With 15 branches throughout Tokyo (as well as others across Japan), the Mimaru hotel chain has become a favorite of traveling families and small groups for their home-like suites and apartments. The Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro is a great example of the brand.
Two-bedroom family suite
Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro At A Glance
- Great for: families, small groups, gamers
- Strong points: wide range of apartment-like rooms and suites, away from crowded areas of Tokyo, friendly and efficient staff
- Sample rates: from US$300 to $800 per night for standard rooms
The Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro is an excellent base for families and groups of friends exploring Tokyo. With a variety of suites, apartments and even a gaming room, it offers all the advantages of a vacation rental joined with the convenience and services of a hotel.
The hub of Ikebukuro, on the northwest of the crucial Yamanote (Loop) Line, is a great base for exploring the west side of Tokyo (think Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku etc), but there’s also a subway line (the Marunouchi Line) that will get you to the Tokyo Station very quickly. While Ikebukuro is not the most fashionable district in Tokyo, one of its advantages is plenty of shopping and dining without the crowds that plague hubs further south on the Loop Line. Ikebukuro is very popular with fans of anime and video games, with a branch of the anime store Animate and plenty of subculture stores and cafes.
Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro exterior
The Mimaru Ikebukuro offers a wide variety of rooms and suites than can handle almost any group. We love the family suites here, which boast separate bedrooms, spacious living areas and all the amenities you need to feel at home on the road. These include kitchens with microwaves, electric stovetops, and full-size refrigerators, giving you the option to take a break from restaurant meals. Washers and dryers are also a welcome feature for those on longer trips. Finally, tech-savvy travelers will appreciate the abundance of USB ports and electric sockets, allowing connectivity and charging for even larger groups.
Two-bedroom family suite living area
Speaking of tech, there are gaming concept guest rooms that hold five gaming computers, and even the “regular” rooms have a gaming PC that allows you to communicate and share your travel experience with other guests of the hotel through a Discord app.
There’s also a laundry and play area with vending machines where you can relax, have a drink and do some laundry, or just escape from the rest of your group for a while.
Gaming room
Beyond the hardware, one of the most appealing aspects of the Mimaru Ikebukuro is the dedicated multilingual staff who can help with almost any query. Daily housekeeping service will be appreciated for those on longer stays in the city.
One-bedroom apartment with four single beds
The rates at the Mimaru Ikebukuro are more reasonable than those at comparable hotels in other parts of the city, allowing you to spend more of your travel budget on sampling Tokyo’s incredible food and shopping options.
Two-bedroom suite kitchen and dining area
All in all, the Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro is a compelling option for families and small groups who want a convenient and friendly base within striking distance of Tokyo’s main sightseeing districts.
Name in English:
MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro
Name in Japanese:
MIMARU東京 池袋
English address:
2-61-1 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0014
Japanese address:
〒171-0014 東京都豊島区池袋2-61-1
Price: moderate to expensive
Internet: free wifi
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station on the JR Yamanote (Loop) Line and the Marunouchi Subway Line.
Telephone: 81-(0)3-5927-8877
Website: official website
:: Check availability and pricing for Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
