As Japan experiences a surge in international visitors post-pandemic, MIMARU Hotels is emerging as a frontrunner in redefining family travel. With its apartment-style hotels tailored specifically for families and groups, MIMARU has filled a crucial gap in the Japanese hospitality market—especially in major urban hubs such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. By offering spacious accommodations, eco-conscious initiatives, and immersive cultural experiences, MIMARU is becoming the hotel brand of choice for international family travelers seeking comfort, connection, and authenticity.
Designed for Global Families: A New Hospitality Standard
Unlike many traditional Japanese hotels that cater to solo or couple travelers, MIMARU recognizes the distinct needs of traveling families. Japanese hotel rooms are often compact, making extended stays challenging for groups with children or elderly members. MIMARU’s solution: generously sized apartments featuring kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms.
Each unit is thoughtfully designed to function as a home away from home. Kitchens come fully equipped, offering families the flexibility to prepare meals, while communal dining spaces encourage bonding. These layouts not only provide practical convenience but also enhance the overall experience of cultural immersion for international guests.
According to the company, over 90% of MIMARU guests are foreign families, underlining the brand’s global appeal and success in meeting this underserved market’s expectations.
Multilingual, Culturally Aware Staff for Tailored Experiences
MIMARU’s multilingual staff offer more than just translation services—they curate family-centric recommendations based on guests’ interests. Whether arranging sushi-making classes in Kyoto, origami workshops in Tokyo, or local food tours in Osaka, the hotel ensures families experience Japan through a personal and local lens.
This personalised concierge approach reflects MIMARU’s commitment to omotenashi—Japan’s deeply rooted tradition of hospitality—which ensures every guest feels uniquely valued and welcomed.
Cultural Immersion Through Local Partnerships
MIMARU stands out by embedding local culture into its offerings. Guests can partake in curated cultural activities like calligraphy, sake tasting, rickshaw rides, and samurai dress-up photography, all organized in collaboration with local artists and entrepreneurs.
These partnerships not only elevate the guest experience but also support the local economy. For example, in Osaka, MIMARU collaborates with Joyner to offer community-guided tours that allow guests to explore neighbourhoods from a resident’s perspective—uncovering hidden gems and local stories far beyond standard tourist paths.
Such experiences are a cornerstone of sustainable tourism, promoting meaningful exchanges while distributing tourism benefits more equitably.
Sustainability at the Core of the MIMARU Model
As the global tourism industry increasingly embraces sustainable travel, MIMARU is ahead of the curve. The hotel chain prioritises eco-friendly practices, from reducing single-use plastics to adopting energy-saving measures across its properties. Many hotels include recycling stations and provide guests with bamboo toothbrushes and refillable amenities.
MIMARU also sources construction materials responsibly and aims to reduce its carbon footprint in collaboration with local green initiatives. Families conscious of environmental impact appreciate these measures, further boosting MIMARU’s appeal in today’s climate-aware market.
Community Integration and Economic Impact
MIMARU’s model actively contributes to Japan’s regional development goals by integrating tourism with local community upliftment. By partnering with small businesses, cultural institutions, and local guides, MIMARU not only delivers rich guest experiences but also channels revenue into local economies.
This aligns with the Japan National Tourism Organization’s (JNTO) strategy to promote regional revitalization through sustainable and inclusive tourism, especially post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Meeting Japan’s Tourism Demand with Strategic Growth
In line with Japan’s target of attracting 60 million international visitors by 2030, MIMARU is scaling its presence in key tourist cities. Its expansion is well-timed—Japan saw over 11 million international visitors in the first half of 2025 alone, according to JNTO. With Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto consistently ranked among the top destinations for family travellers, MIMARU’s positioning is strategic and timely.
The brand is also investing in direct bookings to reduce reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), thus lowering commission costs and maintaining tighter control over customer experience. Marketing campaigns highlight cultural engagement, family safety, and comfort—factors increasingly prioritized by international travellers.
Bridging Generational Gaps in Travel
MIMARU’s apartment-style hotels also cater to multigenerational families, an important travel segment in Asia. Grandparents traveling with young grandchildren benefit from amenities like elevator access, stroller rentals, and in-room dining options. Some properties even offer themed rooms such as Pokémon suites, which create memorable experiences for children while still offering relaxation and convenience for adults.
A Blueprint for the Future of Family Travel
With its forward-thinking approach, MIMARU is more than just a hotel chain—it’s a hospitality movement tailored to evolving global needs. The brand’s combination of space, sustainability, local culture, and guest personalization is redefining what family travel looks like in Japan.
For families planning their Japan itinerary, MIMARU provides an unmatched blend of comfort, cultural depth, and eco-conscious design. With Japan continuing to attract millions of visitors each year, the demand for MIMARU’s unique offerings is only expected to grow.
Conclusion: MIMARU’s Lasting Impact on Japan’s Hospitality Scene
MIMARU is setting a new benchmark in Japan’s hospitality landscape by proving that thoughtful design, sustainability, and cultural authenticity can coexist in urban accommodation. As Japan welcomes a wave of family travellers post-pandemic, MIMARU offers them the space, comfort, and immersive experiences that elevate their journey from a vacation to a meaningful cultural exploration. With more properties expected in tourist hotspots like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, MIMARU is well-poised to be at the heart of Japan’s booming family tourism sector.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
