Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Atami

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Atami is a family resort popular with families traveling with children, standing on a hilltop overlooking Sagami Bay in Atami, Shizuoka. It is about 15 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Atami Station. Every room is non-smoking and shoes-off, built so that even a small child crawling around can do so with peace of mind.

For families with babies, there is the Baby Suite, which comes with its own dedicated setup, and the Baby Friendly Plan, which equips the room with baby items and fittings; both welcome you with a crib and other baby gear ready and waiting. At the restaurant Studio Buffet Mogumogu, children's rates are set for ages 7-11 and ages 4-6, children aged 3 and under eat free, and baby food (rice porridge, two kinds of puree and toppings) is provided free of charge. Japanese Dining Hanabi also provides free baby food matched to a baby's age in months, so even families with very young babies can spend their stay with less to worry about at mealtimes.

The resort is full of play spaces that keep children absorbed. The indoor Kids Room has a ball pit looking out over the sea below and a climbing wall that even young children can take on; the Oyako no Hokuheki (Parent-Child North Wall) is a giant climbing wall inspired by fireworks that adults and children tackle together; the Forest Sky Walk is an athletic course built 9 m above the ground in the camphor trees; and at the RISONARE Kids Studio children change into a chef's coat to try making sweets. There is a whole range of experiences here to enjoy both indoors and outdoors (the outdoor Forest Sky Walk is canceled in rain or strong wind). Another distinctive feature is the Tabiiku (travel education) program, in which children take part right from the trip-planning stage.

The pool area includes a toddler pool, and children who are not yet fully out of diapers can use it as long as they wear a swim diaper (also sold at the pool reception). The onsen is a semi-open-air bath looking out over the sea at Atami, the night views, the fireworks and the morning glow, so the view is spectacular at any hour. There is also the Nursery childcare service, which looks after children from 6 months old up to school age (reservation required; free for guests dining at Japanese Dining Hanabi, on a first-come, first-served basis), so parents can leave their children in good hands and have time as a couple. With plenty of plans matched to different family makeups, such as the Three-Generation Getaway that every generation can enjoy together, this is a go-to resort for family travel with children. Meals accommodating allergies can also be arranged. Check-in is from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and checkout is at 12 p.m.