Having handled many tour clients via Unseen Japan Tours, we’ve seen firsthand how taxing travel can be. It’s tempting to try and cram a week’s worth of sightseeing into a day. However, the limits of the human body eventually catch up with all of us.
That’s why it can help when you travel to stay in a place that feels a little more like home. A place where you can relax, hang out, and maybe even cook a meal or two. Having a room that feels less like a hotel and more like a residence can help you recover from a trying day out and about on the town.
Japan’s MIMARU apartment hotels are offering a unique twist on the residential hotel that’s both comfortable and fun for the entire family. The chain specializes in providing fully-equipped rooms designed for medium- to long-term stays. As an added treat, it recently announced that it’s renovated its popular Pokémon rooms in 10 locations across the country.
I got to stay in the one in Ikebukuro recently, courtesy of the company. I’m happy to say that it’s a great option for families who want something that feels more like a home away from home.
Editorial note: I received a free night in the Mimaru in exchange for this review. I’ve received no additional compensation beyond that and this review represents my own opinion.
A fun room
The spacious room in the company’s Ikebukuro location has enough space not just to sleep, but to live. (Picture by the author)
Checking in to the MIMARU was easy enough. I was greeted by a native English-speaking staff member who made the process simple. All of the staff seem to speak solid English, as the hotel caters almost exclusively to inbound tourists. (The clerk told me on the night I stayed there were currently no Japanese guests at all.)
The Pokémon theme of the room is inescapable. Characters don every inch of the walls, including the living room, kitchen, and even the bathing room.
Snorlax oversees its domain. (Picture by the author)
The room itself was fabulous. On top of a bunk bed (one half of which was occupied by a giant Snorlax), there was a large dining table with a television.
Picture by the author
Across from that was a compact yet full kitchen, complete with microwave, stovetop, cupboards with cookware, sink, and refrigerator.
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Picture by the author
Per typical Japanese style, the toilet and bath are separate rooms. And no, the crapper is not Pokémon-themed. (I guess one of the franchise’s three copyright holders figured that would be weird.) The bathtub, delightfully, is.
It was generally impossible to avoid the mirror. (Picture by the author)
I chose the bottom bunk for bedtime. But I can see kids having a blast just staring at the ceiling for hours in the top bunk.
Picture by the author
Adults will love this space as much as kids. I sent pictures of the room to some of Unseen Japan’s writers upon arrival. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. “THAT IS SO COOL,” one friend wrote back. “I’m not even a huge fan and I’d stay there!” said another. Indeed, even if you’re not a diehard fan, the room’s chill, fun atmosphere is infectious.
Making the most of your Pokémon-themed stay
Besides the room, there’s a large community socializing area with room to lounge or run around and get the willies out.
Picture by the author
The room also features a manga library. It’s in Japanese, because Welcome to Japan, but the titles also contain English descriptions of each series for those unaccustomed to them. (Caution, parents: beware your little ones don’t start pawing through Chainsaw Man.) There’s also a set of washers and dryers so you can keep your clothes clean during your extended stay.
Picture by the author
In terms of the area for this particular hotel, Ikebukuro is one of my favorite locations to chill in Tokyo. If you’re a giant Pokémon fan, you’ve got it made, as Ikebukuro is host to Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO.
Ikebukuro has, in many ways, become the geek haven that Akihabara once was. If you’re a general otaku, Ikebukuro has also got you: the area is host to a wide array of otaku content, both family-friendly and…well, not. For your all-around needs, anime’s flagship store is there, and the company also runs a cafe.
Grown-ups who want to get in some adult time can do some shopping and get some treats at Sunshine City, which is also host to the Sunshine Aquarium. You can get a great view of the city from the Sunshine 60 Observatory. There’s also an abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, and kissa.
Planning a trip to Japan? Get an authentic, interpreted experience from Unseen Japan Tours and see a side of the country others miss!
“Noah [at Unseen Japan] put together an itinerary that didn’t lock us in and we could travel at our own pace. In Tokyo, he guided us personally on a walking tour. Overall, he made our Japan trip an experience not to forget.” – Kate and Simon S., Australia
See a side of Tokyo that other tourists can’t. Book a tour with Unseen Japan Tours – we’ll tailor your trip to your interests and guide you through experiences usually closed off to non-Japanese speakers.
Want more news and views from Japan? Donate $5/month ($60 one-time donation) to the Unseen Japan Journalism Fund to join Unseen Japan Insider. You’ll get our Insider newsletter with more news and deep dives, a chance to get your burning Japan questions answered, and a voice in our future editorial direction.
Ikebukuro isn’t the only game in town. You can stay in a Pokémon-themed room in Tokyo in the chain’s hotels in Ueno East, Ginza East, Hatchobori, and Kinshicho. There are also four locations in Kyoto (Shinmachi Sanjo, Kyoto Station, Kawaramachi Gojo, and Nishinotoin Takatsuji), and one in Osaka’s Namba North.
As of this writing, there’s still availability in most hotels. From now until August 31st, 2025, you can also get a 10% discount by using the code POKE10 at checkout.
Need kid-sitting services while you’re visiting Tokyo? MIMARU’s parent company, Cosmos, has you covered. The company runs the ANO-NE sitting service, which provides a playspace for kids to enjoy while parents take a break. If you forget to reserve times before you levae for Japan, not to worry – there are ads for ANO NE with instructions on how to sign up throughout the hotel.
If you can’t score a Pokémon room, I highly recommend MIMARU anyway if you’re staying in Japan longer than a few days. The amenities and the comfort make their rooms an ideal place to work or recuperate after a hard day out and about.
Sources
進化したポケモンルームがいよいよ登場！ ～2025年7月、東京・京都・大阪の10施設でリニューアルオープン～. MIMARU Apartment Hotels / Cosmos Hotel Management
AloJapan.com