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Hi all, looking for some sage words of advice here.
We’ll be in Japan this summer, two adults, three kids (aged 7, 2 and a few months).
Having had an initial scout at hotel options and reading around, it seems like we’re going to have a bit of a problem all being in one room. General consensus seems to be that hotel rooms (and beds for that matter) in Japan are usually smaller than Europe/US sizes.
Obviously the baby won’t take up a bed on his own, and the other two boys would be fine sharing if needed. But when doing a search that includes everyone, there’s either no availability or the insistence that you get two rooms – not really an option for us. And we don’t want problems showing up with a different number of kids than booked for – have seen stories of hotels being strict on numbers in rooms there.
Does anyone have an experience of this and how they got around it?
Thanks in advance!
It might help to provide more specific info about your travel plans to allow for more targeted advice. For instance, where are you planning to visit and when?
I’ve booked several families of five to Japan, limits the hotel choices but very doable. As an example, the Fav Tokyo Nishinippori has suites that sleep six. And enough choice of rooms at all price levels. Just generally avoid the Western chains which are overpriced compared to the equivalent Japanese offering.
I don’t know how things are like in Japan, but with kids that age, I would be looking at something with a kitchen/kitchenette.
You don’t say which city/ies you plan to visit, but as an example of something that might work well for you, Google the Four Sisters Residence in Kyoto – stayed there a couple of years ago, highly recommended. They do one and two bedroom apartments, decent size rooms by Japan standards, reasonable price. I would certainly be looking at serviced apartments rather than hotel rooms.
My own experience of Japan is that you should book as far ahead as possible for the best prices and range of availability – ideally a year ahead, especially if travelling at popular times.
Although we travel as a couple, I’ve seen loads of traditional Japanese hotels that sleep 5 or 6 people. On futons though.
As for price, I try and make flexible bookings, and I’ve often found prices drop later.
Where are you going, and when?
Bit obscure but have a look at using and purchasing Choice Privilege points when their on a sale. Real good use in EU, OZ, JP. I believe theres a sale on at the moment.
Have a look at Mimaru suites. They have family-friendly apartment hotels in the major cities and were recommended when I was researching our family trip.
Thanks so far everyone. We’re in Tokyo and Osaka in June and July.
I was obviously looking first at the western chains where I’ve got status, and hadn’t considered apartment hotels, but will definitely start casting the net wider.
Thanks so far everyone. We’re in Tokyo and Osaka in June and July.
I was obviously looking first at the western chains where I’ve got status, and hadn’t considered apartment hotels, but will definitely start casting the net wider.
I still think some more specific info about where you’ll be and what you’re doing would be helpful. Osaka and Tokyo are big cities; we’ve been to both numerous times and always stay somewhere different that is suited to our activities on that particular trip (except for Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, where we’ve stayed multiple times before flying home).
In Osaka, for instance, will you be mostly exploring Osaka itself, travelling elsewhere by train (e.g., Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, etc.), going to Universal Studios, or even all of the above? These factors would impact what area of the city you might stay in and resulting hotel recommendations.
Keep in mind that it could be quite hot and humid when you’re there too at that time of year, so thinking about how you will be getting around and the convenience/location of your accommodation could be important.
In general though, I agree with posters above that there will be options, such as chains like Mimaru (have stayed at these in past and would recommend if location suits) and potentially Japanese-style accommodation (e.g., where you are setting out futons on the floor at night), although I always felt the options for more traditional accommodation better outside of the major cities.
Look for family rooms. All hotels even most basic ones usually have one or two such rooms. As others said, avoid Western chains as you can only get overpriced suites for that. Having said that Hiltons have interconnected rooms, so that might be an option on points. I have seen very good set-up at Conrad Tokyo, but Hilton Tokyo should also have them. There also hotels in Tokyo Bay close to Disneyland which cater for families. For more luxurious experience, some Prince Hotels have rooms with bunk beds. Tokyu Stay chain also has family rooms/apartments.
Other option is to look for Japanese style room with tatami and futon beds. They usually accept larger number of rooms.
I would note though that family rooms don’t always show in searches, so you might have to consult individual hotel pages or contact them directly.
No specific Japan advice unfortunately but I have recently launched a website to solve the challenges for 5+ rooming – please take a look at http://www.bigrooms.travel and let me know any feedback, articles you would like to see.
Literally just checked out the Hyatt Regency Yokohama last week and Hilton Yokohama a few days ago.
Hyatt Regency Yokohama had an enormous bed. So big it was almost in different area codes. To the point partner and I lay on either side and couldn’t reach each other with outstretched arms. Weirdly I can’t see the room category on the folio, but it was room 1014.
Hilton Yokohama had twin double beds, which were also both able to comfortably sleep four (although unsure if hotel rules would permit that). If you’re staying in Yokohama Hyatt was better for access to Motomachi and China town, and Hilton was a 5 minute walk to Yokohama station.
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