Unlock your Japan. Arriving at the busy Osaka train station, we are in a world of its own. I’m heading for the MIMARU Osaka Hotel Apartment to meet Mao Jinyun of the MIMARU Branding Division and her colleagues to discuss this innovative and exciting group of apartment accommodations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. It has 25 units already, and its history is only five years. I’m greeted with tea, green tea, of course!
A series of discussions began by asking about their value propositions. Mimaru has about 185 staff from 26 + countries. This results in enhanced communication with quite a few nationalities. Some speak more than two languages, and English is one of them. They want to be close to the customer, understand them and ensure they are comfortable. Mimaru and staff realise visitors don’t have a lot of information about their destination and so can rely on hotel to help them. So, they are proactive and may make suggestions based on their awareness and the clients in front of them. We appreciated their guidance locating various sights and food. Many of their international staff have lived in Japan a long time.
In this very family minded accommodation, it’s possible to use Mimaru in all three cities- Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Every hotel is a little different. It’s very good for flexible midterm stays. Of course, if you stay 4 weeks, it allows you to live like a local, buy local, eat out when you want and have a night in occasionally, using the well-equipped kitchen in your apartment. We found it relaxing to sit at our dining table with a tea and review day and plan the next. They will guide you to wonderful restaurants, saving you precious time searching. If you want to explore one of the many food areas, they can help with that as well.
Now this brand is very different in a family minded approach. In many of the hotels you will find games and lots of information in the lobby, along with amenities such as tea, coffee, etc. Concept rooms are available, and some apartment even have hidden “Ninja Room”. In the lobby of our hotel was perfect replicas of samurai warriors, called kaxtuchuu. You will find the original in the famous Osaka Castle. Highly recommended to visit. Children will enjoy their stay with Pokémon articles and some Pokémon themed rooms. Origami is given to children, along with family games to play in well suited apartments. The design of the apartments are modern Japanese and an experience of culture.
Their care for their guests can sometimes involve unexpected events. One was dealing with an ill guest. They noticed she hadn’t look well for a few days. In these situations, they drop everything and find an emergency hospital with English speaking staff. In this case they took her there themselves, and a staff member stayed with her. It ended up she was pregnant! However, the staff went into human mode.
Standing at front desk can bring some opportunity to deliver a high level of service. Behaviours change according to situation. Speaking different languages is helpful in urgent situations. Mimaru staff do everything to manage customers’ expectations. They are willing to give advice and suggestions as requested. They told me that they regularly say “welcome home” when guests re-enter hotel after a long day out. We received cherry welcomes every time we walked past reception. Genuinely happy to see us.
Staying at the MIMARU is the start of Unlock Your Japan!
