# Accommodation Booking Plan — Japan 2026

**Status:** PARTIALLY BOOKED — Tokyo Oct 2–11 and Kyoto Oct 11–13 are confirmed; Osaka and final Tokyo remain open
**Travelers:** 4 (2 adults, daughter 16, son 12)
**Physical nights in Japan:** 15
**Priority:** one legal family room/apartment that genuinely sleeps four; station access; late arrival support; refundable rate; kitchen and laundry where the price makes sense

> The February research and its unverified 16-night estimates are preserved in [02-ACCOMMODATION-ARCHIVE-FEB2026.md](./02-ACCOMMODATION-ARCHIVE-FEB2026.md). Do not use that archive for booking.

## 1. Fixed Accommodation Blocks

| City | Check-in | Check-out | Nights | Operational constraint |
|---|---|---|---:|---|
| **Tokyo / Tabata — booked** | Fri, Oct 2, 16:00 | Sun, Oct 11, 11:00 | **9** | NRT lands 19:40; finish guest-ID submission and confirm late self-check-in |
| **Kyoto / Fushimi Inari — booked** | Sun, Oct 11, 15:00 | Tue, Oct 13, 11:00 | **2** | No bag storage promised; use forwarding/lockers before 15:00 on Oct 11 |
| **Osaka / Namba** | Tue, Oct 13 | Thu, Oct 15 | **2** | Keep one base for Dotonbori/Den Den Town and the full USJ day |
| **Tokyo / Ueno-Inaricho** | Thu, Oct 15 | Sat, Oct 17 | **2** | Return from Osaka, one final Tokyo day, then NRT; current apartment lead is not yet booked |
| **Total** | | | **15** | 11 Tokyo + 2 Kyoto + 2 Osaka |

### Split-stay decision

The split stay is now selected. Keeping a Tokyo apartment from **Oct 2-17** while also booking Kyoto and Osaka would create **19 paid room-nights** for 15 physical nights. Do not revive the overlap comparison unless the booked structure is deliberately cancelled and rebuilt.

## 2. Tokyo Shortlist

### Confirmed — Airbnb: Marble Tokyo Base Tabata

| Item | Confirmed reservation |
|---|---|
| Guests / stay | 4 guests · Oct 2–11 · 9 nights |
| Check-in / checkout | **16:00 / 11:00** |
| Reservation total | **ILS 3,638.99** |
| Cancellation shown | Free before **Sep 2 at 16:00**; partial refund before **Sep 25 at 16:00** |
| Area | Tabata, Kita City; use the exact address saved in Airbnb |
| Access | Self-check-in with lockbox |
| Host | Voyan Hotels |

The reservation screen describes the selected product as a renovated multi-room apartment near Tabata Station for up to 11 guests. Save the exact bed, floor and bathroom layout from the house manual before travel so there is no arrival-night ambiguity.

#### Host requirements and operating rules

- Because this is an unmanned lodging, the host requires identity documents for **all four guests** before releasing check-in instructions. Overseas guests must send passport photos through the Airbnb chat.
- Send approximate check-in and checkout times. The flight implies an arrival around **22:00–23:00**, but that late arrival should still be acknowledged by the host in writing.
- No late checkout and no luggage storage after checkout.
- If needed, luggage may be placed inside from **12:00 on arrival day**, grouped near the entrance, with no valuables left behind; return the key after placing it.
- Early check-in is possible only if the preceding night is empty. Ask again after **20:00 JST on Oct 1**.
- Amenities and linens are provided for the booked guest count.
- Use Airbnb messages for normal communication; English telephone coverage is limited.
- Watch Airbnb’s [official Japan etiquette video](https://youtu.be/osoPFmIO4FY?si=Gnylzu7lOzmE6sxW).

Keep the confirmation number, exact street address, lockbox details and passport images inside Airbnb/offline private copies. They are intentionally not reproduced in this web-synced guide.

