How to explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with kids – without squeezing into a tiny hotel room

Japan has almost as many must-see destinations as there are kinds of Pokémon: Tokyo pulsates with futuristic cityscapes and character-packed shops; Kyoto serves up temples, bamboo forests and traditional culture; and playful, energetic Osaka adds street food and theme parks.

The good news for families looking to catch ‘em all is that Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka form Japan’s classic Golden Route and are connected by fast, reliable trains. However, moving children and luggage between three busy cities can still feel daunting – particularly when standard hotel rooms leave little space for families to unpack or relax.

Choosing practical accommodation in all three destinations, therefore, can transform the trip. Apartment-style hotel chain APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU has 29 properties across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with apartments sleeping four to 10 people depending on the residence. Kitchens, dining areas and family-focused services give parents more flexibility while still placing Japan’s biggest sights within easy reach.

How to plan a multi-city Japan family vacation

A Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka itinerary introduces children to three very different sides of Japan without requiring domestic flights or complicated transfers. Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen bullet train takes roughly two hours and 15 minutes from Tokyo to Kyoto on its fastest service, while regular trains connect Kyoto and Osaka in less than 30 minutes.

Be sure to allow several days in each city to give children (and you!) time to settle into their surroundings and leave room for slower mornings or quieter afternoons after busy sightseeing days.

Traveling light helps too; MIMARU guests can use a same-day luggage delivery service on selected routes between its hotels, meaning families can check out, board the train with just their day bags and find their suitcases waiting at the next property. Service areas, collection times and availability vary, so arrangements should be checked with the hotel.

MIMARU apartments range from approximately 40m² to 100m²

Things to do in Tokyo with kids

Tokyo might seem overwhelming at first, but its distinct neighborhoods make it easy to slice the capital into bite-sized family days – just like your favorite sushi roll.

Children can see the famous Shibuya Crossing, browse character shops around Tokyo Station or explore the bright lights and gaming culture of Akihabara. Other popular things to do in Tokyo with kids include digital art experiences, observation decks and the museums, zoo and parkland of Ueno.

MIMARU’s Tokyo properties have an average walk of just 3.1 minutes to the nearest station, according to the hotel group. Some also offer fun accommodation such as Pokémon Rooms, while two-bedroom apartments give parents and children more privacy.

Every MIMARU apartment has a kitchen, microwave, dining space and cooking equipment. Parents can make a familiar breakfast before setting out or assemble a simple evening meal when another restaurant feels a bit overwhelming. Grocery shops, convenience stores and pharmacies are also available near the hotels.

MIMARU has seven properties across Kyoto

Exploring Kyoto with kids

Kyoto offers a calmer contrast to Tokyo, although its headline sights still reward an early start. Families can walk through the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, explore the Arashiyama bamboo grove or visit Kyoto Railway Museum, while a wander through the historic streets around Gion offers another glimpse of the city’s traditions.

Then, thanks to MIMARU’s flexible base, children have room to spread out after a temple-packed day rather than being confined to their beds. Families can eat together at a proper table, keep snacks and drinks in the kitchen and use the hotel’s laundry facilities before the next stage of the journey.

MIMARU has seven properties across Kyoto, with the average hotel around 2.7 minutes’ walk from its nearest station. Options include MIMARU Kyoto Station for straightforward rail connections and properties in quieter neighborhoods for families who want to experience a more residential side of the city.

Kyoto properties are all near a station

Things to do in Osaka with kids

Osaka has a fun, informal character that makes it an easy final stop on a Japan vacation with kids. Families can see the neon signs and giant food displays of Dotonbori, visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan or make a day of Universal Studios Japan theme park.

The city is also useful for exploring more of the Kansai region. Kyoto and Kobe can be accessed quickly by train, while Himeji makes a possible day trip for families keen to see its UNESCO-listed castle.

Excitingly, MIMARU is expanding its Osaka collection with two new properties this autumn: MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi Central opened on 1 September 2026 in the Shinsaibashi and America-mura area, placing families close to shopping, street fashion and pop culture. Its 40m² Two-Bunkbed Apartment sleeps four and has two sets of bunk beds, two shower rooms and an in-room washer-dryer.

MIMARU Osaka Namba Station Annex opens on 1 October 2026. Its standout option is the top-floor Sky Garden Three-Bedroom Suite, a 100m² apartment with a private terrace. This provides an unusually generous amount of space for extended families or groups traveling together.

Some properties also offer fun accommodation such as Pokémon Rooms | ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc

Why apartment hotels work for Japan with kids

A successful family vacation to Japan isn’t only about fitting in as many attractions as possible. Children may need downtime, parents may need to wash clothes or prepare a quick meal plus everyone benefits from having enough room to be together without feeling crowded.

MIMARU apartments range from approximately 40m² to 100m², with layouts designed for families and groups. Most properties boast 24-hour coin-operated laundry facilities, while some apartments include their own washer-dryer. Cots, children’s items and other useful equipment can also be borrowed, although availability is limited and advance reservations are recommended.

Staff from 40 countries and regions support guests in English, Japanese and other languages, with the languages available varying by property. They can help families navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods and tackle the small practical questions that inevitably arise on a multi-city trip.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka will still deliver the excitement families travel to Japan to experience. The difference is having a spacious and practical base to return to – and one less logistical puzzle to solve along the way.