New Family Friendly Hotels in Tokyo:

Nishi-Ogikubo Apartment: Tokyo, Japan


Property
 Tokyo’s grand scale, high prices and jam-packed crosswalks stand in stark contrast to the relative ease, value and comfort of this adorable apartment. Located in the Nishi-Ogikubo area of Tokyo, the apartment sleeps up to four and is the picture of efficiency complete with washing machine and two pairs of slippers.

Location
The neighborhood of Nishi-Ogikubo has a real downtown centered around the Nishi-Ogikubo train station (a 5-minute walk from the apartment). There is no shortage of shops and restaurants ranging from a big supermarket to an excellent Pakistani take-out place right behind the train station. The neighborhood seems to be popular residential area for young couples and families and is only fifteen minutes by train from Shinjuku station.

Sleeps
Small families only. Ideal for two parents and one child. A family of four is possible but it would be a bit of a squeeze.

Highlights
Great value. A helpful representative from the rental company will meet you at the Nishi-Ogikubo station and escort you to the apartment with map and Tokyo tourist information in hand. Kitchen is fully stocked with utensils and cooking gear. Washing machine in the apartment is a real treasure for family travel.

Good to know
Although the train passes right outside the apartment, Nishi-Ogikubo is in a quieter part of Tokyo. (The noise from the train was noticeable but not disruptive to sleep.) This place is a really great value but you will need to budget a little extra for train fare since it is not located in the central transit zone of Tokyo.

Contact
http://www.vrbo.com/71100

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Written by Kristy Hall

National Children’s Castle: Tokyo, Japan


Property
Though disappointingly not an actual castle, this complex boasts Tokyo’s best and most sophisticated indoor/outdoor playground for children. Built in commemoration of the International Year of the Child in 1979, the Castle officially opened in November of 1985. The purpose of the Castle is to offer a place where children can develop healthy, happy, energetic, sound minds and body. You can’t argue with that, and you can’t argue with their mid-range prices either.

Location
The National Children’s Castle, located on Aoyama Dori is about halfway between Aoyama and Shibuya (and a 10 minute trek from either station) in the Shibuya-ku neighborhood. The hotel is situated on the 6th and 7th floor of the complex.

Sleeps
2-6 people. Consider staying in the large and lovely Japanese-style rooms, which have more floor space for everyone to relax in.

Highlights
Your kids will think they are in paradise with art projects, a swimming pool, puppet shows, computer games room and all manner of antic amusements for kids. Staying here is uniquely Tokyo.

Good to know
Make reservations at least 2 months in advance, especially if you plan on being in Tokyo in the summer. Also, don’t laugh but there’s an 11pm curfew.

Written by Jane Rytina

Sakura Ryokan: Tokyo, Japan


Property
If you’ve read some James Clavell and fancy a more “Shogun” experience, the Sakura Ryokan is for you. This modern Japanese-style inn is a family-run establishment with Western- and Japanese-style units available with or without private bathrooms. Your children will love the traditional Japanese style rooms that have futons laid out on tatami mats.

Location
The inn is located in Asakusa, about a 12-minute walk from Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. You can indulge yourself in the Japanese markets, stores and museum-filled Ueno Park. If you are lucky, your stay may coincide with a festival or parade, and you will have a front row seat. Want to do something different? Catch a bus-boat from nearby Sumido River.

Sleeps
Up to 6 in two Japanese-style rooms connected by a bathroom.
Highlights
Very reasonable rates and an authentic Japanese experience.
Good to know
It is a 10-minute walk from the subway. This is great for older children, but toddlers may struggle. If you are traveling light, there is a coin operated laundry on the premises.
Contact

Written by Jane Rytina

New Otani: Tokyo, Japan


Property
When in Tokyo, you HAVE to experience the mega hotels, with their choice of restaurants, impeccable service and facilities up the you know what! One of the best for families is the New Otani. This huge hotel complex comprises of a main building, the tower and Garden Court surrounded by beautiful 400 year-old, 10-acre Japanese gardens. The list of facilities would fill the page but some important ones are swimming pools (outdoor pool, summer only), child care services, abundance of restaurants, views, games room and an affiliation with the reputable Sunrise Tour company.

Location
The New Otani is centrally located in the city. It is reasonably convenient for the airport, and has a complimentary shuttle. Beware, the shuttle caters for other Otani hotels so can take a while to get to the city center. However, most importantly in Tokyo, the New Otani is near 2 subway stations, so it is easy to travel anywhere – airport OR tourist destination.
Sleeps
Any combination, and a range of prices from reasonable to extortionate (if you want the most expensive suite).
Highlights
The gardens, great service, centrally located. Soak it up, baby!
Good to know
Food is expensive, but an abundance of local restaurants can relieve the pain.
Contact

Written by Jane Rytina