MIMARU Sees Sharp Increase in American Family Stays Amid Rising U.S. Travel to Japan

Japan’s premier apartment-hotel brand accommodated over 80,000 U.S. travelers in 2025, 
as families fuel the need for more spacious rooms with kitchens

TOKYO, Dec. 15, 2025 — MIMARU, Japan’s top apartment-hotel brand for families and groups, has announced new figures revealing a significant increase in bookings from American families. In the first ten months of 2025, more than 80,500 U.S. travelers stayed at MIMARU, representing close to 3% of all American tourists to Japan in that timeframe. With 27 properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—Japan’s most popular cities—MIMARU provides American visitors with an apartment-style lodging option distinct from standard hotels in the country’s major metropolitan areas.

The average group size was 4.15 people, with children present in over 80% of bookings and family groups constituting more than 90% of guests. This highlights the increasing demand for accommodations suited to families in Japan’s key urban destinations.

This surge aligns with Japan’s rising status as a leading global travel spot. The country was ranked the world’s number one destination in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and visitor numbers keep growing. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that Japan received 3,896,300 international visitors in October 2025 alone, marking the second-highest monthly figure ever recorded. From January to October 2025, 2.73 million Americans traveled to Japan, a 22% rise compared to the previous year.

Why traditional hotels can be challenging for families

Long-term data from the JNTO points to a fundamental change in American travel patterns to Japan. Ten years ago, over half of U.S. visitors traveled solo; by 2024, that proportion had dropped to 34.7%, while family travel surged to 20.3%. Concurrently, research from the U.S. International Trade Administration (cited in The Japan Times) recognizes Japan as the favored long-haul destination for U.S. tourists, attributed to its culture, reputation for safety, and advantageous currency exchange rates.

For families, however, the traditional hotel offerings in Japan’s main cities often present difficulties. Standard rooms are typically about 160 square feet on average, which may not provide comfortable space for groups of four or more. This limited space, combined with language and cultural differences, can pose extra challenges for parents on extended trips with children.

Apartment-style stays built around families and groups

MIMARU identified this need early, creating apartment-style hotels tailored for families and groups. The brand currently runs 27 hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Its apartment-style rooms begin at roughly 430 square feet and are configured for four to ten guests, allowing up to two extra children under six to stay for free when using existing beds. Every unit features a kitchen and dining space, enabling families to cook and share meals.

To facilitate longer and more convenient visits, MIMARU properties provide either on-site laundry facilities or in-room washing machines, plus a broad selection of free rental gear for babies, children, and extended-stay guests. A multicultural team of staff from 39 countries offers assistance in over 40 languages, ensuring international visitors feel welcomed and supported.

Services designed around real family routines

In addition to its room design, MIMARU and its operating company, Cosmos Hotel Management (CHM), have launched services that tackle common practical issues for international families. Luggage Delivery by MIMARU arranges same-day baggage transfer from airports to MIMARU hotels—and between different MIMARU locations—allowing families to travel unencumbered. In Tokyo, the ANO-NE Kids Club provides a creative indoor play area where children can engage in safe activities, giving parents time for themselves.

Collectively, these services establish MIMARU as a primary choice for American families seeking greater space, adaptability, and day-to-day convenience during their visits to Japan’s major cities.

Sources for media use

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), November 18, 2025
• JNTO Visitor Statistics, October 2025
• JNTO “Accompanying Travelers on Visit to Japan” survey
• U.S. International Trade Administration data via The Japan Times, June 27, 2025
• TravelVoice / Remitly Research via Time Out USA, October 2023
• Cosmos Hotel Management internal survey, January–October 2025

Media resources

• Media kit (images):
• Official website:
• ANO-NE Kids Club:
• Luggage Delivery by MIMARU:
• Accessible Map (digital version):

About MIMARU
MIMARU is a Japanese apartment-hotel brand founded to let friends and families stay together and experience Japan like locals. With 27 properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, MIMARU provides spacious apartment-style rooms from approximately 430 square feet, complete with kitchens, dining tables, and living areas suitable for stays ranging from a few nights to several weeks. Designed for families and groups of four to ten, MIMARU’s rooms simplify cooking, laundry, and relaxation between city explorations. A diverse, multilingual staff greets guests from across the globe, helping them feel at home as they explore local communities, culture, and daily life in Japan.

Media Contact
Mao Mochizuki
Corporate Planning Office
Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
+81-3-5444-3600

Glenn Mandel
Firecracker PR for MIMARU

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: