Where we hang our hat is a pivotal part of any trip. More than just somewhere to sleep, many places in Tokyo offer illuminating experiences as well. Among this wealth of culturally immersive options, we bring you five careful selections of facilities that have opened in recent years. Staying in environments that open our eyes to pop culture, traditional culture, food culture, and other national features particular to Japan deepens our enjoyment immeasurably.

1. MIMARU Tokyo Pokémon Room

(Location/Total number of rooms: Ueno East/56 rooms, Ginza East/37 rooms, Hatchobori/74 rooms, * Total number of Pokémon Rooms is 5 rooms for each hotel.)

As an “apartment hotel,” all rooms at MIMARU have kitchens. Popular for its convenience, there are 15 locations in Tokyo’s popular tourist spots, in addition to others in Kyoto and Osaka. One type of room in the limelight these days is the Pokémon Room, bursting with the adorable little Pokémon. With a giant stuffed Snorlax on the bed and Poké Ball designed tableware, this special space is irresistible for Pokémon fans. Gifts of Pokémon Room original goods are also presented only to hotel guests. Find Pokémon rooms in Tokyo at three locations: MIMARU Tokyo Ueno East, MIMARU Tokyo Ginza East, and MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori.

©Pokémon. © Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc.

2. Stay SAKURA Tokyo Asakusa Yokozuna Hotel

(Location: Asakusa, Total number of rooms: 17)

A hotel inspired by the ancient Japanese martial art of sumo wrestling. One sumo “stable” (training center for wrestlers), the Kokonoe Stable. has been renovated into a building where sumo wrestling culture can be felt everywhere, including room plates bearing the names of past grand champions, known as yokozuna. You’ll find a wide range of accommodation, from twin rooms to suites including one suite with an open-air bath, and some rooms are stocked with official goods from the Japan Sumo Association. The convenient location is ideal for sightseeing, just a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station. All rooms have a kitchen, with laundry facilities also on premises, just right for a long-term stay.

3. Auberge TOKITO

(Location: Tachikawa, Total number of rooms: 4)

Opened in April 2023, this Japanese auberge (dining-centered inn) inherits part of the historic estate and garden of a famous classic restaurant. Forget the chaos of the city and enjoy quality time relaxing in the outskirts of Tachikawa, about 30 km from Shinjuku. All four guest rooms have open-air baths flowing with water directly from a 100％ natural hot spring. The soul of the hotel is the dining room where Michelin-starred chefs are creating new styles of Japanese cuisine befitting the international sophistication of Tokyo. Painstaking attention is paid to the careful selection of ingredients from all over Japan, tableware that expresses true craftsmanship, as well as food sustainability, for a dining experience that conveys the depth and richness of Japan’s food culture.

4. Shubou-Tamajiman

(Location: Fussa, Total number of rooms: 3 Japanese-style rooms, 28 capsule beds (18 for men, 12 for women))

A guesthouse offering hands-on experiences on the grounds of the Ishikawa Brewery, in operation since 1863. The idyllic scenery of lush greenery unique to western Tokyo’s Tama area offers a stunning setting. Amid the warm wood interior of the hotel are capsule bedrooms divided into men’s and women’s sections, as well as private Japanese-style rooms suitable for two adults. The restaurant serves dishes made with ingredients from the Tama area and sake from Ishikawa Brewery. Special options include plans with a sake brewery tour and tasting seminar, as well as workshops on how to make fresh toner from salted rice malt.

5. ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU

(Location: Shinjuku, Total number of rooms: 193)

Sink into natural hot springs amid the atmosphere of ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn in the heart of the city, just a 20-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station or a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Subway Station. The experience of staying in a traditional inn is made easy in this environment that fuses traditional Japanese and modern sensibilities. The open-air bath on the top floor is only open to hotel guests. Take in the sweeping view of Shinjuku skyscrapers while soaking in hot spring waters brought from the source in Hakone. The wide variety of rooms include doubles, twins, suites, and universal rooms that are wheelchair accessible.

© Nacasa & Partners