Awaji Island is Seto Inland Sea's largest island. According to legend, it's also rumored to be the first island of Japan. Its northern region boasts a 3,911-meter-long suspension bridge known as Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, and in the south, you'll find Naruto Strait offering views of the Naruto Whirlpools - one of the largest whirlpools in the world!

It's also home to the anime theme park Nijigen No Mori. With so much to see, the region has become increasingly popular! Although you can't forget the city of Sumoto located in the island's center. This area is known as a resort destination home to many hot spring facilities, including Sumoto Onsen!

Only a five-minute bus ride from Sumoto Bus Center lies the hot spring resort Awaji Yumesenkei. This facility was built around the theme "an ocean you've been waiting to see."

Stays here are undeniably luxurious, allowing you to enjoy views of gorgeous ocean waters, clear-blue and star-filled skies, and incredible sunsets.

In addition to this, the accommodation facility is welcoming to its foreign guests - offering English-speaking staff, English signs, English floor guides, and translation apps.

On the facility's luxury floor, Riraku, you can choose from a total of 18 guest rooms that come in seven unique styles. Also, don't miss out on some special services/offers, such as the ladies' lounge and the late check-out plan (11:00 a.m.)!

Views at this hot spring resort are absolutely spectacular! On its second floor, at Yuhinkaku bathhouse's Tenkyu-no-Shizuku, are outdoor open-air baths as well as communal baths that enable you to enjoy the ocean, sky, and hot spring's rejuvenating water's all at once!

On the first floor, there are even luxurious marionette-style hot springs situated right next to the water. At this facility, you can enjoy two types of hot springs-Sumoto Onsen and the nigoriyu (milky) hot spring, Komoe Onsen (those with tattoos can also enjoy the springs if able to cover them with flesh-colored patches, etc.).

Furthermore, private outdoor baths and private group baths with a stone sauna are available for families!

When it comes to dining, a traditional Japanese multiple-course meal known as kaiseki is offered. Here you can enjoy the best of Awaji Island's seafood as well as its mountain delicacies.

Another alluring factor is that there are multiple courses to choose from! Many foreign guests who have tried this cuisine have commented on how moved they were by the whole experience.

In addition to having an indoor play area for kids, the dining facilities offer attractive services that all generations can enjoy! This includes entertaining ways to celebrate your birthday, wedding anniversary, and even options to celebrate one's longevity!

Meals can be served in your room or in one of the private rooms at the restaurant. This makes it easy for families to relax and enjoy their time. With additional amenities and rentable toys for children, don't miss out on indulging in some of the best food Awaji has to offer!

A part of the same hotel group and connected to Awaji Yumesenkei by a corridor is Hotel New Awaji. Here you can enjoy hot springs, spa facilities, as well as the hotel's cigar bar. Overall, this is the perfect option for those who want to enjoy a resort-like stay as a family!

Health & Safety Measures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities - Sanitizer installed at points around facility - Avoiding the 3 C's (crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces) by limiting the number of guests who use the elevators and communal baths - Implementation of acrylic boards, shorter procedure times, and recommendations for advanced payments held at the front desk - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Masks required/temperature check enforced - identification checks for all guests upon entry - Attending to guests who are in poor physical condition (Following protocol given by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, guests will be asked to wait in a private room and adhere to instructions given by the health center.)

When it comes to tropical resort destinations in the Kansai region, Wakayama Prefecture's Nanki Shirahama is the place to go! In addition to its blue skies and white sandy beaches, it also offers Shirahama Onsen, one of Japan's three ancient hot springs.

Also, there are various options for delicious eats as well as Adventure World, a theme park famous for its panda exhibit. This is a resort destination with countless activities and sites that the whole family can enjoy!

One of Kansai's best beaches has to be Shirarahama Beach, a 620-meter-long stretch of white sand that curves around the surrounding ocean. Located at its northern edge is Shiraraso Grand Hotel. This site can be accessed by taking a 15-minute bus ride from JR Shirahama Station.

A mere 30-second walk to the beach, this long-established hotel has been open since 1929. Over the years, it has become a favorite among many cultural figures and celebrities, including the imperial family.

Foreign guests can enjoy their stay with ease due to the facility having English-speaking staff as well as signs and guides in multiple languages.

This hotel's biggest charm is the views of Shirarahama Beach you'll get from the guest rooms! Here lies the sweeping scenery of an everlasting white sand beach and blue ocean. Additionally, all of the various types of guest rooms have been popular among foreign guests!

We recommend staying in one of the rooms on the hotel's Royal Floor. Both the Japanese-Western mixed-style room (shown in the photo above) and the traditional Japanese room provide more than enough space with refreshing views from its large window. If you want to avoid interacting with other guests, some package deals come with a private dining space!

What's more, you can't miss out on the hot springs! There are open-air baths - Chobo-no-yu Shiokaze or Isobe-no-yu Matsukaze - large communal baths, and private baths to enjoy! Completely unwind in a freeing open-air bath that feels like it's one with the ocean and sky!

This unbelievable relaxing experience soothes you with the sounds of Shirarahama's waves and a view of the glittering sea.

