Luxury Family Getaway in Japan: Where to stay
From gourmet dining and high-end shopping to premium resort stays and activities, Japan is known for its choice refined travel experiences. But while seeking out the finer things can sometimes be more challenging as a family, Japan bucks the trend with its great many accommodation options that offer the perfect blend of a family-friendly environment with fun cultural activities and luxury amenities.
From mountain ryokans with private hot spring pools to beachside tropical resorts in an oasis setting, here’s a selection of some great hotels for a amily getaway in Japan that won’t compromise your desire for style, relaxation and luxury.
A luxurious mountain resort in the heart of Hokkaido might not seem like your typical family getaway, but Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU includes two hotels: RISONARE Tomamu and Tomamu The Tower. Facilities such as Mina-Mina Beach are accessible from both hotels, and perfectly blends a premium resort experience with a truly family friendly environment.
Highlights: The hotel offers spacious suites with separated living areas and kitchenettes – some with their very own private hot tubs. Alongside its luxurious wellness facilities and spa treatments, Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu has an indoor wave pool (Mina-Mina Beach), offering families an alternative way to spend a day in this picturesque natural winter wonderland. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the winter ice village that transforms the resort into a snowy wonderland during the colder months and there are a variety of exciting family-friendly outdoor activities nearby including zip lining and farm visits.
Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Japan come in all forms from budget to the ultra-luxe, but a ryokan stay at the higher end of the spectrum might not be something you’d expect with family in tow. Gora Kadan, however, offers a serene escape that’s also perfect for children.
Highlights: At Gora Kadan, traditional futon beds can be configured to families’ needs, so everyone can have fun enjoying an authentic ryokan experience. While many ryokan offer communal hot springs as standard, at Gora Kadan, rooms with decadent private outdoor hot spring baths offer a comfortable and relaxed environment for families while traditional Kaiseki meals can be adapted to tastes and enjoyed in the privacy of your room.
The nearby Hakone Open-Air Museum offers cultural crafts workshops, while Gora Kadan is also conveniently located near the picturesque Lake Ashi for fun pirate themed boat cruises and the Hakone Tozan Railway scenic train ride.
Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, not far from Mt Asama and situated on a natural hot spring, Hoshinoya Karuizawa provides a unique eco-resort experience, blending nature and wellness with traditional Japanese culture in a premium family friendly setting.
Highlights: Being close to the forest and near the river, the resort offers fun outdoor adventures for guests of all ages including forest exploration in eco-carts, guided walks, seasonal wildlife tours, and forest workshops which introduce guests to new crafts using natural materials. During the warmer months, the nearby river offers a refreshing place to swim or raft, while firefly viewing and stargazing sessions are the perfect way to spend an evening in amazement in this idyllic mountain setting.
Hoshinoya Karuizawa is also not far from the Karuizawa Toy Kingdom amusement park and the Picchio Wildlife Research Center, while the resort’s signature Tombo-no-Yu onsen offers private luxury bathing options which are more suitable for families relaxing after a day out.
If you’re looking for a luxurious wellness escape everyone can feel part of, Amanemu resort in Japan’s Ise-Shime National Park will tick all boxes. While there are plenty of adults only experiences at Amanemu including a range of relaxing spa treatments, the resort’s spacious villas – some with private hot spring baths and terraces – and natural surrounds make for the perfect family destination offering a range of activities.
Highlights: Explore the nearby Ise-Shime National Park with nature walks through the forest and along the coastline or join a guided tour to learn more about the wildlife around you. Amanemu is conveniently close to the coast offering beach access to enjoy swimming and other water activities, while the resort also has its own outdoor infinity pool and spacious grounds to explore and roam freely.
Enjoy boat trips around Ago Bay, cycle in the surrounding parklands, or visit the nearby Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about pearl diving. You might even decide to take advantage of the babysitting services that are offered while parents enjoy some of the many wellness experiences.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu is a luxury hot spring resort in Hakone that’s unusually well-suited to families seeking to experience a slice of Japan’s onsen culture in style. The resort offers rooms and suites of different configurations and provides the ultimate hot spring experience combined with local cultural activities and outdoor exploration. Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu offers family craft workshops and tea ceremony experiences as well as easy access to forests, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mt Fuji.
Highlights: The resort has a heated outdoor infinity pool for summer fun and several onsen facilities offering incredible views over the forested mountains – including private facilities for families to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere. Extending the hot spring experience, the resort is not far from the popular hot spring theme park of Hakone Kawakien Yunessun with a range of baths and water attractions to enjoy. Other nearby attractions include Odawara Castle, Owakudani Volcanic Valley, and the Hakone Glass Forest Museum.
