Family enjoying Shibuya Crossing Tokyo at dusk with neon lights

Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo with Family (2025 Guide)

Looking for the best area to stay in Tokyo with family? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with this complete guide to Tokyo’s most family-friendly neighborhoods! After spending the last three years exploring every corner of Tokyo and helping countless families plan their trips, I know exactly what makes certain areas perfect for traveling with kids.

Quick Family-Friendly Neighborhood Guide

  • Shibuya: Best for families who want to be in the action
  • Ueno: Perfect for cultural activities and museum access
  • Asakusa: Ideal for experiencing traditional Japan
  • Odaiba: Great for entertainment and modern attractions
  • Ginza: Excellent central location near Tokyo Station

🏨 My #1 choice for families is the MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North with its spacious apartment-style rooms and perfect location near Ueno Park!

Why Trust These Family Hotel Recommendations?

Hi! I’m Amanda, and I’ve spent the last three years living in and exploring every neighborhood in Tokyo. As a travel blogger specializing in Japan travel, I’ve personally stayed in dozens of hotels across the city and helped hundreds of families plan their perfect Tokyo trips.

Tokyo hotel room size comparison infographic for families
Tokyo hotel room size comparison infographic for families

I know how overwhelming it can feel trying to choose the right area in such a massive city, especially when traveling with kids. That’s why I’ve created this detailed guide focusing specifically on what matters most to families – from safety to amenities to ease of getting around with little ones.

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay in Tokyo with Family

Safety First

Tokyo ranks as one of the safest cities globally, with a crime index of just 24.36 and a safety index of 75.64. This means you can feel secure exploring any neighborhood at any time of day.

Tokyo family hotel locations map near JR train stations
Tokyo family hotel locations map near JR train stations

Easy Transportation Access

When you’re juggling strollers, bags, and tired kids, being close to convenient transport is essential. I always recommend staying near stations along the JR Yamanote Line – it’s like Tokyo’s main artery and will get you almost anywhere you want to go.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Look for areas with:

Room Configurations

Japanese hotel rooms can be tiny! Many families find apartment-style hotels like MIMARU or connecting rooms at international chains work best. Always check room sizes carefully – what’s advertised as fitting 4 people might feel cramped by Western standards.

1. Shibuya – Best for Families Who Love Action

If your family thrives on energy and excitement, Shibuya might be your perfect match! This vibrant district offers the perfect blend of entertainment and convenience that keeps both parents and kids engaged.

I love recommending Shibuya to families because it’s like a crash course in Tokyo culture – you get the famous crossing, amazing shopping, and endless food options all in one place.

Why Families Love Shibuya

Best Family Hotels in Shibuya

💡 Pro Tip: Book a hotel near Shibuya Mark City for easy access to trains while avoiding the busiest areas.

2. Ueno – Perfect for Museum Lovers & Budget Travelers

Ueno has become my go-to recommendation for families looking to balance culture, convenience, and cost. The neighborhood offers that perfect mix of local life and tourist-friendly amenities that makes traveling with kids so much easier.

Why Families Love Ueno

Best Family Hotels in Ueno

🏰 Real Experience: Last month, I helped a family of five book the MIMARU TOKYO UENO NORTH. They loved having a full kitchen and separate bedrooms – plus being able to walk to the zoo was a huge hit with their kids!

Cultural experience traditional Japanese ryokan family stay Asakusa
Cultural experience traditional Japanese ryokan family stay Asakusa

3. Asakusa – Best for Traditional Japanese Experience

Want to give your kids a taste of traditional Japan without leaving modern conveniences behind? Asakusa offers that perfect balance. This historic district lets families experience authentic Japanese culture while still having all the amenities you need with children.

Why Families Love Asakusa

Best Family Hotels in Asakusa

✨ Insider Tip: Book a hotel on the east side of Asakusa for quieter streets and easier access to the Asakusa Station.

Family enjoying Tokyo automated train to Odaiba attractions
Family enjoying Tokyo automated train to Odaiba attractions

4. Odaiba & Tokyo Bay – Best for Modern Entertainment

Odaiba is my secret weapon recommendation for families visiting Tokyo! This futuristic area by the bay offers endless entertainment options that will keep both kids and parents happy for days.

Why Families Love Odaiba

Best Family Hotels in Odaiba

🎨 Pro Tip: Book your TeamLab Borderless tickets online before arriving – it often sells out weeks in advance!

5. Ginza & Tokyo Station Area – Perfect Central Location

Don’t let Ginza’s reputation for luxury shopping fool you – it’s actually an amazing base for families! The area around Tokyo Station offers that perfect blend of convenience and comfort that makes traveling with kids so much easier.

