Perfect for a winter trip with kids! 9 carefully selected spots for the whole family to enjoy

Where to go on a winter trip with your kids? Three points to consider

When heading out with elementary school or preschool children during the cold season, it's a good idea to consider the weather, your child's satisfaction, and the burden of travel when deciding where to go. We'll explain these three points in detail.

[Weather Preparedness] Stay active outdoors or stay comfortable indoors?

The appeal of outdoor facilities is that they allow you to have experiences that can only be had in winter, such as playing in the snow.However, the weather in the mountains where ski resorts are located is said to be changeable, so you need to consider the risk of having to change your plans due to bad weather. Before you set off, it's a good idea to check what you can enjoy off the slopes as well as prepare for the cold weather.

On the other hand, indoor facilities such as museums and theme parks are not affected by the weather and are a safe place to visit even with small children.Alternatively, why not choose an indoor resort facility where you can spend the winter in your swimsuit? It will be a fresh experience for your children.

[Children's satisfaction] Are there Activity suitable for their age?

It is also important to choose a destination that suits your child's age, such as elementary school students or preschoolers.

Elementary school students will enjoy workshops such as their first ski experience, work experience, and baking. For preschoolers, we recommend a safe kids' park, attractions for parents and children to play together, and a shallow pool with a mini slide.

If you have siblings, choose a spot that has plenty of facilities that all the children can enjoy.

[Travel burden] Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area and travel time

Travel time is also an important consideration when traveling with children. All of the spots introduced in this article can be easily Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area in one to two nights and three days.

Each spot has its own unique features, such as places that are easily Access by car, within walking distance of the nearest station, close to Hot springs resorts, or with free shuttle buses from major stations. Find the perfect spot for your family.

Perfect for a winter trip with kids! 9 carefully selected spots for the whole family to enjoy

There are many different types of recommended spots for traveling with children, such as ski resorts where you can play in the snow and all-weather indoor facilities. Therefore, we have carefully selected tourist spots that are perfect for families to visit during the winter holidays, divided into four themes.

Enjoy the pure white world of snow! Recommended spots for your first time playing in the snow

[Gunma Prefecture] Kusatsu Hot springs Ski Resort

Kusatsu Hot springs Ski Resort is a ski resort located a five-minute drive from Kusatsu Hot springs, known as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs. Rental ski wear is available, so you can come empty-handed and enjoy the resort, making it a great choice for families visiting a ski resort for the first time.

The kids' park is well-equipped with facilities such as a kids' slope and snow escalator.Sleds are available to rent free of charge in the Kids Park.

There are also many attractions within the ski resort, which is also known as the "Snow Amusement Park." There is a thrilling attraction where you glide through the air on a harness, and parents and children can enjoy playing together on the two-seater Snow Runner King size (adult + child). The 10m-high swing, which siblings can ride together, offers a spectacular view of Kusatsu Hot springs town. The spectacular view from the gondola is also a must-see.

[Tochigi Prefecture] Hunter Mountain Shiobara

Hunter Mountain Shiobara is one of the largest ski resorts in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Free shuttles run from three stations: Shiobara Station, Utsunomiya Station, and Hot springs Onsen Station, making it easily Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area (reservations required).

The kids' park has a dedicated sledding slope, a family house with cribs, and an area for playing in the snow.Your little one's first time playing in the snowIt is close to the Center House, which has the largest Restaurant in Hunter Mountain, so it is convenient for Food and taking a break.
At Hantama Square, located a short walk up from the Kids' Park, you can practice using plastic skis and balance on the lift. You can also enjoy the spectacular view of Nasu Highlands from the gondola that takes you to the slopes.

[Yamanashi Prefecture] Fujiten Snow Resort

Fujiten Snow Resort is located at the foot of Mt.Fuji, about 90 minutes by car from Tokyo or Yokohama.

Chibikko Ai Land, popular with families with small children, has a snow play zone with a miniature Mt.Fuji made out of snow, as well as a dedicated sledding slope (sleds can be brought in or rented for a fee). There are children's toilets, a nursing space, and a daycare center in the center house, so families with children playing in the snow for the first time can have a great time.

For children who want to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time, we recommend the "Kids' Ski and Snowboard Slope" in the same area.You can safely move up to the top of the slope on a moving belt (moving walkway) designed with safety in mind.

There are seven courses with a wide variety of options, including a family course with a gentle slope that is easy for children to ski on. Mt.Fuji observation lift and observation deck offer spectacular views of Mt.Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko below.

Enjoy all day without worrying about the cold! An all-weather indoor facility

[Fukushima Prefecture] Spa Resort Hawaiians

Spa Resort Hawaiians is one of Japan's largest Hot springs theme parks, consisting of six areas.

The park has plenty of pools and slides where you can play in your swimsuit even in winter. The suspension bridge and mini slides are popular with families with small children. At Fish-Go-Land, which is based on the concept of an underwater stroll with tropical fish, you can enjoy the sensation of swimming with approximately 1,300 fish, including tropical fish and sharks.

You can further enhance your resort atmosphere by enjoying a hula girl show and gourmet food at Restaurant with a wide selection of Hawaiian dishes.

It is about a 3-minute drive from Iwaki Yumoto IC, making it easily Access from the Tokyo metropolitan area.There is also a hotel directly connected to the facility, making it easy to get around.

[Chiba Prefecture] Kandu Makuhari

Located in AEON Mall Makuhari New City, Kando Makuhari is about 30 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Keiyo Line.An indoor theme park where you can experience around 40 different jobsis.

The park is themed around "a town where you can become whoever you want to be," and children can try on the uniforms of jobs they dream of, such as police officer, pilot, or dancer, and have a job experience.

