For a large family, don't book a "big room" — rent the whole space
It's tough for 5+ people to stay in a single standard hotel room. There are three main types ―― go "all-in" with a whole-house rental or condo, relax in a hot-spring ryokan with a spacious Japanese-style room, or self-cater at an apartment hotel with a kitchen. The quickest way to choose is by headcount, whether you need to cook, and your sightseeing base. Start with our picks below, then use the full comparison table if you need a deciding factor.
Pick up
Slide sideways through the stays that catch your eye. Compare all 7 stays by photo.
Kyoto for 5–7: a whole-house machiya (AOI Nanzenji)
Everyone under one roof on a quiet lane. A whole-house rental close to temples and away from the crowds.
Read the guide
The Prince Villa Karuizawa: a whole-house rental cottage
Maisonette sleeps 8, terrace type sleeps 6. Full kitchen plus free onsen, with a free shuttle from the station to this summer retreat.
Read the guide
Churaumi On The Beach Motobu: a beachfront condo
A whole unit with a kitchen, right on the sea. Easy access to JUNGLIA and Churaumi.
Read the guide
INOVA Kanazawa Station Hotel suite: sleeps up to 8 in one room
An all-condominium property with a kitchen and washing machine in every room, a short walk from the station.
Read the guide
Tenmancho Ichihana: a whole-house machiya 1 min from the station
Sleeps up to 6 · 87 sqm · cypress bath · kitchen. Right by the bus center for Shirakawa-go.
Read the guide
Hakodate, Yunokawa Onsen: 5–6 people in one Japanese-style room
5–6 people in a spacious Japanese-style room. Great seafood, cool summers, and an onsen to end the day.
Read the guide
Stays at GALA Yuzawa: a two-room Japanese suite in Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen
Based in Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen. A two-room connecting Japanese-style suite so three generations of 6+ can stay together, not split up.
Read the guide
A large-family base: Rihga Hotel Osaka
Kitchen and washer with great access to USJ. Ideal for a longer stay while you self-cater.
Read the guide