For your summer family vacation, head to an experiential hotel! 12 Activity accommodations that kids will love.

Summer vacation is the perfect time for a family trip with hands-on experiences!

Recent travel trends include:From “consumption of goods”—buying various souvenirs and the like—to “consumption of experiences”—participating in experiences that can only be enjoyed while travelingThings are changing. For children, the experience of "I did it myself!" during a trip will not only boost their self-esteem but also create wonderful memories.

If you want to have various experiences while traveling,We recommend experiential hotelsActivity that can be completed within the hotel eliminate the need for travel, thus reducing the burden on parents.

With Activity guided by professional instructors, you can rest assured that your child will be safe even if it's their first time trying it. This summer, why not stay at an experiential hotel with plenty of Activity and create lasting family memories?

Key points for choosing a hotel that will satisfy the whole family

With so many different types of hotels available, you might be wondering, "Which hotel will satisfy everyone in the family?" First, let's look at how to choose the perfect hotel for a family trip.

Activity appropriate for children's ages

​The activities children enjoy vary depending on their age.Even if you go to the trouble of choosing a hotel with Activity, you won’t be able to fully enjoy your stay if the activities aren’t suitable for your child’s age.

For example, for children in the lower grades of elementary school, we recommend pools with shallow water for safety and craft activities that are easy to try. For older elementary school students, it’s a good idea to participate in more advanced activities, such as thrilling river rafting or authentic outdoor adventures.

If there’s a kids’ zone with playground equipment,don't forget to check the target age range.Some areas have age restrictions for play, so it's a good idea to check beforehand.

Consideration for the Weather

Having Activity that aren't affected by the weather is also an important point. Especially in summer, sudden weather changes such as heavy rain and lightning are common, and extreme heat often makes it difficult to play outdoors.

When bad weather prevents you from participating in Activity, it can really dampen the excitement of your trip.It's reassuring to have an alternative plan in mind, considering the possibility of bad weather.​

For example, if there are indoor pools or craft activities available even in the rain, you won't have to worry about the weather. Check the range of Activity and plan a schedule that can be flexibly adjusted according to the weather.

A facility where parents can relax.

In order for the whole family to be satisfied,We pay close attention not only to how children spend their time but also to how parents spend theirs.This is essential. If there’s a relaxation area where parents can unwind while their children play, they’re less likely to feel tired. At a hotel with Hot springs, you can refresh both your mind and body.

When choosing a hotel, Food is also an important factor to consider. We recommend selecting a hotel Food that offers a wide variety of dishes, such as a buffet featuring local specialties, to ensure the whole family is satisfied.

[Beach & Pool] Enjoy summer to the fullest! Hotels with waterside Activity

Here, we introduce hotels where you can enjoy waterside Activity. Please use this as a reference to fully enjoy a summery experience.

[Fukushima Prefecture, Iwaki] Spa Resort Hawaiians Hotel Hawaiians

Spa Resort Hawaiians Hotel Hawaiians is located about 15 minutes from Yumoto Station by free shuttle bus. The city of Iwaki in Fukushima Prefecture, where the hotel is located, faces the Pacific Ocean, and its charm lies in the fact that you can spend your time in a mild climate while feeling the cool breeze blowing in from the sea during the summer.

If you choose "Hotel Hawaiians"you can access Spa Resort Hawaiians directly via a connecting passageway,making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a fun-filled stay. Spa Resort Hawaiians has an indoor pool where you can play regardless of the weather, as well as thrilling slides,and "Hot springs: Daiyokujo Palace," featuring a wide variety of baths.There are plenty of facilities where parents can relax.

Dinner at the newly renovated “Restaurant” features a buffet offering approximately 90 Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. The spacious “Restaurant,” reminiscent of the South Pacific, features an open kitchen where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes. With a wide selection of unique desserts, you’re sure to be thoroughly satisfied right through to the end of your meal.

[Shizuoka Prefecture, Atami] Hotel New Akao

"Hotel New Akao" is a seaside hotel located about 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Atami Station. The surrounding area is rich in landmarks such as the "Atami Ropeway" with panoramic views and "Atami Castle" offering panoramic views of the Atami-shi from the main keep.

