Top 6 Places to Stay in Tokyo for Families

Tokyo is vast, featuring a variety of distinct neighborhoods, from the vibrant Shinjuku and upscale Ginza to the tranquil Akasaka and culturally rich Asakusa. It is really hard to decide where to stay, especially for a family.

Many first-time visitors choose Shinjuku as it's frequently recommended by travel agencies. However, it may not be the best for families as areas like Kabukicho could be noisy at night. In fact, there are other areas in Tokyo that are much more suitable for family stays.

Here are our recommended family-friendly areas in Tokyo based on location, surroundings, and hotel pricing.

1. Akasaka — a Quiet Gem in Central Tokyo

Akasaka is a charming district with a traditional Japanese city vibe, offering a quieter atmosphere compared to other areas.

Located in Tokyo's rich neighborhood, it's an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely walk with its quiet alleys. If your family prefers short walks, you could even walk to Tokyo Tower in about 30 minutes.

This area is also easily connected with other major attractions and shopping districts in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Senso-ji, etc. The Yamanote Line, the most important metro line in Tokyo, goes through the area.

There are plenty of family-friendly dining options. The Harry Potter Café is located in this area. There are also many cozy izakayas in the area.

Attractions around Akasaka: Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Zojo-ji, Senso-ji, Tsukiji Outer Market, and Ikebukuro.

Hotel Prices in Akasaka

Family room rates in Akasaka are similar to those in upscale districts like Ginza as it's located in central Tokyo. The general price range is as follows:

Mid-range hotels: ¥25,000–40,000 per night (approx. $170–270)

High-end hotels: ¥40,000–80,000 per night (approx. $270–540)

Luxury hotels: over ¥80,000 per night (over $540), especially during peak travel seasons or holidays

Recommended Hotel in Akasaka

MIMARU Tokyo Akasaka: This is a top choice for families. The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern, with options for Western-style or hybrid Western-Japanese rooms. The hotel offers connecting rooms, a small kitchen, and a private bathroom.

There's even a communal rooftop dining area with stunning city views. A convenience store is right across the street. The only downside is that the hotel doesn't have a restaurant.

2. Asakusa: Experience the Cultural Atmosphere

Asakusa offers a rich traditional cultural atmosphere, with many hotels featuring classic Japanese styles, such as tatami rooms and Japanese gardens. Some accommodation even provides experiences like tea ceremonies and wearing yukata.

It is located in central Tokyo, close to Senso-ji and Nakamise-dori Street, Tokyo Skytree, and Ueno Park.

Pros: Asakusa is just a stone's throw from Senso-ji, immersing you in a rich traditional Japanese cultural atmosphere. You would discover plenty of authentic Japanese cuisine to savor and it offers direct access to Narita Airport. Plus, convenient metro connections to Ginza, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Tokyo Skytree make it an ideal base for exploring the city.

Cons: There are fewer entertainment and shopping options. It's not suitable for those who enjoy shopping and nightlife.

Attractions close to Asakusa: Senso-ji and Nakamise-dori Street, Tokyo Skytree, and Ueno Park

Hotels in Asakusa

Hotels there range from mid to high-end. Many offer a blend of traditional and modern designs, creating a unique and quieter, historical experience.

Hotel Prices

Asakusa offers good value compared to areas like Akasaka and Ginza, with family rooms typically ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥25,000 (approx. $67–168).

Traditional ryokans: ¥8,000–25,000 (approx. $54–168), depending on the room type and meal options

Mid-range hotels: ¥15,000–25,000 (approx. $101–168)

Luxury hotels: Prices start from ¥15,000, with some reaching ¥30,000+ (approx. $101–202+) for premium amenities.

Recommended Hotels

MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Asakusa: This is great for families needing separate rooms.

Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel: Stylish loft-style apartments, perfect for families with young children.

Gate Hotel Kaminarimon: A high-end hotel that is a 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station, with rooftop dining and views of Tokyo Skytree.

Shangri-La Tokyo: For ultra-luxurious accommodation, this hotel offers connecting Imperial Garden rooms.

3. Ueno: Quieter with Good-Valued Hotels

This area has an old atmosphere and is filled with ancient buildings, temples, and museums. It is lively at night with many izakayas and restaurants, perfect for a vibrant yet affordable stay. It's also family-friendly, with nearby Ueno Park offering a zoo and Tokyo National Museum, plus accommodation offering connecting rooms or family suites.

Pros: Experience an Edo period ambiance, convenient access to Narita Airport, relatively peaceful surroundings, and affordable prices.

Cons: There are few things to do at night.

Attractions close to Ueno: Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji, Akihabara, Ueno Park, and Tokyo National Museum

Hotel Prices in Ueno

Hotels in Ueno are moderately priced, being slightly higher than in Asakusa.

Mid-range family rooms typically cost between ¥20,000 and ¥30,000 (about $135–200) per night.

Recommended Hotel

Ueno Touganeya Hotel: This charming hotel offers rooms with a double bed and bunk beds for kids, and it's just a short walk from Ueno Park.