Sources:

- [Booked dated listing](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1348289002107449827?adults=4&check_in=2026-10-02&check_out=2026-10-11)
- Airbnb reservation screenshot and host message supplied July 24, 2026

### Final Tokyo Lead — Airbnb: 4F Big Apartment in Ueno

- Exact Oct 15-17 search result for four adults: **ILS 1,380 total**, with free cancellation shown
- Entire 60 m² floor; 3 bedrooms; six single beds plus two sofa beds
- Elevator, kitchen, washer, self check-in and pre/post-stay luggage room
- 2 minutes to Inaricho Station; 9 minutes to JR Ueno
- Guest Favourite: 4.83/5 from 298 reviews; Superhost
- Licensed under the Hotels and Inns Business Act: `29台台健生環き第80号`
- [Exact dated Airbnb listing](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17658962?adults=4&check_in=2026-10-15&check_out=2026-10-17)

This is a much stronger two-night fit than paying for an eleven-night-style aparthotel: proper space, elevator and a luggage room without an extra hotel move.

### Licensed Aparthotel Airbnb Benchmark: Section L Ueno-Hirokoji

- Old Oct 2-13 quote: **JPY 771,905 all-in — stale benchmark**
- Oct 15-17: **JPY 116,300 all-in**
- Old split total: **JPY 888,205 — no longer valid**
- 35 m², four real beds, kitchen, in-suite washer/dryer
- About 3 minutes to Ueno-Hirokoji and 5 minutes to the Yamanote line
- 5.0/5 from 19 reviews; hotel licence `5台台健生環き第10026号`
- Free cancellation until Oct 1 / Oct 14 for the respective blocks
- [Reprice the first block for Oct 2–11](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/993897629583686310?check_in=2026-10-02&check_out=2026-10-11&guests=4&adults=4&currency=JPY)
- [Exact final block](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/993897629583686310?check_in=2026-10-15&check_out=2026-10-17&guests=4&adults=4&currency=JPY)

It is decision-grade and simple, but too expensive to beat the current value leads.

### Hotel Benchmark: MONday Apart Premium Ueno

**Why it fits:** the official calendar showed inventory across both Tokyo blocks; the Standard Family Room has two single beds plus a bunk bed, capacity four adults, kitchen, full-size refrigerator, microwave, rice cooker, and an in-room washer/dryer.

| Item | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Room | Standard Family Room, about 30-31 m², sleeps 4 |
| Location | About 6 minutes from Iriya Station; about 9 minutes to Ueno Park |
| Old Oct 2-13 published member subtotal | **JPY 661,408 — stale benchmark** |
| Former Oct 14-17 published member subtotal | **JPY 174,564** |
| Revised Oct 15-17 subtotal | **Must be repriced** |
| Continuous Oct 2-17 total | **JPY 869,850 — comparison only; creates four overlap nights** |
| Cancellation | Weekly and 2-6-night plans charge 100% from 7 days before arrival; treat 8 days before as the safe cancellation deadline |
| Confidence | **HIGH** room/inventory; **MEDIUM** total until the final 4-guest checkout screen is captured |

Sources:

- [Official Oct 2 target-date room page](https://reserve.489ban.net/client/ma-ueno/4/plan/room/26432/stay?date=2026-10-02&roomCount=1)
- [Official first-block availability calendar](https://reserve.489ban.net/client/ma-ueno/4/plan/availability/room/stay?date=2026-09-30)
- [Official second-block availability calendar](https://reserve.489ban.net/client/ma-ueno/4/plan/availability/room/stay?date=2026-10-12)
- [Weekly-plan cancellation terms](https://reserve.489ban.net/client/ma-ueno/4/detail/1052803)
- [2-6-night cancellation terms](https://reserve.489ban.net/client/ma-ueno/4/detail/1052782)

**Booking gate:** enter **4 guests aged 7+** on the final screen, verify taxes are included, and record the exact JPY charge and cancellation timestamp. Do not book the non-refundable time-sale plan for a small saving.

### Backup A: MONday Apart Ueno Shin-Okachimachi

- About 34-36 m²; two single beds plus bunk; capacity four
- Kitchen and in-room washer/dryer
- About 3 minutes from Shin-Okachimachi; useful access to Metro and JR lines
- Target-date total was not captured; price and continuous inventory remain unverified
- Sources: [official property](https://hotel-monday.com/apartment/shinokachimachi/?wovn=en), [Booking.com](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/hotel-monday-apart-shinokachimachi.en-gb.html)
- Confidence: **HIGH** suitability, **LOW** current October price

### Backup B: KOKO HOTEL Residence Asakusa Tawaramachi

- Family apartment format with kitchen/kitchenette and washer/dryer
- Better value candidate if Asakusa is acceptable instead of Ueno
- Target-date total and exact refundable inventory were not captured
- Sources: [Booking.com](https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/koko-residence-qian-cao-tian-yuan-ting.en-gb.html), [Expedia](https://www.expedia.com/Tokyo-Hotels-KOKO-HOTEL-Residence-Asakusa-Tawaramachi.h82939385.Hotel-Information)
- Confidence: **HIGH** general suitability, **LOW** current October price

### MIMARU Reality Check

The official MIMARU engine returned **no four-bed availability at MIMARU Tokyo Ueno East for the old Oct 2-13 block**. The old nearby totals below are retained only as pricing benchmarks and must be rerun for Oct 2–11:

| Property | Old official “from” total, Oct 2-13 | Notes |
|---|---:|---|
| [MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho](https://mimaruhotels.com/en/hotel/ueno-inaricho/) | **JPY 739,211** | 11 nights |
| [MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa Station](https://mimaruhotels.com/en/hotel/asakusa-station/) | **JPY 963,460** | 11 nights |
| [MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Asakusa](https://mimaruhotels.com/en/hotel/suites-tokyo-asakusa/) | **JPY 1,245,020** | 11 nights |

MIMARU Ueno East has a full kitchen but **coin laundry, not an in-room washer/dryer**. Its [official room page](https://mimaruhotels.com/en/hotel/ueno-east/) confirms this. Confidence: **HIGH** for the live availability signal and published official totals as observed July 23; rates can change.

## 3. Confirmed Kyoto Stay — Oct 11-13

### Airbnb: bliss Kyoto Fushimi Inari — Room D

| Item | Confirmed reservation |
|---|---|
| Guests / stay | 4 guests · Oct 11–13 · 2 nights |
| Check-in / checkout | **15:00 / 11:00** |
| Amount paid | **ILS 796.37** |
| Cancellation shown | Free before **Oct 6 at 15:00**; partial refund before **Oct 11 at 15:00** |
| Area | Fukakusa/Fushimi Inari; the listing describes it as about 3 minutes from the shrine |
| Room | **Room D**, second floor |
| Host | Teruyuki / Sakura host team |

#### Before arrival

- Complete the host-supplied guest-registration Google Form before check-in, then tell the host in Airbnb chat that it is complete.
- Open the form only from the original Airbnb host message. Do not copy the form, confirmation number, exact address or access credentials into this web-synced guide.
- Read the host’s access guide and save it offline.
- The host has **not** offered pre-check-in or post-checkout luggage storage. Forward the main suitcases to Osaka if accepted there, and keep the two-night bags in Kyoto Station lockers/storage until check-in.

#### Check-in and locking

- The building entrance is unlocked; proceed to Room D on the second floor.
- The room uses a dial keypad. Retrieve the code and button sequence from the Airbnb host message.
- The door does **not** lock automatically. Lock it manually after entering and every time the family leaves.
- Free Wi-Fi is available; retrieve the network details from the Airbnb message rather than publishing them here.
- Late-night messages may not be answered until morning, so keep the full guide and credentials offline on both adults’ phones.

#### Checkout

1. Bag the rubbish and leave it inside the room; do not use the facility collection box.
2. Turn off the lights and air conditioner.
3. Close the door and lock it with the keypad.
4. Message the host after checkout.

#### Itinerary effect

- **Oct 11:** the 15:00 check-in is too late for the 13:00 Mizuekai. Use luggage forwarding or Kyoto Station storage, then check in after the Awata procession.
- **Oct 12:** allow cross-city travel from Fushimi Inari to UZUMASA and back; the evening HIBIKI venue at Kyoto Avanti is comparatively convenient via the JR Nara Line.
- **Oct 13:** visit Fushimi Inari early, return to the apartment for bags, and check out by 11:00. No post-checkout storage is required for the recommended sequence.

Source: Airbnb reservation screenshot and host instructions supplied July 24, 2026.

