From its sushi to its snow, Japan is the greatest family-friendly destination you’d never even thought of. Read our list of Japan’s top 10 resorts for for families to start planning your next escape now.
From its sushi to its snow, Japan is the greatest family-friendly destination you’d never even thought of. Read our list of Japan’s top 10 resorts for for families to start planning your next escape now.
Like everything Disney, Tokyo Disneyland Hotel comes with a hefty dash of imagination and fantasy, and the themed rooms are an absolute delight. The Tinker Bell Room will immerse you in Pixie Hollow, the Alice in Wonderland Room is a Mad Hatter’s dream, the Beauty and the Beats Room will please book-loving Belles and the Cinderella Room will win the praise of the smallest of princesses. What’s more, at the famous on-site Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique little ones can be magically styled into their favourite princesses, complete with hair, makeup and gorgeous dresses.
Club Med Tomamu on Japan’s Hokkaido Island makes skiing with kids ridiculously easy. Ski passes, lessons, food and snacks are all included in your stay. On the slopes, Tomamu has half-pipes, tabletops, kickers, rails and boxes as well as long powdery runs. While the hotel is conveniently ski-in, ski-out, you don’t have to love the snow to have a good time: enjoy a snow trek, splash around in Japan’s largest indoor wave pool or cosy up by the fireplace in The Nest Zen Bar with a glass of sake or Suntory single malt.
With its fairytale-themed rooms, Mount Fuji views, an in-house Disney Store and a 24-hour market, it’s no wonder the Hilton Tokyo Bay made the list of the very best hotels in Japan for families. Located just 30 minutes from Central Tokyo and a short walk from Tokyo Disneyland, it makes a great spot to fuel up and relax after a long day exploring the city’s sights (or the theme park’s adrenaline-pumping heights). A fitness room, garden pool, relaxation salon and children’s menus also make for an extra special stay. hilton.com
The ski-in, ski-out Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The Tower sits in the middle of the Tomamu ski area. It has access to 29 ski runs across 124 hectares of terrain, and ski gear is available for hire from the Rental Corner on the hotel’s first floor. It’s not all about winter sports here though, with horse riding, hot-air balloon experiences, rafting and mountain biking all on the cards over warmer months. Get the gondola up to the ‘Cloud Pool’, a huge net hanging out over the valley, for stunning views of the area.
The Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort has ski-in, ski-out access to Kiroro resort, making it the perfect balance of action and après-ski relaxation. And the location is hard to top – the resort sits at the centre of the Hokkaido Golden Triangle, one of Japan’s premier winter tourism areas. Packages are available that combine accommodation and lift passes. And speaking of accommodation, the hotel offers both Japanese-style (with futon beds and tatami mats) and Western-style (with sprung mattresses) rooms. Make sure you reserve some time to enjoy the nearby Kiroro Onsen Hot Spring to unwind.
Near the base of Mount Yotei, which towers above, The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a year-round escape. Each winter, the resort is blessed with an average of 14 metres of lush powder snow, and ski-in, ski-out facilities make it all the more easy to explore the runs. From late April to mid-October, thrill-seekers can head to the resort’s amusement park, where eight rollercoasters will keep the older ones entertained. Alternatively, take the family to a class to learn to make either ice-cream, jam and crepes, or cheese.
Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido has you covered when it comes to all things snow, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner on the slopes. The resort chain’s all-inclusive philosophy means that lift passes for the Sahoro ski resort and group lessons are included in the cost of your stay. If you’re travelling with a tiny tot, the hotel also includes all the essentials, from baby lotion to bottler warmers and strollers.
With views of the Tokyo skyline, this is luxury in the heart of Japan’s capital city. Even the smallest rooms at the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo have 50 square metres of floor space, while the largest – the Presidential Suite – offers a whopping 269 square metres. Two restaurants dish up Italian and traditional Japanese cuisine, while the hotel’s babysitting service will allow parents with younger kids to sneak off for a sumptuous treatment at Chi, The Spa.
Located in the urban heart of Tokyo, the Keio Plaza Hotel is within easy reach of popular attractions. It’s a half-hour train trip to the imperial palace or Tokyo Tower, and 15 minutes by train to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (perfect for a picnic) and the Samurai Museum.
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you can unwind in the Sky Pool or take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Explore Roppongi, Toranomon, Kasumigaseki and Otemachi and immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Tokyo, knowing that ‘home’ is never far away at Tokyo Prince Hotel. With its location in the centre of Tokyo – a seven-minute walk to the Tokyo Tower and 20-minute drive to Tokyo Disneyland – the property offers a convenient stay with a little bit of added luxe. During summer, escape to the garden pool while the little ones enjoy the kiddie pool. Or, swap swimsuits for shopping bags at the Prince Shopping Arcade located in the basement of the hotel.
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