Yumekaiyu Awajishima

Yumekaiyu Awajishima stands directly across from Ohama Beach in Sumoto Onsen, a bathing retreat rich in nature, framed by the white sand and green pines of Ohama Beach and by Mt. Mikuma behind. It is part of the Hotel New Awaji Group, and its hallmark is extensive onsen and spa facilities combined with attentive care for families with children.

The top recommendation for families is the indoor heated pool, usable all year. It is a compact pool, shallow enough for children to play in easily, with bright sunlight streaming across the poolside, and staying guests can use it free of charge (generally until 6 p.m., or until 9 p.m. in summer). Being indoors, it allows water play whatever the weather or season.

The onsen offerings are varied as well. In 2020, the communal bath on the 6th floor of the main building was renewed as Mori no SPA (Izumi and Hibiki), where you can enjoy the feeling of forest bathing. There is also the detached spa Kaion no Mori, which looks out over the pine grove with the sound of the waves, and the private-hire open-air bath Yumekai that a family can use on its own, so families with children can go from bath to bath without worrying about other guests.

Care for families traveling with babies is thorough. Cribs are available to rent (1,815 yen per crib, limited in number), baby food you bring can be warmed, bowls and spoons are provided, and baby bottles can be sterilized at the front desk - support you can arrange by speaking with the front desk.

Meals showcase the seasonal flavors of Awaji Island, historically known as a food-providing region for the imperial court. You can enjoy them at the open-kitchen-style seasonal dining Hamabo, which engages all five senses, or at the designer private dining restaurant Isobetei. Private rooms mean families with small children can eat in a calm setting. Guest rooms cover a wide range, from the Nagomi floor blending Japanese comfort with Western functionality to Japanese-style tatami rooms with Ryukyu tatami and Japanese-Western rooms for up to 7 guests, suited to three-generation trips.

The hotel is about 10 minutes by car from Sumoto IC. Ohama Beach right in front is good for swimming in summer, and the hotel makes a convenient base for sightseeing around the island, including uzushio whirlpool cruises. Baby rental items and pool hours vary by season, so it is reassuring to confirm the details when you book. Children's chairs, bed guards, baby baths, trash bins for disposable diapers, picture books and humidifiers are available to borrow free of charge.