Story Stay at Accommodations Inspired by Anime Characters By JNTO on 1 February 2023

Banner image courtesy of ©︎Pokémon. ©︎Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Cute Japanese characters, in the form of either mascot or anime characters, have become so ubiquitous that it’s garnered ardent fans around the world ー from mascot characters such as Hello Kitty that first premiered in 1975, to Japanese anime such as Naruto and One Piece, to the long-running Pokémon game series, these characters have resonated with many.

Various hotels in Japan have partnered with companies to create themed character rooms that provide unique experiences for those who fancy a stay with their favourite whimsical Japanese characters. Here are some of the newer ones that have captured attention as of late:

APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU, Various Locations

The MIMARU lineup of apartment hotels has chic interiors with a Japanese sensibility. But what will thrill Pokémon fans are the Pokémon-themed rooms spread across seven of its branches in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. They have standard four-person rooms in all locations as well as six-person rooms measuring 60 square metres in the Kyoto Nishinotoin Takatsuji branch. Each room comes with Pokémon-themed items such as images of Pokémon from the first generation, including favourites like Squirtle, Jigglypuff and Dragonite; large towel blankets shaped like a Pokéball, and even a giant stuffed Snorlax on the bed for you to hug while you sleep.

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

The rooms in APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU also feature a dining area and a small kitchen where there are simple recipes for Pokémon-themed dinners and desserts that you can make with family and friends. Guests who stay in the Pokémon Room will also receive a set of original Pokémon goods as a gift, which includes tote bags and luggage tags. The designs differ depending on the region of the hotels (Kanto, Kansai, and more), which may inspire guests to stay at different locations in order to collect them all. Additional sets are available for purchase, but only for guests who stay in the Pokémon-themed rooms.

©Masashi Kishimoto Scott / Shueisha, TV Tokyo, Piero

Grand Chariot Hokutoshichisei 135°, Hyogo

Nestled in Hyogo’s Awaji Island is the Grand Chariot Hokutoshichisei 135°. It is a hotel situated near restaurants and bars and can be found a 15-minute walk away from Awajishima Park. 

The hotel launched its new Naruto-themed room called the ‘Hokage no Bessou’, or the Hokage’s Villa in English, in 2020. Guests staying at the Hokage no Bessou will find themselves immersed in the world of Naruto. Characters from the anime such as Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto’s father, the 4th Hokage, are on full display on the room's walls. The pillows are also printed with the Hidden Leaf Village’s signature symbol.

©Masashi Kishimoto Scott / Shueisha, TV Tokyo, Piero

Staying in the room also offers exclusive perks; guests can receive free tickets to the NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato, a huge Naruto and Boruto collaboration attraction located in the extensive Nijigen no Mori theme park that is located right next to the hotel’s villas. Guests can immerse themselves in the world of the Naruto and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series at the theme park and pose for photos next to character replicas.

Hotel Okinawa, Okinawa

Hotel Okinawa chose the fictional characters created by Sanrio as its stars. Eight Sanrio characters - Bad Badtz-Maru, Pochacco, Gudetama, Pompompurin, Little Twin Stars, Cinnamoroll, My Melody and the most famous character Hello Kitty - are featured in the interiors of its guest rooms.

The anime hotel also offers a Sanrio character-themed breakfast and a gift shop stocked with Sanrio character souvenirs.