For meals, prepare to be blown away by an array of Wakayama Prefecture's bounties prepared in a kaiseki style! With a focus on implementing local and seasonal ingredients, these dishes look as good as they taste!

Not surprisingly, it's been a big hit among many foreign guests. On top of serving extravagant hot pot using top-tier longtooth grouper fish, this course has a menu that will accommodate children as well as anyone with allergies!

At Shiraraso Grand Hotel, there's also a lounge and work space.

Moreover, in the summertime, an outdoor pool is available for overnight guests! This pool has a shallow section (60 cm) and a deep section (120cm) separated by a fence, making it very kid-friendly.

Other perks include yukata summer kimonos, provided by the hotel to wear during your stay. If you're looking for something a little unique, you can rent yukata with different designs or larger sizes for men (additional fee or packages available to reserve beforehand).

The yukata rentals can even be worn outside the facility, enabling you to experience an authentic Japanese summer!

Health & Safety Measures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities - Sanitizer available at common areas such as the hotel's entrance and lobby - Limits on how many people can use the elevator and smoking area at one time - Acrylic boards set up and procedures shortened at the front desk - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear face shields, masks, wash their hands, sanitize, gargle, and get regular temperature checks - Masks required - Temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff - Attending to guests who are in poor physical condition (Following protocol given by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, guests will be asked to wait in a private room and adhere to instructions given by the health center; in some cases, guests may be refused stays).

Nanki-Shirahama Marriott Hotel is around a 15-minute taxi ride away from JR Shirahama Station. Only three minutes away from the coast, it's situated on an elevated area overlooking Shirarahama Beach! This hotel's superb location has made it extremely popular.

The guest rooms were designed so that guests can fully enjoy the time they spend in them! There are 182 rooms, with a choice of a view of the ocean or the hotel's garden. What's more, the guest rooms boast a spacious 42 square meters each! The photo above shows the Premium King Guest Room Ocean-View.

Fitting up to five guests, it's a perfect option for those taking a family vacation. Another raved about choice is a guest room that comes with its own hot spring that overlooks the ocean!

The communal hot spring and open-air bath available on the hotel's top floor is highly popular among foreign guests! Here, many are awe-struck by the dynamic, sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean that greets them.

Those who have tattoos can also enjoy the facility if they're able to cover them with a patch (8 cm x 10 cm). However, please be sure to confirm at the hotel's front desk.

For families, we heartily recommend reserving one of the private hot springs!

Dinner consists of grilled seafood caught from a bountiful sea, as well as other local delicacies such as Kumano beef and Kishu Ume pork. Additionally, there are also kaiseki courses and kid's meal options.

For breakfast, you can choose from buffet-style, continental, or American-style dining.

Besides the spa, this hotel's top floor offers a lounge, a fitness room, a bike rental area, workation spaces, and many more resort-style services! Out of these, renting a bike to explore the island's scenic spots is especially popular!

The facility also offers guides in English as well as English-speaking staff 24/7 at the front desk.

Health & Safety Measures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities - Sanitizer available at common areas such as the hotel's entrance and lobby - Limits on how many people can use the elevator and smoking area at one time - Front desk procedures shortened - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear face shields, masks, wash their hands, sanitize, gargle, and get regular temperature/health check-ups - Guests who feel unwell are refrained from staying at the hotel - Masks required/temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

Mie Prefecture's Ise-Shima can be found on the eastern end of the Kii Peninsula. Due to its sawtooth-shaped coastlines and many inlets, this naturally abundant region is known for offering landscapes unique to Japan.

Not limited to views of the sea, here you can visit Ise Grand Shrine and the forests that surround it! This resort destination is one where you can enjoy nature, history, culture, and tradition. The G7 Ise-Shima Summit was also held here in 2016.

Nemu Resort can be found inside Ise-Shima National Park, a spacious and natural park that spans 3 million square feet and overlooks Ago Bay. The nearest station is Kintetsu Railway's Kashikojima Station. From here, you can take a 20-minute shuttle bus ride. For those traveling by car, you can take a 40-minute drive down the Ise Expressway's Tamaki Interchange via Sunny Road.

What stands out about this resort is that you can enjoy a myriad of activities held in the great outdoors! In addition to offering a pool and golf course, you can sign up for one of their many outdoor programs.

This includes a yoga program, nature program, and marine (sports) program. We also recommend watching the sun come up from the ocean at Higashi no Miharashidai (Eastern Observatory), or a breathtaking sunset at Yuhi ni Somaru Hama (Sunset Beach)!

At Early Summer Garden, you can even enjoy a show of fluttering fireflies. If you decide this is the resort for you, make sure to explore as many natural sites as possible!

At Nemu Resort, the indoor facilities are just as impressive as the outdoor ones! With a total of 68 guest rooms that span 46.8 square meters each, Hotel Nemu invites you to relax in spaces that offer breathtaking views from their windows.

In April 2022, the resort also opened eight new facilities for their new Nemu Forest Villa. Being able to book a private villa for yourself adds to the exciting resort atmosphere!