The 'Ocean Pool,' open only in summer, is the hotel's proud Activity. It features a natural seawater pool that utilizes the sea of Nishikigaura,You can experience what it's like to swim in the open ocean.They also have an indoor pool that's open all year round, so you can have fun regardless of the weather.Kayak tours and snorkeling experience classesThere are plenty of Activity available that are unique to a seaside hotel.

One of the highlights is being able to relax while enjoying the ocean view from the infinity-designed open-air bath, "Sparium Nishiki." For dinner, you can enjoy a buffet menu of approximately 90 dishes made with local ingredients at "Main Dining Nishiki," which features a live kitchen.

[Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyazaki] Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower

Phoenix Seagaia Ocean Tower is located about 30 minutes from Miyazaki Station by free shuttle bus. All Guest rooms face east and offer ocean views. The magnificent scenery that unfolds before your eyes will surely create wonderful memories of your family trip.

The "Garden Pool," which is open only during the summer,offers a sense of openness reminiscent of an overseas resort.In addition to adult and kids' pools, a new "Splash Area" has opened where parents and children can enjoy themselves together.Slides that descend from within a waterfall, and the new and exciting playground equipment "Bubble Hill"You can enjoy things like that.

On August 12, 2026, a new bathhouse, "Mangetsu," equipped with a sauna and mud packs, will open. In addition to the existing large public bath, open-air bath, and private open-air bath, you will be able to relax and soothe your daily fatigue with even more enhanced Hot springs facilities. Dinner will be served at the garden buffet "Pine Terrace," where you can enjoy a wide variety of Miyazaki specialties, including Miyazaki roast beef.

[Okinawa Prefecture, Ishigaki] FUSAKI BEACH RESORT HOTEL & VILLAS

FUSAKI BEACH RESORT HOTEL & VILLAS is located approximately 35 minutes from Shin-Ishigaki Airport by free shuttle bus. Oceanside Guest rooms offer stunning views of the sky and sea, allowing you to fully enjoy the sense of freedom unique to a remote island.

Aqua Garden, one of the largest pools on Ishigaki Island, is packed with features that will satisfy both adults and children. “Splash Park” features a variety of water play equipment, including water slides,where you can enjoy playing in the water. At the "Beachside Pool" attached to "THE STAR BAR",adults can relax in deck chairs or cabanas.That's also appealing.

The resort offers a variety of marine Activity, including a guided "Clear Kayak Experience Tour" and the thrilling "Dragon Boat" ride. At the "ISHIGAKI BOLD KITCHEN" Restaurant, you can enjoy a diverse international cuisine buffet featuring juicy meat dishes, pizza, pasta, sushi, and more.

Related article: Enjoy a luxurious time with your family! A special feature on popular resort hotels perfect for families with children.

[Mountains, Rivers, Plateaus] Explore the great outdoors! An experiential hotel that will awaken your sense of adventure.

Spending your summer in the mountains, by the river, or on the plateau is highly recommended. Here are some experiential hotels where you can fully enjoy the great outdoors.

[Akita Prefecture, Tazawako] Tazawako Lake Resort & Onsen

"Tazawako Lake Resort & Onsen" is located about 10 minutes from Tazawako Station by free shuttle bus. Tazawako, where you can enjoy sightseeing boat cruises and other activities, is about a 10-minute drive away, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

Around the hotel,you can take part in nature-based activities such as "Tazawako Kayak Tour", which takes you across the emerald-green lake,and the “Rafting Tour,” which takes you down the clear waters of the Tamagawa River."Shower climbing" is a way to explore nature while being splashed with water.Then you'll be able to spend some extraordinary time.

The hotel boasts a variety of facilities for families to enjoy, including a game corner and a manga corner. Guests can also enjoy relaxing open-air baths such as "Katakuri no Yu," with its charming courtyard-style design, and "Komakusa no Yu," where you can unwind in a reclining bath. The dinner buffet features approximately 60 different dishes, including beef steaks grilled at the live kitchen and local specialties, guaranteeing a satisfying experience for both your stomach and your soul.

[Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu] Hotel Épinard Nasu

Hotel Épinard Nasu is located about 30 minutes from Shiobara Station by free shuttle bus. Situated in the heart of the Nasu Highlands, it boasts easy Access to popular tourist spots such as the Nasu Teddy Bear Museum and Nasu Kogen Rindo Lake Family Ranch.

The hotel grounds, which boast approximately 50,000 tsubo (about 165,000 square meters),"Tree trekking" involves walking through the trees while feeling the breeze of the highlands.There’s also a wide variety of Activity, such as “Putter Golf,” where you can play on a full-fledged 18-hole woodland course. In the “Forest Area,”At the "Animal Plaza," you can interact with alpacas and goats.We also recommend going for a bike ride using a rental bicycle or taking a leisurely stroll through the natural forest.

Hot springs facilities include a large public bath, a large open-air bath, a jacuzzi, and a sauna. The dinner buffet at "NASU Viking Elbage" offers approximately 100 dishes, including tender roast beef and tempura made with local vegetables, and a kids' buffet is also available.

[Yamanashi Prefecture, Hokuto] YATSUGATAKE KOGEN RESORT

YATSUGATAKE KOGEN RESORT is a cottage-style hotel located about 5 minutes by free shuttle bus from Kai-Koizumi Station. The surrounding area boasts numerous tourist attractions, including the naturally rich spring water source "Sanbuichi Yusui" and Fujimi Kogen Resort, which offers stunning views from an altitude of 1,420m.

Activities include "pole walking," where you aim for the "Observation Hill" viewpoint on the hotel grounds while enjoying the natural scenery of Yatsugatake, and "Yatsugatake Photo Rogaining," an event where you visit points on the grounds and aim for a high score within a time limit.A wide selection of "Activity" for the whole family to enjoy​There’s also an indoor “Yatsugatake Kids Park,” soso you don’t have to worry even if the weather is concerning.

At this Hot springs facility, complete with an open-air bath, you can enjoy a relaxing soak while surrounded by the scenery of each season. Another attraction is the BBQ area, which is open only during the summer, where you can enjoy Koshu beef steak, kalbi, and local vegetables. Kids' menus are available for all plans, from the standard plan to plans that can be upgraded to A5-grade Kuroge Wagyu beef, so you can relax even if you have small children.

[KAMENOI HOTEL OKUNIKKO

KAMENOI HOTEL OKUNIKKO is located about 80 minutes by bus from Nikko Station and about a 1 minute walk from the Kohanmae bus stop. The surrounding area is full of tourist attractions, including Lake Yunoko, surrounded by beautiful primeval forests, and Yudaki Falls, a magnificent waterfall with a powerful flow of 70m in height and 110m in length.

It's safe even for beginners and young children."Lake Chuzenji Kayak Experience" where you can bring your pet along.Or, the “Stargazing Retreat Experience,” complete with commentary from a guide,is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors of Oku-Nikko..
There are also "mystery-solving games" that can be played indoors, so parents and children can have a fun time together.

Hot springs, which also have an open-air bath, allow you to enjoy the smooth, milky-white water. The dinner buffet offers a wide variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. You can enjoy local cuisine such as "Nikko Yuba Sashimi," as well as freshly prepared dishes from the live kitchen, such as "Salt-grilled Yamame Trout" and "Tochigi Prefecture Pork Steak."

[Culture & Unique] Cultivate your sensibilities! A hotel offering special learning and experiences.

Here, we introduce hotels that offer special experiences that can only be enjoyed while traveling. Please use this as a reference to enjoy a unique family trip.

[Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko] KAMENOI HOTEL NIKKO YUNISHIGAWA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT

KAMENOI HOTEL NIKKO YUNISHIGAWA ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT is located about 25 minutes by shuttle bus from Yunishigawa Hot springs Station. Within walking distance of the hotel is Heike no Sato, a place that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time to the Heian period, and it is also conveniently located Access the many tourist attractions in the Nikko and Kinugawa area.

Accommodation rates are all-inclusive.Enjoy all Activity for free.You can choose from a variety of activities, including "Curling," where you can experience curling indoors instead of on ice, as well as archery, table tennis, and darts. In the evening,you can observe the starry sky in a quiet environment surrounded by mountains.We provide star charts at the front desk, so you and your family can have a fun time looking for constellations.

