramen joints. On our last night in Tokyo the owner of a tiny 10-seat restaurant we'd just had dinner at came running after us to generously give us her umbrella as it started to rain. As we walked back to our apartment, the four of us huddled under one umbrella, we felt like we'd really found a little corner of Tokyo we could call home. A tiny 10-seater restaurant where the owner gave us her umbrella. Photo / Lindy Alexander The writer was a guest of Mimaru Hotels.
Straits Times
30-07-2025
- Straits Times
Room for 8, steps from Tokyo Station: Japanese apartment hotels that actually fit your family
Apartment Hotel Mimaru's offerings across Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto solve the biggest family travel headache – finding accommodation that houses everyone comfortably, without breaking the budget or being stuck in the suburbs Apartment Hotel Mimaru in Osaka Shinsaibashi West has ample space for the whole family and is a two-minute walk from the nearest train station. From thrilling rides at Tokyo Disneyland to marvelling at Osaka Aquarium's world of sea creatures, there is plenty to do with the family in some of Japan's most popular cities. It is little wonder then, that a record-breaking 691,100 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2024, said the Japan National Tourism Organisation's Singapore Office. On your next trip, create meaningful memories with your loved ones while experiencing Japanese culture across different seasons. When it comes to exploring the city, Apartment Hotel Mimaru branche s are the ideal base, especially if you are travelling with toddlers in bulky strollers or elderly parents who need a break from the itinerary in the middle of the day. Apartment Hotel Mimaru branches are conveniently located within walking distance to train stations. PHOTO: APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU With 27 locations, including two that are just steps away from Tokyo Station, Mimaru offers multiple accommodation options across the three major tourist favourites of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Popular selections include Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central, Mimaru Tokyo Ginza East and Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West. But as any frequent tourist in Japan will know, hotel rooms there tend to be on the smaller side, which means you have to book more than one room when travelling with a big entourage. The downside: you cannot stay together as a family. Thankfully, Mimaru's range of rooms accommodate between four to 10 guests, and include the more spacious two-bedroom apartments and family suites, some even with bunk beds. Rooms with loft beds, such as this one in Mimaru Tokyo Ginza East, make the travel experience fun for adults and children alike. PHOTO: APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU Once you have checked in, you will be relieved to know that every Mimaru property has multilingual staff from as many as 38 countries. You will always find English-speaking staff who can offer you help as well as tips on where to go for child-friendly restaurants or family-centric cultural activities. For instance, when you have done the usual Disneyland and Sanrio Puroland itinerary with your children in Tokyo, show them a different side of Japanese culture at Asakusa with its historic Sensoji Buddhist temple. Enjoy a discount of up to 15 per cent For online bookings, get up to 15 per cent off* with this coupon code: natas_2508 Reservation period: July 31 to Sept 30, 2025 Period of stay: July 31, 2025 to April 30, 2026 *10 per cent off with free membership programme, plus 5 per cent off with coupon code. The coupon can only be used on Mimaru's official website . With the Mimaru Suites Tokyo Asakusa just a stone's throw from Asakusa Station, you can explore the area on foot, or choose to take your Gen Alpha kids back to the past with a rickshaw ride instead. Then treat them to traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki, Asakusa's famous sweet red bean cakes found along its 250m-long Nakamise shopping street. Head to Asakusa in Tokyo for the Asakusa Sanja Festival in early May or stroll along Nakamise Street to soak in tradition. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES If you are in Osaka, Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West is just two minutes from the Yotsubashi Station. Hop on the train for two stops to Higobashi Station and take a short walk to the Osaka Science Museum, which has four levels of interactive exhibits on the universe, chemistry, electricity and energy. It also has a planetarium with hourly shows, which will help bring those school science lessons to life for your little ones. In Kyoto, Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central is within walking distance to the famous Nijo Castle, a Unesco World Heritage site. Or choose to visit shrines and temples to learn about the local culture and pick up small, colourful books known as goshuincho. At the end of your visit, a shrine official will inscribe the date as well as the name of the shrine or temple in this and stamp it with the official seal. Kyoto's Nijo Castle was the residence of the Edo period's first shogun. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES This beautiful traditional practice recently became popular again among the young who love collecting these gorgeous albums. Who knows? Your kids may well discover a new hobby during this holiday. A vacation that lets you relax When you are done with your excursions for the day, head to the supermarket where you can shop for fresh seasonal Japanese ingredients. Since all of Mimaru's rooms come with a dining table, kitchenette and cooking utensils, you can whip up a homemade meal in the comfort of your room with ease. The Two-Bedroom Suite at the Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central comes with a kitchenette so you can prepare meals for your little ones. PHOTO: APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU If you are travelling with younger children, multiple sets of clothes are sometimes needed throughout the day. Parents will appreciate that Mimaru has 24-hour coin-operated washing machines and some of its rooms are even fitted with washing machines and dryers – this means you can pack less and have more room for your shopping. Insider tip: some Mimaru properties in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have once again converted a number of rooms into its popular Pokemon Rooms for a unique hotel experience. Young fans of Charmander, Snorlax and, of course, Pikachu, will love spotting touches of the iconic anime throughout these rooms, from the walls and ceilings to the beds and bathrooms. Pokemon fans will love the themed rooms in some of Mimaru's locations. PHOTO: APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU Mimaru also offers several baggage delivery services. For a fee, make a reservation and the hotel will take care of your baggage the moment you touch down at the airport and have it sent safely to your hotel. This allows you to head straight for sightseeing without lugging your luggage around or finding a place to store it. The service also includes delivering your bags to your next hotel or the airport, so you can always sneak in some last-minute itinerary without having to haul all that excess baggage along with you – a perfect way to end your Japan holiday. To learn more, visit Mimaru at Natas Holidays 2025 from Aug 15 to 17 at Singapore Expo Halls 5 and 6, Booth 5H18. Make a hotel reservation at the travel fair and receive free Mimaru gifts when you mention The Straits Times.
