Awaji International Hotel The Sunplaza

Awaji International Hotel The Sunplaza stands within the Suntopia Marina complex at Sumoto Onsen on Awaji Island, a large resort hotel with ocean views from every room. It offers a well-rounded mix of onsen, dining, and activities for kids, making it an easy base for sightseeing around Awaji Island.

One of the best things for families is how well-stocked the hotel's play areas are. There's an indoor kids' corner where children can ride the Italian-made Rody toy, plus a kids' space in the courtyard with various play equipment, so kids can play regardless of weather. In summer, a garden pool opens, and during the summer break (roughly mid-July through the end of August) the hotel runs "12 Summer Perks," which makes the pool free of charge. Extras include a fireworks-set giveaway, a summer festival stalls area (shooting gallery, yo-yo fishing), a bingo tournament, a stamp rally, a picture-diary contest, sandbox-set rental, and a shuttle to Ohama Beach - plenty to keep kids entertained.

For families with babies under age 2, the hotel offers a "baby service." It includes handmade baby food by age (about 5-7 months / 7-9 months / 9-11 months) developed by the head chef in consultation with staff who are current mothers, at 1,100 yen per meal; a free bottle-sterilization service; a rental futon for children under school age (2,200 yen per set); and free removal of in-room fixtures with outlet caps installed on request. In addition, the communal bath lends out baby baths, bath chairs, shampoo hats, and bath mats (limited quantities), supporting parents who bathe together with their babies.

For bathing, the communal bath and the view communal bath - each with a sauna, waterfall bath (utaseyu), bubble bath, and open-air bath - operate on a men's/women's alternating schedule. There are also three private-hire baths, Shinonome, Sei-u, and Komorebi, where families can enjoy the onsen together at their own pace. A Finnish sauna and a barrel sauna are also available.

Dining centers on kaiseki course meals featuring Awaji beef and seasonal seafood such as conger eel, spiny lobster, and abalone. In-room dining plans and an all-inclusive plan are also available, so families with small children can enjoy meals without worrying about those around them. Guest rooms are mainly Japanese-style tatami rooms on the 3rd to 5th floors, with a range up to special floors and special rooms.

Access is about 15 minutes by car from the Sumoto Interchange. The location also makes it easy to visit family-friendly sightseeing spots such as the Naruto whirlpool cruise, Awaji Farm Park England Hill, Awaji World Park ONOKORO, and Awaji Hanasajiki. Note that the baby-related services all require advance reservation (baby food by the day before), so it's best to arrange them when you book. In addition, a late checkout benefit is available, changing the usual checkout time from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.