Gazing upon the space where Ise-Shima's nature meets the sky makes for a resort experience like no other! This facility is also very popular among its foreign guests.

At Hotel Nemu, you can choose from either a quiet restaurant dinner centering around Japanese cuisine, or an outdoor glamping-style dinner that provides a resort-like atmosphere (unavailable for children).

With both options incorporating the best of Ise-Shima's ingredients, many guests highly approve of these dining experiences!

For breakfast, the restaurant serves a buffet of both Japanese and Western-style cuisine, while the Satoyama Lounge offers a glamping-style morning meal.

Lunch options include an a la carte menu, outdoor lunch boxes, and barbeque.

Of course, we can't forget the hot springs! Here you can enjoy three types that are equally popular among its guests.

This includes Shiosai no Yu, the resort's natural source of thermal spa water, Shinju no Yu, a hot spring made in collaboration with Mikimoto Cosmetics (a company that uses pearl farming technology for their products), and Nemunoki Yu.

Although this resort's main attraction is its nature, it offers facilities, such as a spa and garden room, that you can enjoy on a rainy day!

Another great feature is that there are many English-speaking staff available. With both an energetic and elegant atmosphere, it's a resort that the whole family will love!

Health & Safety Measures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities - Sanitizer and air purifiers available throughout the facility - Avoiding the 3 C's (crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces) by social distancing - Implementation of splatter shields, shorter procedure/room guide times at front desks and other facility counters - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear face shields, masks, wash their hands, sanitize, gurgle, and get regular temperature/health check-up - Guests who feel unwell are refrained from staying at the hotel - Masks required/temperature check enforced

Resort destinations are often associated with beaches, mountains, and other scenic spots. However, it's also possible to enjoy a resort-like experience by unwinding at a hotel and taking occasional strolls in the city!

Umekoji Potel Kyoto is a hotel that allows for such an experience! Located in central Kyoto, it's a 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station and a five-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station. You'll even find famous attractions such as Umekoji Park's Kyoto Aquarium nearby!

Umekoji Potel Kyoto is a fairly new establishment that opened in October, 2020. Potel is a coined term that was made to represent how the facility is a hotel that also acts as a port for goods and culture.

Though rooted in community, this hotel is a gateway for cultural exchanges between people all over and outside of Japan. We recommend a stay here to those who want to discover a new side of Kyoto they've never seen before!

Guest rooms have a simple and relaxed design. By using the warmth of wood found in traditional Japanese homes, an authentic Kyoto atmosphere can be enjoyed. For families, we recommend the Park Side room.

As it comes with a terrace, a stay here will present you with beautiful views of the park. In addition to the hotel having guides in English, the video-on-demand settings on the T.V. are available in English, Korean, and Japanese.

At Awai no Ma, located on the hotel's second to fifth floor, you'll find books, records, board games, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks available free of charge.

What's more, guests have access to the rooftop terrace on the hotel's top floor! This gives you a full view of the entire city!

Also offering indoor and outdoor play spaces for children and walking/jogging opportunities in Umekoji Park, Umekoji Potel Kyoto is a great option for families who want to enjoy a vacation together!

On the first floor of a neighboring facility is the sento public bath, Pote Yu. This is a traditional Japanese hot spring facility that's also open to the public (time limits enforced).

Beside the bath is the Umekoji Fermentation Factory. A visit here enables you to fully experience the charm of Japan's fermented foods. This is done through trying and purchasing various fermented products, including Japanese sake (rice wine)!

In the evening, a dinner course filled with fermented foods is served! With the restaurant enabling you to bring a bottle of Japanese sake from the Umekoji Fermentation Factory, there's no doubt you'll fall in love with all this traditional Japanese meal has to offer!

Moreover, breakfast offers so much variety, you'll think you're at a morning market! Here you can indulge in a buffet-style breakfast that allows you to pick and choose what you like. Lastly, there are unique options to enjoy for lunch or a quick coffee break. We highly recommend this hotel for foreign guests who've already traveled many times to Kyoto and are searching for something new!

Health & Safety Measures
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of front desk and facilities - Sanitizer installed at points around facility - Avoiding the 3 C's (crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces) by limiting the number of reservations, guests who use the elevators, guests allowed in the smoking areas - Implementation of splatter shields and recommending cashless payment methods - Disinfected after each guest leaves - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests who feel unwell are refrained from staying at the hotel - Masks required/temperature check enforced - Masks recommended during meals - Implementation of ways to check how crowded facilities are during breakfast hours/identification checks for all guests upon entry - Consideration of countermeasures during room service - Has met the safety and health standards and acquired the "Trusted Cleanliness Badge" given out by Trust You

Vacations are meant to be spent by having extraordinary experiences with family! Accommodation is an essential part of making such experiences and memories special. Whether you're looking for a great location, facilities, cuisine, hot springs, or hospitality-our pick of superb hotels will ensure an unforgettable vacation!

Make your trip one you can smile back on and want to enjoy again!

Text by: Isokazu Hifumi

*The information in this article is from April 2022. For updated information, please refer to the official websites.