
✨ Highlights
Pencil House is a rare, architect-designed private home just minutes from Shinjuku Central Park and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings 🏙️ Set across three levels, this unique “pencil house” offers an authentic Tokyo living experience in a compact but cleverly designed space — ideal for families or groups who want to stay together in one home.
Houses like this are extremely uncommon so close to central Shinjuku. While the footprint is narrow (true to the pencil-house style), the layout makes smart use of vertical space and has been carefully maintained over many years of hosting. It’s a well-loved home that continues to offer comfort, character, and excellent value.
🏠 The Space
Pencil House is arranged over three internal floors, connected by stairs. The design reflects modern Tokyo architecture — tall, slim, and efficient — offering a genuine local experience rather than a standard apartment stay.
This home is best suited for up to 7 guests, allowing space for luggage and a more comfortable stay.
Please note: there are internal stairs and one bathroom, which is typical for homes of this style.
🛏 Sleeping Arrangements
All beds are made prior to arrival, with fresh linens and towels provided.
🍳 Kitchen & Amenities
The home includes a bright eat-in kitchen and everything you need for day-to-day living:
Additional amenities include:
There is limited luggage storage due to the compact design. For large suitcases or sports gear, we strongly recommend using Japan’s reliable luggage delivery services.
👶 Family Friendly
Families are very welcome. A baby cot, futon, and child-friendly amenities can be provided on request at no extra charge. We’re also happy to recommend a trusted English-speaking babysitter if you’d like an evening out.
If Pencil House is unavailable for your dates or your group size is different, feel free to ask — we manage other family-friendly homes nearby.
Want a walk through video of Pencil House - Click here
Wireless Broadband Internet






Services
Housekeeper optional
Policies
Accept credit card, Accessible 24/7, Children are welcome, Pets not allowed, Smoking not allowed, Not suitable for seniors or individuals with limited mobility
Location features
Downtown
Bathroom and laundry
Bathroom and laundry, Bed linen, Bidet, Blow dryer, Essentials, Iron and ironing board, Shower, Towel set, Bathtub, Washbasin, Washing machine
Heating and cooling
Air conditioning, Electric heating, Floor heating, General heating
Entertainment
TV antenna, TV cable
Internet and office
Wireless Broadband Internet wireless
Kitchen and dining
Blender, Baby high chair, Coffee machine, Cooking utensils, Dishwasher, Grill, Kitchen stove, Kitchenette, Microwave, Refrigerator, Rice steamer, Spices, Toaster, Vacuum cleaner
Home safety
Buzzer, Carbon monoxide detector, Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, Safety card, Smoke detector
Housekeeper Optional
Credit cards accepted
Children welcome
Pets not allowed
Smoking not allowed
Not suitable for seniors or individuals with limited mobility
Check-in: 03:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
📍 Neighbourhood & Location
Pencil House is located on a quiet, safe residential street just a short walk from Shinjuku Central Park, Opera City, and excellent transport connections 🌳
Within minutes you’ll find:
Our rates may vary day-by-day. Please select a period to see the exact price for your stay.
30% of the total amount is due at time of reservation.
30% of the payment is required 30 day(s) before arrival.
The remaining amount is to be paid 7 day(s) before arrival.
100% of paid prepayments refundable when canceled 60 day(s) before arrival or earlier.
50% of paid prepayments refundable when canceled 30 day(s) before arrival or earlier.
0% refundable if canceled after.
A pre-authorization of €270 is held on 1 day(s) before arrival and voided on 2 day(s) after departure
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We had a great stay at the Pencil House, perfect for a family of five and in a great location. Ashley was awesome, meeting us at the house and helping us get settled in and helping us navigate the area.
We are so happy you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for being awesome guests. Come back and visit us again.
My husband and I truly enjoyed our brief stay at the Pencil House. It was in a great location and was equipped with everything a traveler might need. I was impressed with how clean and well-maintained it was.I wish we could have stayed there longer!
Margaret - we are thrilled you enjoyed your stay at the Pencil House. I will let the cleaners know how well they have performed - they love to know that they are appreciated.
The pencil house is located on a ideal place if you want to be in the center of Tokyo and want to be close by one of the biggest districts. (15 minutes walk to Shinjuku and 20 minutes walk to Shibuya). The hosts are very friendly and give you a personal welcome with all the info you need and way more! I would really recommend this place!
