Hi All
First time poster. We are planning a last minute trip to Japan this summer. Family of 4. Two kids are pre-teen. Looking to go enjoy the food, visit some sites. Our schedule tends to be pretty relaxed and is not packed.
– The Mimaru hotels seem to be a good fit for our needs. (rooms fit 4, relatively spacious, reasonably priced, newish, clean design, has kitchen + access to washer. some are close to train stations)
– We know the heat will be brutal. We were planning to take it easy. Wake up early and go visit something interesting in the morning for a few hours. Come back and relax/rest in the room. Go back out and wander around again when it cools down.
**Question 1:**
– Would love to hear recommendations for the “best” Miramu locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto for my scenario. (Looking for super convenient to the train + quick access to great casual restaurants, shops, etc right near the hotel) I’m more likely to get the kids to get moving if it is super easy to get to the restaurant, sites, trains, etc. All things being equal, would prefer newer/larger rooms. (It sounds like all Mimaru are relatively new)
Tokyo
– Ikebukuro?
– One of the Ueno locations? (which one?)
– Asakusa?
Kyoto
– Kawaramachi Gojo — Was debating between this one and the one by the Train Station. Figured this location might make it easier to go visit the classic Kyoto sites?
Osaka
– Namba Station– selected this one because it is presumably convenient for potential day-trips to Hiroshima, Nara, Universal, etc. Thought my kids might enjoy the huge selection of board games at this location.
**Question 2:**
– Are there other chains I should consider that are as good or better than Mimaru for slightly more money? I’ve seen popup sales/ads for Monday Apartment. The reviews seem great. However, the photos don’t seem as nice as Mimaru. Is this observation valid? I’ve googled for direct comparisons and can’t seem to find any.
Bonus– I love the amazing breakfast spreads at some of the luxury Hotel chains in other Asian countries. I didn’t want to pay for two expensive rooms in Japan at a luxury hotel far from the train station. I mention this in case anybody has ideas for Japanese hotel chains I should consider.
The Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya looked nice. For my dates, these rooms were much more expensive.
Thanks in advance for any advice
by dlca1