Awaji Musenkei

Hotel New Awaji Bettei Awaji Musenkei, standing on Komoe Beach at Sumoto Onsen, is a hot-spring ryokan of the Hotel New Awaji Group. Its appeal lies in a wide range of sea-themed bathing areas, and it suits family trips centered on unhurried time in the onsen.

The onsen is the biggest draw. The infinity bath that appears to run on into the sky, the open-air bath at the water's edge, and the maisonette-style bath pavilion Amanomiya no Shizuku, like a vessel of hot water floating on the sea, all bring together sea, sky and water in a wonderfully open setting. Cross the seaside corridor and you can tour three bathing areas and two hot-spring sources across the group's hotels. There are also two private-hire baths with saunas, so families can enjoy the onsen on their own without worrying about other guests.

Guest rooms come in many types, including ones with an onsen open-air bath: Japanese-style tatami rooms on the special Riraku floor overlooking the Kitan Strait, and special rooms of more than 100 square meters on the Comfort floor with their own private open-air bath. There are Japanese-style tatami rooms and Japanese-Western rooms as well, so families with young children and three generations traveling together can settle in comfortably. Even with a baby only a few months old, choosing a room type with an open-air bath means you can bathe without having to think about the communal bath.

Meals star seafood from Awaji Island, long known as an imperial food-offering region, along with Awaji beef. In summer you can enjoy seasonal kaiseki such as a full course of live pike conger, and some plans guarantee in-room dining, so you can eat without worrying about those around you even if the children get lively. Elementary school children are served a kaiseki course of their own, making the meal feel special for them too.

The ryokan is about 15 minutes by car from Sumoto IC, a handy base for family sightseeing spots such as the Uzushio whirlpool cruise and Awaji Farm Park England Hill. Do note that this is a refined stay built around the onsen and the cuisine rather than a place whose main draw is kids' play equipment or a pool. Please confirm items available to borrow for babies and meal arrangements directly with the ryokan when you book. Late checkout is available, extending the usual 10 a.m. checkout to 11 a.m.