Shiba Park Hotel is located in Minato Ward, Tokyo, near Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower (about a 10-minute walk). It’s in a great central location in Tokyo and has a clever book theme throughout. They call themselves a library hotel, and it really feels as if you are staying in a cozy (and chic) library.

THE PROPERTY

When you enter the hotel, you are met with a grand staircase adorned with floor-to-ceiling books, along with a small bubbling fountain at the base. As soon as you walk in, the theme is apparent. To the left, you’ll find the check-in lobby, where they offer treats throughout the day, along with coffees and teas. Across from the reception is the extended lobby, lined with books along the walls. There is a cozy fireplace, and as we were there during the holidays, they had a Christmas tree made entirely of books, which was a super nice touch. Up the main staircase is an actual library where you can check out books and sit and read in the cozy nooks and seating areas. It's actually quite lovely and quiet and the perfect place to find some peace in the bustling city. There are also reading nooks with more books on the floor. A random thing I appreciated as someone who drinks a lot of water was that they had a water station in the reading nook, so we could refill our waters whenever we needed to. They also provide you with a pitcher in your room to fill with water. I love it when hotels offer little things like this that make life easier.

THE ROOM

The hotel offers a variety of family-friendly rooms. We had two rooms. One which was a double bed with a small sofa in the corner and a small bathroom. It was cozy and all we needed. The other room was perfect for the kids and my sister. It had three single beds—two of them in a bunkbed style. The room also has a little reading nook and another bed against the wall. I love how it thoughtfully fits everything without feeling tight. The only thing the hotel doesn’t offer is the sweeping views of Tokyo, as it is not a very tall building. But as far as comfort, location, family friendly, and price, it checked all the boxes.

THE FOOD

Breakfast was included, and they have a variety of options, including vegan and vegetarian options. I learned quickly in Japan that if you have a food restriction, hotels are your best bet for finding options, so I highly recommend taking the hotel breakfast every day to start your day. Breakfast at the Shiba Park hotel is only a buffet, so you can grab whatever you like. They had an array of options, and you can really find something for everyone. We also had afternoon tea at the restaurant, and it was fun to experience it in Japan. It’s our favorite thing to do, so being able to try Japanese treats while enjoying different teas was a fun experience. The girls really loved it, and the display was so beautiful.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

As mentioned, and as its name suggests, the hotel is located near Shiba Park, which is very close to Tokyo Tower (only about a 10-minute walk). It’s a very walkable neighborhood, and you don’t even have to hop on the train for a day and can sightsee right in your backyard, which is nice. There are lots of food options and attractions around. You can even enjoy Shibapark, which has a small playground.