The Travelling Wee

Planning a family holiday to Japan and searching for the best budget-friendly hotels? Whether you’re travelling with children or simply looking for affordable accommodation, Japan offers a fantastic selection of comfortable, convenient, and cost-effective hotels that allow you to save money without compromising on quality.

One key lesson we’ve learnt from previous trips: if you’re out exploring from morning until night, do you really need an expensive luxury hotel? Instead of splurging on high-end accommodation, many travellers find that budget hotels provide everything necessary—a clean room, comfortable bed, and great location—without the unnecessary expense.

How to Choose the Right Budget Hotel in Japan

Here are some essential hotel selection tips for families and budget-conscious travellers:

✅ Consider Your Travel Style – If your itinerary is packed with sightseeing and activities, you’ll spend very little time in your hotel room. Do you really need a five-star luxury hotel, or would a cost-effective, well-located hotel be a smarter choice?

✅ Location Matters – Staying at a hotel near transport links such as train stations will make your travels across Japan easier and more convenient, saving time and money.

✅ Room Size for Families – Japanese hotel rooms are compact, so if you’re travelling as a family of four, you need two rooms. However, even with this arrangement, budget hotels are often far cheaper than high-end hotels. If you require larger rooms, Mimaru Hotels offer family-friendly suites with kitchens, dining areas, and even Pokémon-themed rooms!

✅ Amenities & Free Extras – Many budget hotels include complimentary breakfast, hot springs (onsen), late-night ramen, and even the option to choose your pillow for a better night’s sleep. Look for added perks when booking!

✅ Book Early for the Best Prices – Popular affordable hotels fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Secure your booking in advance to get the best rates.

Best Budget Hotels in Japan for Families

1. Toyoko Inn – Reliable, Affordable, and Convenient

One of Japan’s largest budget hotel chains, Toyoko Inn provides simple, clean rooms at affordable prices. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for free breakfast and easy access to transport links. With over 350 hotels across Japan, Toyoko Inn ensures a consistent and reliable experience.

📍 Recommended Locations:

• Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Kabuki-cho – Located in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku, close to shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
• Toyoko Inn Kyoto Shijo-karasuma – Situated in central Kyoto, ideal for cultural exploration.

2. Dormy Inn – Relax with a Hot Spring

Dormy Inn stands out from standard budget hotels by offering natural hot springs (onsen) and free late-night ramen, making it ideal for relaxation after a long day of sightseeing. With over 80 hotels across Japan, Dormy Inn focuses on comfort, relaxation, and convenience.

📍 Recommended Locations:

• Dormy Inn Ikebukuro – Located in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district, featuring an onsen and sauna.
• Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae – Just minutes from Kyoto Station, offering onsen baths and local breakfast options.

3. Super Hotel – Eco-Friendly and Comfortable

Perfect for eco-conscious travellers, Super Hotel is known for its sustainable practices, natural hot spring baths, and the option to choose your own pillow for a personalised sleep experience. The chain has over 140 locations across Japan.

📍 Recommended Locations:

• Super Hotel Premier Ikebukuro Tennenonsen – Offers an onsen bath and free breakfast in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district.

4. Route Inn – Affordable with Good Locations

Route Inn offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and public baths in select locations. The chain operates over 350 hotels across Japan and is a great option for travellers who want budget accommodation near city centres and transport hubs.

📍 Recommended Locations:

• Hotel Route Inn Osaka Umeda – Close to shopping and entertainment in Osaka’s Umeda district.

5. Smile Hotel – Simple & Cost-Effective

With over 50 locations in Japan, Smile Hotel offers basic, budget-friendly accommodation, making it a smart choice for families who just need a comfortable place to sleep after a day of exploring.

📍 Recommended Locations:

• Smile Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi – Conveniently located near Tokyo Station, perfect for sightseeing.

6. APA Hotel – Compact & Convenient

APA Hotels can be found all over Japan, offering small yet modern rooms near major city centres. While rooms are compact, booking two rooms for a family of four is often more cost-effective than staying in a luxury hotel. APA operates over 900 hotels nationwide.

📍 Recommended Locations:

• APA Hotel Akihabara Ekimae – Ideal for anime and gaming fans visiting Tokyo’s Akihabara district.

7. Mimaru Hotels – Spacious Family Rooms & Pokémon-Themed Stays

For families needing larger rooms, Mimaru Hotels offer apartment-style suites with kitchens, dining areas, and multiple beds. Some locations even feature Pokémon-themed rooms, making them a fantastic choice for fans! Mimaru operates 27 locations across Japan’s major cities.

📍 Recommended Locations:

• Mimaru Tokyo Station East – Spacious rooms near Tokyo Station.
• Mimaru Kyoto Shijo – Centrally located, perfect for exploring Kyoto.
• Mimaru Osaka Namba Station – Close to Osaka’s famous Dotonbori district.

Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Spend Smart, Travel Happy!

If you’re travelling with your family, budget hotels in Japan allow you to save money on accommodation while still enjoying comfort and convenience. Consider these factors before booking:

✅ Do you really need a luxury hotel? If you’re out sightseeing all day, a budget-friendly hotel provides everything you need without unnecessary expense.

✅ Room Size & Family Needs – Japanese hotel rooms are compact, so booking two rooms may be necessary—but this is often cheaper than staying in a luxury hotel!

✅ Amenities & Extra Perks – Look out for free breakfast, onsen access, and other added benefits to maximise your stay.

✅ Spacious Family Hotels? If you prefer larger rooms, Mimaru Hotels offer family suites with kitchens and Pokémon-themed stays for fans!

Plan Smart, Spend Smart, Travel Happy!

By choosing budget-friendly hotels, you can spend less on accommodation and more on unique Japan experiences, making your family adventure unforgettable!