In the open-air bath and the large public bath, you can enjoy Hot springs, which is popular as a "beauty bath." There is also a sauna, so you can refresh both your mind and body. At the dinner buffet, you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including char grilled over a hearth, chicken skewers from Tochigi Prefecture, venison hot pot, and freshly made rice balls from Tochigi Prefecture.

[Hyogo Prefecture, Ako] KAMENOI HOTEL AKO

KAMENOI HOTEL AKO is located about 25 minutes by bus from Ako Station, and just a short walk from the Kamei Hotel Ako bus stop. It boasts beautiful ocean views, and tourist attractions such as Ako Seaside Park and Ako Castle Ruins are within a 5-10 minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel is hosting a workshop where guests can create “Ocean Resin Art Panels” inspired by the sea of Ako.The artwork, created with freely chosen colors for the sea and sand, is sure to become a wonderful memory of your trip. Located about a 6-minute drive from the hotel, at Ako-shi Marine Science Museum - Land of Salt, you can experience salt making.You will be able to experience the history and culture of Ako-shi, which has prospered from salt production since ancient times, through salt making.

Hot springs facility features an infinity open-air bath with stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Dinner is a multi-course kaiseki meal featuring seasonal ingredients. A children's kaiseki meal is also available, ensuring that both adults and children will be completely satisfied.

[Kochi Prefecture, Ino] KAMENOI HOTEL KOCHI

KAMENOI HOTEL KOCHI is located about 6 minutes from Ino Station by free shuttle bus. All rooms offer views of the clear waters of the Niyodo River, allowing guests to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the "Niyodo Blue." Popular spots such as Katsurahama Aquarium and Kochi Castle are within a 30-35 minute drive from the hotel, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

About a 5-minute drive from the hotelat the "Ino Town Paper Museum," you can experience making washi paper.Since you'll be making colored paper or postcards with the support of a technical instructor, even beginners can feel at ease.You can experience the charm of the traditional craft "Tosa Washi" paper..

Hot springs The facility features not only a large public bath and an open-air bath but also a reclining bath and a waterfall shower, allowing you to refresh yourself to your heart’s content. For dinner, the inn serves kaiseki cuisine featuring Shimanto beef—known as the “phantom beef”—among other delicacies. A “children’s kaiseki” menu is also available for young guests.

[Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso] KAMENOI HOTEL ASO

KAMENOI HOTEL ASO is located about 15 minutes from Aso Station by free shuttle bus. Within a 10-minute drive, you'll find tourist attractions such as Aso Cuddly Dominion, where you can encounter bears and alpacas, and Aso Shrine, a power spot.
We recommend
​the “Sato Farm Sheep Grassland Tour,” where you can take a stroll through the vast grasslands of Aso with a shepherd as your guide.In addition, in the lawn area of the hotel grounds, there will be a "miniature horse petting experience" and a "water gun survival game using Aso spring water," and inside the hotel...Mystery-solving game "ASONIWA: Unravel the Secrets of Aso!"will be held, and a wide variety Activity are available.

This Hot springs facility, which draws its own spring water, is equipped with a large public bath, open-air bath, sauna, and relaxation space. Another attraction is the opportunity to experience a mud pack using natural Hot springs. The dinner buffet features local flavors such as grilled trout prepared at the live kitchen and the regional dish "dago-jiru" (dumpling soup), and there is also a kids' corner with a wide selection of children's menus.

Summary

Even within the category of "experiential hotels," there are a variety of Activity to enjoy. For a truly summery experience, waterside Activity are highly recommended. You can play on the pool's play equipment, try snorkeling or kayaking, and have an active and enjoyable time.

Activity that allow you to fully enjoy nature in the mountains, rivers, and highlands are also popular. Experiencing the rich natural beauty of your travel destination will create wonderful memories. Activity that allow you to experience the history and culture of the region you visit will provide an opportunity to gain new knowledge.

With relaxing Hot springs and exquisite Food, these hotels are sure to satisfy not only children but also adults. Why not find your favorite hotel from the ones we've introduced and plan a family trip this summer?

Related article: [Must-see for families with children] Enjoy a full day of fun at hotels! Recommended accommodations