## 4. Osaka Shortlist — Oct 13-15

### Recommended: ESLEAD HOTEL Namba East

This is currently stronger than both the Airbnb and MIMARU alternatives:

- Exact Oct 13-15 direct total for four adults: **JPY 35,184**
- 34.2 m² with **four separate single beds**
- Full kitchen, in-room washer, detergent and bathroom drying
- Separate bath and toilet
- Free self-service chain-lock cloakroom
- About 7 minutes to Ebisucho; 10 minutes to Nankai Namba; 11 minutes to Nipponbashi
- About 15 minutes' walk to Dotonbori and roughly 35 minutes to USJ
- Free cancellation through four days before arrival; 100% within three days
- Licensed hotel business at Nippombashi 4-1-11

Sources:

- [Official property](https://www.eslead-hotel.com/en/namba-east/)
- [Exact direct Oct 13-15 search](https://beds24.com/booking2.php?propid=313408&checkin=2026-10-13&checkout=2026-10-15&numnight=2&numadult=4&numchild=0&lang=en&cur=JPY)
- [Osaka licensed-accommodation register](https://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/kenko/cmsfiles/contents/0000382/382418/20260531ketsugo.pdf)

Confidence: **HIGH** for room, exact-date availability, total and licensing as observed July 23.

### Roomier Upgrade: ESLEAD HOTEL Namba Kuromon

- Exact direct room total: **JPY 45,376**
- Budget up to **JPY 1,600 additional Osaka accommodation tax**, for a conservative total of JPY 46,976
- 48 m²; two double beds, one single and one sofa bed
- Full kitchen, in-room washer, bathroom drying and separate bath/toilet
- 5 minutes to Nipponbashi; about 16 minutes' walk to Dotonbori
- [Official property](https://www.eslead-hotel.com/en/kuromon/)
- [Exact direct Oct 13-15 search](https://beds24.com/booking2.php?propid=283747&checkin=2026-10-13&checkout=2026-10-15&numnight=2&numadult=4&numchild=0&lang=en&cur=JPY)

### True Airbnb Lead — Price Still Hidden

- [Room for 4 near Dotonbori](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/991812853248404117?check_in=2026-10-13&check_out=2026-10-15&guests=4&adults=4&currency=JPY)
- Licensed Special Zone Minpaku: `大阪市指令 大保環第18-2201号`
- Four single beds, full kitchen, shared 1F washer and free unmanned luggage storage
- 5 minutes to Kuromon/Den Den Town; 10 minutes to Dotonbori
- 4.67/5 from 30 reviews
- Exact availability and total did not surface, so it is not a bookable winner yet

### USJ Hotel Alternative: Hotel Universal Port

The exact Oct 13-15 official search for four adults shows inventory and a lowest eligible rate of **JPY 63,200 room-only** before Osaka accommodation tax. At JPY 7,900 per person/night, budget JPY 1,600 tax, for a likely total of **JPY 64,800**. That is about JPY 29,616 above ESLEAD Namba East.

- About 4 minutes' walk from the USJ entrance
- Free 24-hour pre/post-stay luggage lockers
- Coin laundry, but no kitchen or in-room washer
- A general official-hotel stay does **not** include park admission, Express Pass or early park entry
- Breakfast from Oct 2 costs JPY 3,600 for each guest aged 13+ and JPY 2,100 for age 7-12: **JPY 12,900 per family breakfast**
- [Exact official Oct 13-15 search](https://go-ohr.reservation.jp/ja/hotels/ohr-port/plans?checkin_date=20261013&checkout_date=20261015&adults=4&child1=0&child2=0&child3=0&child4=0&child5=0&children=0&rooms=1&dayuseFlg=0&sort=2)
- [Official hotel access](https://global-universalport.orixhotelsandresorts.com/LUC2ORIUNV/cdata/luc2oriunv_12_jaen.html)
- [Official luggage information](https://global-universalport.orixhotelsandresorts.com/LUC2ORIUNV/cdata/luc2oriunv_9_jaen.html)

**Decision:** this normal-room premium is reasonable if maximizing the USJ day matters more than the Oct 13 Namba evening. If chosen, use the hotel for both nights; do not add a one-night hotel move.

