Anyone who has ever booked a trip to Tokyo knows the “tiny room tax” all too well. You browse stunning photos of the city, only to realise your actual hotel room will require a real-life game of Tetris just to open your suitcases at the foot of the bed. For creators, tech lovers, and media teams travelling with heavy gear, trying to manage a production workflow from a cramped desk under a TV is less than ideal.
During Cubed3’s recent coverage trip in Japan, it was a pleasure to check into MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro. For travellers who need a highly functional “home away from home” without sacrificing space, style, or accessibility, this apartment-style gem isn’t just a great option—it might actually be the best-kept secret in Tokyo.
Levelling Up Room Size: Space to Breathe and Edit
Stepping into our apartment at MIMARU was an immediate breath of fresh air. Where typical Tokyo rooms average a cramped 15-20 square-metre, MIMARU’s standard units start at a massive 39-40 square-metre.
For busy gaming and tech writers, the layout functions beautifully as a mobile studio:
– The Central Hub: A sturdy wooden dining table and chairs serve as the perfect command station. There is ample room to spread out laptops, cameras, and external drives to edit video footage, capture thoughts, or map out the next day’s itinerary without feeling buried under cables.
– Fast Fuel in the Kitchen: Complete with an induction stovetop, microwave, full-size fridge-freezer, kettle, and all necessary tableware. It gives you the freedom to cook light meals or plate up local convenience store hauls rather than eating out of a plastic container on your lap.
– A Spotless Split Bathroom: Japan’s separate toilet-and-shower design is legendary, and MIMARU executes it perfectly. Having a deep soaking tub completely isolated from the vanity means multiple people can get ready for a busy day of events without stepping on each other’s toes.
– Cozy Japanese Aesthetics: The room featured a beautiful traditional Japanese tatami area with thick, comfortable futons alongside western beds, seamlessly blending modern convenience with classic local charm.
An Anime and Gaming Odyssey on Your Doorstep
While Shibuya and Shinjuku get the lion’s share of tourist hype, Ikebukuro is quietly Tokyo’s true crown jewel for pop-culture and subculture enthusiasts. It’s a bustling, vibrant district that feels intensely alive without the overwhelming, suffocating crowds of neighbouring hubs.
Staying at MIMARU Tokyo Ikebukuro puts you within walking distance of some of the city’s coolest spots:
– Otome Road and Subculture: Known globally as a major hub for anime, manga, and gaming, the surrounding streets are packed with incredible hobby shops, second-hand merchandise outlets, and unique themed cafes.
– Sunshine City: Just a short 12-minute stroll away, this massive entertainment complex houses the world-famous Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo, the Sunshine Aquarium, and endless shopping options.
– A Foodie’s Paradise: You are surrounded by some of the city’s absolute best ramen alleys, hidden izakayas, and late-night bakeries to fuel late-night writing sessions.
Fast Travel: Seamless Tokyo Connections via the Yamanote
When you are exploring a city as massive as Tokyo, your proximity to a major train line dictates your entire experience. This is where MIMARU truly shines.
The hotel sits just a 5-10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. As the second-busiest railway station in the world, Ikebukuro is a major stop on the essential JR Yamanote Line – the crucial loop line that connects all of Tokyo’s major districts.
Whether you are heading to Shinjuku to check out tech stores, Akihabara to hunt for retro video games, or hopping on a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station, getting there from Ikebukuro is virtually painless.
The Ultimate Gaming Sanctuary?
For those looking for a true novelty, MIMARU has also gained serious traction in the gaming community for their dedicated specialty rooms. Select locations offer custom Pokémon Rooms featuring giant plushies and themed tableware, alongside dedicated eSports Rooms equipped with high-end gaming PCs, peripherals, and soundproofing—allowing groups to turn their holiday directly into a boot camp or LAN party.
Combined with a highly convenient 2nd-floor guest laundry and a friendly, multilingual global staff, the brand completely redefines what a stay in Tokyo can look like.
