Niijima Family Hotels: White-Sand Beaches & Open-Air Hot Springs

Niijima is an island in the Izu Islands chain, part of Tokyo Metropolis, known for its white sand beaches, free open-air hot springs, and the distinctive scenery created by koga-ishi, a stone found almost nowhere else in the world that's a local specialty. It's about a 2-hour-20-minute ride from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo by high-speed jet boat (a large ferry is also available), or about 40 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport. Just to the south is Shikinejima, a 15-minute connecting-boat ride away, and many families combine a visit to both islands.

One thing families who love the ocean will appreciate is how different the island's beaches are from each other. Habushiura Beach, with about 2 km of white sand, is known as a mecca for surfers, but its spacious shore is also great for playing in the sand or taking a walk, and it's a popular photo spot for its stunning scenery. Maehama Beach, near the village, on the other hand, is shallow with calm waves, making it perfect for a child's first swim in the ocean. There are even seaside family-run inns right across from Maehama Beach.

Another local specialty is Yunohama Open-Air Hot Spring, a free bath you can soak in while wearing your swimsuit. Lined with white structures reminiscent of a Greek temple, it's open free of charge 24 hours a day, with views over the Pacific Ocean. It's an experience unique to Niijima that families can drop by after a day at the beach.

Koga-ishi, the island's specialty stone, is rare even on a global scale, and melting it down to craft olive-green glassware is one of Niijima's signature crafts. At the Niijima Glass Art Center, you can try your hand at glassmaking, making it a perfect way to create summer vacation memories with your kids. Hunting for the moai-like statues carved from koga-ishi scattered around the island is another fun activity. Places to stay are mostly homey family-run inns, where home-cooked meals made with local fish are part of the appeal.