From the moment Ash met us to when we continued with our travels a few days later, staying at the Pencil House in Shinjuku was a pleasure. The host explained everything thoroughly when we arrived and was in regular communication via messaging during our stay. The 3-bedroom, 3-storey home was spacious and had every amenity we could want. The location was a short 20-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, but the connecting Hatsudai station was only a 5-minute walk. Good food/convenience locations nearby as well, and with the heart of Shinjuku only 20-minutes away by food we wanted for nothing. Our Canadian family unreservedly recommends staying at Pencil House, and thanks Ash for his great hosting.
Great location near Hatsudai train station. Location is quite central to get anywhere by train, taxi, on foot or bicycle. Host greets at the train station and showed us the house. Very a good stay in a cute 3 storey pencil house for our group of 3 adults. There is room for 4 adults + 2 kids (bunk bed) to sleep plus a small kitchen and one bathroom. Very clean and as per the pictures. Thanks Ashley and Tracey!
Our stay at this Airbnb in Tokyo was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by our host who made us feel right at home in this bustling city. The location is superb — nestled in a quiet neighborhood yet just a short walk from vibrant streets and convenient transportation links, allowing us to explore Tokyo with ease. The bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The kitchen was well-equipped, perfect for preparing breakfast before heading out, and the bathroom was spotless with excellent water pressure in the shower. One of the highlights was the breathtaking view from the balcony, where we enjoyed sipping our morning coffee or unwinding with a glass of wine in the evening, taking in the mesmerizing city lights of Tokyo. Our host was excellent, providing us with detailed local tips and recommendations that made our stay even more memorable. They were responsive to our questions and went above and beyond to our needs.
Pencil house was perfect for our family of 5 to enjoy a week in Tokyo. Close to subway stations, bus stops and only a 50 minute walk to, for example, Harajuku. House was small but arranged in a way you could still sit down as a 5 and have dinner, and it was clean with a good shower bathroom. Co-host Richard was a legend, and Tracey was around to message if you needed anything. Strangely militant about not checking in slightly early but can understand this. Thank you!!!
I would absolutely recommend The Pencil House to any group/family traveling to Tokyo. There's a subway station well within walking distance, and an ever-critical 7-11 just around the corner. The space itself was tidy and cozy; just right for our group of four, but with room for another one or two guests if that's what folks need.
The Pencil house was a fantastic place to stay - close enough to walk (with older kids) to Shinjuku, and super close to the subway! The house met all our needs, and was great to have a washing machine and kitchen! Ashley and Tracey are the most amazing, helpful hosts, and I would highly recommend both Tokyo Family Stays AND the Pencil House. Can't wait to come back!
It was our first visit to Japan and we loved staying at the Pencil House in Shinjuku. My 7 year old son especially loved the different levels and the staircase. We had our own rooms and lots of space that you don't get if staying in a hotel room. It was great to be able to cook dinner and have breakfast at home. The house is fully equipped and has everything you need. We also did lots of washing! The location was perfect. Close to shops, 7/11 & train lines. It was easy to get around. We loved the Chuo Park which was a few blocks over. It's a beautiful green space for kids to play and adults to relax. We will be coming back for another visit to Japan - hoping to get out of the city this time. Look forward to staying at other properties.

About Tokyo Family Stays
We’re Tracey Northcott and Ashley Thredgold, a husband-and-wife team from Australia, now proud long-term residents of Tokyo. Our deep love for this city and its incredible diversity is what inspires us to share it with you. Over the past 20 years, we’ve built strong connections with the local community and culture, and we’re excited to help you experience the real Tokyo, beyond the usual tourist spots.
With our personal touch and genuine care, we offer a “home away from
home” experience you won’t find in hotels. Whether you’re a family,
professional, or digital nomad, we’ve designed our fully furnished
properties to meet your needs and make your stay comfortable and
memorable. We’re also fully licensed and compliant with Japanese laws,
so you can feel secure during your short- to mid-term stay with us.
Having
hosted thousands of guests, many of whom return year after year, we’re
proud of the friendships we’ve formed and can’t wait to welcome you as
part of our extended family!
Yours,
Tracey and Ash