Kaike Onsen
Kaike Onsen Family Hotels: Beach Meets Hot Springs in San'in
A seaside hot spring resort in Yonago, Tottori, where summer days mean the beach right outside your door and evenings mean fresh Sea of Japan seafood after a soak
Kaike Onsen is the leading hot spring resort in the San'in region, with ryokan lining the white sands of Yumigahama Beach in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture. It's one of Japan's rare "onsen that spring up from the sea," and the water is a mineral-rich, salt-containing chloride spring. Because the hot spring town connects directly to Kaike Onsen Beach, families can walk from their room to the shore in swimsuits in summer, then head straight back to soak in the hot spring once the kids are done playing — an ideal flow for families traveling with children.
When you're looking for a hot spring town where the kids can play at the beach, the distance from your hotel to the sand is a major deciding factor. Most hotels in Kaike Onsen are just a few minutes' walk from the coast, and some, like Kaike Seaside Hotel Umi no Shiki, offer ocean views from every room. Kaike Grand Hotel Tensui has a garden pool that opens for summer along with an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring crab, making it a good fit for families who want both beach play and a pool.
For families who prefer a quieter stay, there are hotels like Kaike Shogetsu, which offers four types of private-use hot spring baths along with a commemorative photo service. Among the 7 hotels featured on this site, 3 have Japanese-style tatami rooms and 3 accommodate food allergies, giving families who prefer futon bedding for babies plenty of options too.
For nearby sightseeing, both Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato and Tottori Hanakairo, a garden park with seasonal flower fields, are within a 30-minute drive. On clear days you can see Mount Daisen — nicknamed "Hoki-Fuji" for its resemblance to Mount Fuji — to the east. It's also about 20 minutes by car from Yonago Kitaro Airport, making it an easy base for families flying in.
Highlights
- checkThe hot spring town connects directly to the beach — in summer, kids can play in the surf just steps from your hotel
- checkLarge family-friendly ryokan line the area, from all-ocean-view hotels to properties with a garden pool and all-you-can-eat crab buffets
- checkMizuki Shigeru Road, Tottori Hanakairo, and Mount Daisen are all within a 30-minute drive, making this a great base for exploring San'in
Family-friendly features in Kaike Onsen
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Recommended hotels (2)
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Nearby attractions
Travel tips
The sand gets hot during summer beach season, so water shoes are a good idea for kids. Beaches on the Sea of Japan side can get choppy on some days, so check the swimming-condition flags before letting children in the water. Winter is matsuba crab season, with plenty of crab-focused meal plans and buffets. Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato is popular with kids for its bronze statues of yokai (folklore spirits), but there's little shade in summer, so bring hats and water.
Best season
July and August are high season for swimming and pool time. Winter (November–March) is matsuba crab season, making it a great choice for families traveling for the food too.
Getting there
About 15–20 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Yonago Station. About 20 minutes by car from Yonago Kitaro Airport. About 10 minutes from the Yonago Interchange on the Yonago Expressway, with good access from the San'in Expressway as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hot spring resort is Kaike Onsen?
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It's the leading hot spring resort in the San'in region, located along Yumigahama Beach in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture. It's one of Japan's rare "onsen that spring up from the sea," and its salt-containing chloride water is said to keep you warm long after bathing. Kaike Onsen Beach sits right in front of the hot spring town, so the biggest draw is being able to enjoy both beach play and hot springs on the same summer day.
Can kids swim at the beach here?
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Yes. Kaike Onsen Beach connects directly to the hot spring town, and most hotels are just a few minutes' walk from the sand. Families love being able to head straight from the beach into the hotel's hot spring once playtime is over. On days with waves, check the posted swimming-condition notices, and a life jacket is a good idea for young children.
Are there hotels with a pool?
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Kaike Grand Hotel Tensui has a garden pool that operates during summer, which is well suited to young children who aren't quite ready for the ocean. The hotel is also known for its all-you-can-eat buffet featuring crab, making it popular with families who want the beach, a pool, and great food all in one place.
Is this a good area for families traveling with a baby?
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Kaike Shogetsu has four types of private-use hot spring baths, so you can bathe with your child without worrying about other guests. Three hotels have Japanese-style tatami rooms, so parents worried about a baby rolling off a bed can choose a room with futon bedding instead. Three hotels also state they can accommodate food allergies.
What are some nearby spots kids will enjoy?
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Within a 30-minute drive, you'll find Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato, lined with bronze statues of yokai folklore spirits, and Tottori Hanakairo, a garden park with seasonal flowers and a Ferris-wheel-style observation walkway. On clear days, exploring the foothills of Mount Daisen is another option, and on rainy days you can pair the trip with indoor spots like the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial in Sakaiminato.