### Concept-Room Upgrades

- [Hotel Universal Port Minions Room 3](https://global-universalport.orixhotelsandresorts.com/LUC2ORIUNV/cdata/luc2oriunv_29_jaen.html): 40 m² with four actual 102 cm roller-coaster beds. A published benchmark is about **JPY 176,000 for four people/two nights with breakfast**; current public plan ranges imply roughly JPY 106,912-223,280 depending on rate. Treat it as an entertainment splurge, not a lodging value. [Exact dated room-only plan](https://go-ohr.reservation.jp/ja/hotels/ohr-port/plans/10067568?checkin_date=20261013&checkout_date=20261015&adults=4&child1=0&child2=0&child3=0&child4=0&child5=0&children=0&rooms=1)
- [Hotel Universal Port Ocean Deluxe](https://go-ohr.reservation.jp/ja/hotels/ohr-port/rooms/10022312?checkin_date=20261013&checkout_date=20261015&adults=4&child1=0&child2=0&child3=0&child4=0&child5=0&children=0&rooms=1): 40 m², top-floor park view, two singles plus one stacking bed and one sofa bed. This is the sensible USJ-themed compromise if its final total is close to the JPY 64,800 base rate.
- [MIMARU Osaka Namba North Pokémon Room](https://mimaruhotels.com/en/hotel/namba-north/): 41 m², four real beds, kitchen and coin laundry. Best Pokémon/Namba fit, but exact two-night total remains hidden.

Keep one Namba/Nipponbashi base for both nights; do not split the stay with Universal City.

## 5. Booking Recommendation

1. **Tokyo Oct 2-11 — booked:** submit all four passport images in Airbnb chat, send the approximate late-arrival time and obtain written confirmation that late self-check-in is fine.
2. **Kyoto Oct 11-13 — booked:** complete the host’s registration form, save the access guide offline and solve the Oct 11 bag gap with forwarding or Kyoto Station storage.
3. **Osaka Oct 13-15 — open:** choose between ESLEAD Namba East at the previously observed JPY 35,184 and Hotel Universal Port at about JPY 64,800 after estimated tax, then recheck the live checkout.
4. **Tokyo Oct 15-17 — open:** hold the 60 m² Ueno Airbnb as the practical lead. Recheck the ILS 1,380 total and cancellation text on the payment screen.
5. **Concept stay:** only pay the Pokémon/Minions premium if the room itself is a family priority. The cleanest option is a single themed block that does not create an additional hotel move.

## 6. Questions to Send Each Property Before Final Commitment

- **Booked Tokyo:** We land at NRT at 19:40 on Oct 2. Please confirm that arrival around 22:00–23:00 is permitted and explain what to do if transport is delayed.
- **Booked Tokyo:** Please confirm the exact private rooms, floors, usable beds and bathrooms included in this reservation.
- **Booked Tokyo:** Can your team help send the main suitcases to the Osaka property at checkout on Oct 11? We understand you cannot store them after checkout.
- **Booked Kyoto:** Is any luggage drop possible before 15:00 on Oct 11? If not, we will use Kyoto Station storage.
- **Booked Kyoto:** Please confirm that the registration form in the Airbnb message is the correct secure form for all four guests.
- **Open stays:** Does this exact room and rate sleep four guests aged 12+ without extra fees or sofa-bed surprises?
- **Open stays:** Are consumption tax, local accommodation tax and service fees included in the displayed total?
- **Open stays:** What is the exact cancellation deadline in Japan local time?
- Can the Osaka property receive forwarded luggage from Tokyo before Oct 13?
- Can the final Tokyo property receive forwarded luggage before check-in on Oct 15?
- If returning from Osaka in the afternoon/evening on Oct 15, is self check-in or late check-in supported?

## 7. Decision Ledger

| Decision | Status | Next evidence needed |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo area | **Tabata booked** | Complete IDs and confirm late arrival/layout |
| Tokyo Oct 2-11 | **Booked · ILS 3,638.99** | Guest documents and final check-in instructions |
| Kyoto Oct 11-13 | **Booked · ILS 796.37 paid** | Registration form, offline guide and Oct 11 luggage |
| Split vs continuous Tokyo | **Four-block split selected** | No further comparison needed |
| Osaka Oct 13-15 | **ESLEAD value / Universal Port convenience** | Family decides whether USJ proximity is worth ~JPY 29,600 |
| Tokyo Oct 15-17 | **4F Big Apartment Ueno lead** | Final checkout total/cancellation |
| Pokémon/Minions room | **Optional splurge** | Exact two-night total and family preference |

*Tokyo and Kyoto booking evidence was supplied July 24, 2026. Remaining live price observations were made July 23 and can change; only a fresh exact-date checkout can control the Osaka and final-Tokyo decisions.*