Why Families Love Ginza

Best Family Hotels Near Tokyo Station

💡 Real Experience: A family I helped last summer stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel and loved being able to easily get to Tokyo Disney without changing trains. Their kids also enjoyed watching the trains from their hotel window!

Case Study: Real Families in Tokyo

Let me share a real example of how these areas work for families. Last month, I helped the Smiths, a family of four with kids aged 7 and 9, plan their Tokyo stay. They chose to split their week between Ueno and Odaiba.

Ueno Experience

In Ueno, they loved:

Odaiba Experience

In Odaiba, they enjoyed:

  • Modern entertainment options
  • Beautiful bay views
  • Less crowded streets
  • Easy access to TeamLab

This combination gave them a perfect mix of traditional and modern Tokyo, while keeping their kids engaged and excited throughout the trip.

Essential Tips for Booking Family Hotels in Tokyo

After helping hundreds of families plan their Tokyo stays, I’ve learned all the tricks for getting the best family-friendly accommodation.

When to Book Your Tokyo Hotel

Timing is everything when booking family accommodation in Tokyo. Here’s what you need to know:

Regular Hotels

Book 6 months ahead, especially if you need:

  • Connecting rooms
  • Family suites
  • Specific bed configurations

🎢 Planning a Disney trip? Official Tokyo Disney Resort Hotels open bookings exactly 3-4 months ahead. Mark your calendar – the best rooms go fast!

Best Seasons for Families

  • Cherry Blossom (Late March-Early April): Book 8-9 months ahead
  • Summer (July-August): Book 6 months ahead
  • Autumn Colors (November): Book 7-8 months ahead
  • New Year (December-January): Book 9 months ahead

💡 Pro Tip: I always recommend booking refundable rates for family trips. Tokyo hotels often have great last-minute deals, and you can always cancel and rebook if you find a better price!

Room Configurations That Work for Families

Japanese hotel rooms can be TINY! Here’s what to look for when booking:

Best Room Types for Families

Apartment-Style Hotels

Connecting Rooms

  • Usually available at international chains
  • Book early – limited availability
  • Often cheaper than family suites

Family Rooms

  • Look for “Universal Room” designation
  • Check exact square footage
  • Confirm bed configurations

🛏️ Real Talk: A Japanese “double bed” is often smaller than Western standards. When in doubt, go for twin beds – they’re usually more spacious!

Must-Have Amenities for Families

When I’m helping families book hotels in Tokyo, these are the amenities I always look for:

Essential Amenities

  • Laundry Facilities: Trust me, you’ll want these!
  • Kitchenette: Even just a microwave helps
  • Bathroom with Tub: Not all rooms have them
  • Free WiFi: For planning on the go
  • Elevator Access: Essential with strollers

Nice-to-Have Extras

  • Breakfast Included: Makes mornings easier
  • Mobile WiFi Rental: Great for exploring
  • Stroller Storage: Check if available
  • Kids’ Welcome Gifts: Some hotels offer these

🧺 Insider Tip: Hotels with coin laundry are worth their weight in gold when traveling with kids. My go-to recommendation is always MIMARU – they have washer/dryers in every room!

My Top Hotel Picks for Different Family Types

Best Overall: MIMARU TOKYO UENO NORTH

  • Apartment-style rooms
  • Great location near Ueno Park
  • Washer/dryer in room
  • Perfect for families of 4-6

Best Luxury: Hilton Tokyo Odaiba

  • Amazing bay views
  • Large rooms by Tokyo standards
  • Great pool for kids
  • Easy access to attractions

Best Budget: Tokyu Stay Hotels (multiple locations)

  • Kitchenettes in room
  • Washer/dryers available
  • Reasonable prices
  • Reliable quality

Final Tips for Your Tokyo Family Stay

  1. Consider Your Daily Plan: Stay near the attractions you’ll visit most
  2. Check Room Sizes: Japanese hotels can be tiny – always verify square footage
  3. Look for Amenities: Laundry access is a game-changer with kids
  4. Book Early: The best family rooms go fast, especially in peak seasons
  5. Stay Flexible: Consider splitting your stay between two areas to experience more of Tokyo

🏨 Ready to book? Check out my top recommendation, the MIMARU TOKYO UENO NORTH, for the perfect family stay in Tokyo!

More Japan Travel Resources

Need more help planning your family trip to Tokyo? Drop a comment below with your questions! I check and respond to comments daily to help make your family’s Tokyo adventure unforgettable!

✨ Looking for deals on Tokyo hotels? Check current prices and availability for your travel dates!

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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