4. Tokyo Station Area: a Major Transportation Hub

Hotels there are mainly business and high-end international chains, with rooms typically designed in a practical and minimalist style. The area is surrounded by large shopping malls, and many hotels offer family rooms and suites.

Compared to Shibuya and Shinjuku, the Tokyo Station area is quieter after business hours, making it a great option for those who prefer a peaceful environment. Some rooms offer views of Tokyo's city skyline at night.

Hotel Prices Around Tokyo Station

While close to Ginza, hotel rates there are slightly lower. High-end hotels range from ¥40,000–100,000 per night (about $270–670), while mid-range options are between ¥20,000–40,000 (about $135–270).

Recommended Hotel

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi:
This hotel offers a variety of room types, with some rooms being more spacious than a typical Tokyo hotel, making it suitable for families. Extra beds and cribs are available upon request and children's meals could be arranged to ensure a comfortable stay for families with kids.

5. Shibuya: Bustling with Various Entertainment Options

Shibuya is a vibrant and crowded district. It is a good choice for teenagers but may not be a good choice for small kids.

Nearby attractions include Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine, as well as large shopping malls, offering family-friendly spots to relax. There are also many child-friendly restaurants with a wide variety of options.

In addition to numerous shops and dining options, some upscale hotels in the area offer family suites or connecting rooms, and some provide amenities like cribs and high chairs for children.

Attractions around the area: Shibuya Sky, Shibuya Parco, Omotesando, Daikanyama, Nakameguro, and Shibuya Crossing.

Pros: A trendy shopping area, peaceful ambiance, convenient transportation, and plenty of entertainment options.

Cons: Some parts, such as areas around Shibuya Crossing, Center Gai, and Dogenzaka, are noisy.

Hotel Prices in Shibuya

Hotel prices are quite affordable. Family-friendly hotels range from ¥22,000 to ¥75,000 ($150 to $500) per night, with options from budget-friendly to luxury. Many offer spacious rooms, modern amenities, and child-friendly services, such as connecting rooms and cribs.

Recommended Hotels

Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel:
This is the most modest and affordable option among our recommendations in Shibuya. It's just a 2-minute walk from Shibuya Station. The rooms there are simple, modern, and clean, accommodating one to three people. If you're traveling with teenagers, you could request two adjacent rooms. The hotel has its own breakfast restaurant and children under 6 can eat for free.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu and Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu:
These two hotels are about a 10-minute walk from each other. While they aren't the most budget-friendly, they are modern, popular, and offer relatively spacious rooms by Tokyo standards. Both hotels are well-established, clean, elegant, and reliable. Many rooms also provide great city views.

6. Ginza: Luxurious and Filled with Art

Ginza is a bustling area, surrounded by high-end shopping centers, art galleries, theaters, and more. Most hotels in Ginza are luxurious, making it ideal for families who seek a high-quality stay and are interested in art and culture.

Pros: An upscale shopping district with a variety of brands, many Michelin-starred restaurants, convenient transportation, and close to Tokyo Disneyland.

Cons: Noisy and hotel prices are high.

Attractions close to Ginza: Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukicho, and Roppongi

Hotels in Ginza

Most hotels in Ginza are luxurious with expensive prices. These hotels offer modern, comfortable amenities, often with suites and family-friendly services suitable for those traveling with children.

Hotel Prices

Most hotels in Ginza are luxurious with expensive prices.

Luxury hotels (5-star or upscale):
approximately ¥50,000 to ¥100,000 (about $340 to $680) or more per night

Mid-range hotels:
Approximately ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 (about $200 to $340) per night

Recommended Hotel

Mercure Tokyo Ginza:
This hotel offers a variety of room types, including family rooms and connecting rooms that could accommodate multiple family members, making it ideal for families with children. It also provides child-friendly services, such as special bedding and bathroom amenities for kids, catering to the unique needs of families.

Tips for Choosing the Best Places to Stay for Families

If you haven't found a suitable hotel in the areas mentioned, you could use the following criteria to choose a good accommodation area for your family.

1. Proximity to Major Subway Lines
Make sure the area is close to the Yamanote Line (or other subway lines). This is the major metro line in Tokyo, which passes through major attractions and shopping districts in Tokyo.

2. Family-Friendly Room Options
Check if the hotel offers family suites or provides children's beds or extra beds to meet the specific needs of your family.

3. Close to Family-Friendly Attractions
Staying near family-friendly attractions, such as parks and museums, could reduce commuting times. Recommended areas:

• Odaiba (with Odaiba Seaside Park and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo)
• Ueno (with Ueno Zoological Gardens and museums)

4. Convenience of Nearby Restaurants and Supermarkets
Ensure there are nearby dining options and supermarkets to cater to your daily family needs.

5. Quiet and Safe Environment
Look for quieter, safe neighborhoods. Areas like Nakano and Mitaka are relatively peaceful, with nearby anime shops, art museums, and parks, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.

Need Help to Find the Best Place to Stay in Tokyo?

If you're still unsure about where to stay or haven't found the right hotel in Tokyo, we can help you plan your trip and select a hotel that suits your needs. Feel free to contact us.