There are also plenty of Activity for parents and children to participate in together, such as hair styling and e-sports experiences. The salary (pseudo-currency) earned during the work experience can actually be used for shopping in the shop or in workshops.

Restaurant offers a menu based on the work experiences, such as "Firefighter Curry" and "Police Katsudon." You can play indoors all day, making it the perfect family trip for winter break.

[Shizuoka Prefecture] Izu Cactus Zoo

Located about 100 minutes from Gotemba Interchange, Izu Cactus Zoo is a popular Activity zoo where you can get up close and personal with 1,500 types of cacti and succulents from around the world, as well as 140 types of animals. It is also known for its nationally famous winter specialty, the "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath."

Peacocks and squirrel monkeys roam freely within the park, and parents and children can enjoy interacting with them and feeding them treats. The Animal Boat Tours, open to children aged 3 and over, allows visitors to observe animals while experiencing the feeling of being on an adventure.A rare Activity at a domestic zooIt is popular as.

You can enjoy a special winter family trip surrounded by nature and cute animals.

A special experience to enjoy the fantastic scenery and events that are unique to winter

[Yamanashi Prefecture] Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is located about 80 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area via the Chuo Expressway / Fuji Country Yamanashi Tourism Net Yamanashi Prefecture Official Sightseeing information Site.In winter, you can enjoy fireworks at Lake Kawaguchiko with the snow-capped Mt.Fuji in the background.You may be wondering, "Fireworks in winter?", but the fireworks are said to look spectacular against the clear winter air.

The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and Yamanakako Flower Park, both located near Lake Kawaguchi, hold winter-only illumination displays, so we recommend visiting both. After enjoying the fireworks and illuminations, warming up in Hot springs is another way to enjoy the area.

Create special memories through events that can only be experienced at Lake Kawaguchiko in winter.

[Tochigi Prefecture] Yunishigawa Hot springs Kamakura Festival

About 60 minutes from Imaichi IC on the Nikko-Utsunomiya Expressway. The Yunishigawa Hot springs Kamakura Festival, held in Nikko-shi, is a popular winter event at Yunishigawa Hot springs.

Among them, the "Mini Kamakura on the Riverbank at Sawaguchi," certified as a Japanese Night View Heritage Site and one of the three great night lights in the Kanto region, is a must-see.You can enjoy the fantastical scenery of hundreds of miniature snow huts lit with candles. We also recommend "Heike no Sato," where you can see the combination of snow-covered scenery, snow huts, and traditional thatched-roof houses.

In Hot springs town, there is the Yunishigawa Mizunosato Snow Park, which has a large snow slide where parents and children can play in the snow and sled during the day. You can also get Food at the shop, and if you get tired of playing, you can take a break by soaking your feet in the footbath. This is an attractive spot where you can fully enjoy the winter of a snowy country while still being in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

[Kanagawa Prefecture] Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama

The Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama is an experiential museum where you can have fun learning about Cup Noodles and Chicken Ramen, which are especially delicious during the cold season, and develop your creativity.

The popular "My Cup Noodle Factory" is fun for both adults and children, and allows you to create your own original cup noodles by combining your favorite soup from four different types and 12 different ingredients.

We also recommend Cup Noodle Park, an athletic facility where children can become noodles and experience the process from noodle making to shipping. If you get hungry, why not stop by World Noodle Road, a food attraction where you can try noodles from all over the world?

Located in the Minato Mirai area, you can also enjoy sightseeing in the surrounding area, such as the Red Brick Warehouse.

Increase your travel satisfaction! How to choose a child-friendly hotel

Your trip will be even more satisfying if you choose a hotel based on the type of Guest rooms, Food, and whether or not it offers services that are great for families with children. Here are three points to consider when choosing a hotel to stay at with children.

Japanese-style or Western-style Guest rooms that best suits your family's style

Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western style rooms have the advantage of allowing you to take off your shoes and relax, and are safe for small children to crawl around in. If you sleep on futons on tatami mats, you don't have to worry about your child falling off the bed.

Western-style rooms have the advantage of allowing you to bring strollers in and have your shoes on without worrying about anything. Take into account the features of each room and find the one that suits you best.

If you think it would be difficult to go to the public bath with children, or if a unit bath without a washing area would be too small, why not consider Guest rooms with Hot springs?

Click here for the special page on Guest rooms with Hot springs

Why buffet-style Food are recommended

Buffet-style meals have many benefits, such as allowing children to choose their own favorite dishes and making it easy to understand allergy information.Another attractive feature is the opportunity to enjoy seasonal local ingredients and regional cuisine.

You can enjoy Food even more by choosing a hotel that offers children's favorite dishes such as fried chicken and hamburgers, or that offers baby food.

Buffet features vary by hotel, such as a kids' corner, live kitchen, all-you-can-drink options, etc. Please also see the special feature pages below.

Click here for a special page on hotels where you can enjoy dinner buffets

Check the availability of shared facilities such as kids' spaces and private baths

Choosing a hotel with a kids' space can turn boring times, such as after meals or bathing, into fun times. Why not look for a hotel with a kids' room where children can play in their rooms or a kids' park with plenty of play equipment?

It is also recommended to check the availability of shared facilities, such as private baths (family baths), indoor pools, shops, and snack corners.

Some hotels have kids' parks for children under three years old and kids' rooms with baby baths.Choosing a hotel that suits your child's age will make your trip more comfortable.

Click here for the Kids Room & Kids Park special page

Summary

You can try out experiences that are only possible in winter, or have fun at indoor facilities without worrying about the weather.There are many ways to enjoy traveling with children. Staying at a hotel that offers a wide range of services for families with children will make your trip even more satisfying.

Why not listen to your children's preferences and choose your winter vacation destination from among the spots and hotels introduced here?