Etcetera Guest House Niijima

Etcetera Guest House Niijima, on the island of Niijima, is a guesthouse with an attached sauna, built on the concept of taking it slow and reaching totonou, the balanced, refreshed feeling that follows a good sauna session.

Two things families will appreciate are the mini kitchen and the free laundry corner. You can prepare meals or baby food for your child, and wash clothes that got soaked at the beach - both genuinely useful over a family stay. The guest rooms include private rooms such as Nagisa-to, which sleeps up to 3, so there are rooms for families here, not only dormitory beds.

The pleasure that sets this place apart is its proper sauna. Once the children are asleep, the adults can take turns refreshing in it (the sauna is intended for adults; please check with the property whether children may use it). There is also a bar and lounge for a relaxed evening.

For meals, an izakaya (a Japanese pub serving food) nearby serves island cuisine, so you can enjoy the island's bounty.

The guesthouse is about 6 minutes by car from Niijima Airport, and a shuttle bus is available, which takes the strain out of getting there with children.

Niijima itself has plenty of nature and hands-on activities that suit families. Maehama Beach shelves gently and has calm waves; Habushiura Beach is famous for surfing; Yunohama Open-Air Onsen is a free open-air onsen you can enter wearing a swimsuit; the Moyai statues originated on Niijima; and the Niijima Glass Art Center offers glass-art experiences using koga stone. Family-friendly spots are dotted all around the island.

Do note that this is a guesthouse built primarily around the sauna, and it has dormitory rooms as well. Families are advised to book a private room. For guest-room facilities and what can be arranged for babies, please check directly with the property when you book.