Today, I recommend winter family travel destinations in Japan for everyone. Among them, there is the "Hawaii Hot Springs Resort," where you can enjoy the summer atmosphere all year round, the "Izu Cactus Park" where you can see capybaras in open-air hot baths, and the "Asahiyama Zoo," where you can watch capybaras in open-air hot baths as well. It's very popular due to penguin strolls. Come and join us on this journey!
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Hawaiian Hot Springs Resort スパリゾートハワイアンズ (Fukushima)
"Hawaiian Hot Springs Resort" is a leisure facility filled with a summer atmosphere, featuring five themed parks set on a site six times the size of the Tokyo Dome. The average year-round temperature in the water park is maintained at 28 degrees Celsius, allowing visitors to enjoy it in all seasons.
In addition, there is the "VIR Port (ウイルポート)" where you can enjoy various experiences, and the world's largest open-air bath, "Edo Jōwa Yoichi," which is perfect for the whole family to soak in. It allows you to experience the atmosphere of bathing in the Edo period, and the performance of hula dancers is also a must-see attraction.
- Hawaiian Hot Springs Resort スパリゾートハワイアンズ
- Address: Fukushima, Iwaki, Jobanfujiwaramachi, Warabidaira−５
- Access: Taking the JR Joban Line from Tokyo to Yunomoto, around 2 hours.
- Official Website: http://www.hawaiians.co.jp/
Horoen Town Reindeer Sightseeing Ranch 幌延町トナカイ観光牧場 (Hokkaido)
"The Horoen Town Reindeer Sightseeing Ranch" is Japan's only reindeer farm. The species originally comes from Finland, and around 60 second and third-generation reindeer born in Horoen live here. Reindeer are gentle and friendly animals, and if you have special food in your palm, they will come over to eat from your hand.
During the winter, you can even ride on sleds pulled by reindeer, which is a very popular activity. It makes you feel like you're channeling your inner Santa Claus and is definitely a unique experience.
- Horoen Town Reindeer Sightseeing Ranch 幌延町トナカイ観光牧場
- Address: 398-1 Hokushin, Horonobe, Teshio District, Hokkaido
- Access: JR train from Sapporo to Horoen (4 hours and 30 minutes) or from Asahikawa to Horoen (2 hours and 40 minutes)
- Official Website: http://tonakai-farm.com/
Izu Cactus Park Zoo 伊豆シャボテン動物公園 (Shizuoka)
As the name, inside the Izu Cactus Park there is a greenhouse that houses approximately 1,500 species of cacti and succulent plants from around the world. You can even enjoy the fun of cactus picking in the workshop.
In addition to the cacti and succulents, this place also houses a variety of animals comparable to those found in large zoos, including chimpanzees, flamingos, mongooses, and sloths. Among them, the most popular animal is the capybara.
The most interesting aspect is watching the capybaras bathe in the open-air bath, attracting attention with their adorable appearance. Capybara parents and their young ones bathe together, and the little ones play around in the hot water – it's truly adorable. At the Izu Cactus Park, you'll see capybaras with a completely different look compared to those in other zoos.
- Izu Cactus Park Zoo 伊豆シャボテン動物公園
- Address: 1317-13 Futo, Itō, Shizuoka
- Access: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen Ito Line from Atami Station to Ito Station, then take the Tokai Bus, around 35 minutes.
- Official Website: https://izushaboten.com/
Funabashi Andersen Park ふなばしアンデルセン公園 (Chiba)
Funabashi Andersen Park is ranked as the 3rd most popular theme park in Japan on the travel review website.
It covers an area equivalent to six Tokyo Domes, divided into five zones with unique facilities including Japan's largest track and field sports ground and a Fairy Tale Hill with windmills. Since it's a park, you're free to bring your own food and drinks, making it very suitable for family outings.
- Funabashi Andersen Park ふなばしアンデルセン公園
- Address: 525 Kanehoricho, Funabashi, Chiba
- Access: From the Shin-Keisei Line's Misaki Station, you can take the Andersen Liner direct bus to Andersen Park, which takes approximately 12 minutes.
- Official Website: http://www.park-funabashi.or.jp/
Nokonoshima Island Park のこのしまアイランドパーク (Fukuoka)
Nokonoshima Island has a circumference of approximately 12 kilometers, and you can easily reach it by taking a ferry from Himehami Ferry Terminal. Nokonoshima Island Park is located in the northern part of the island and covers an area of about 150,000 square meters. The park boasts blooming flowers throughout the year, making it a recommended destination for winter family trips as well.
The park offers many family-friendly activities, such as swings hanging from large trees and athletic sports, reminiscent of the adventures of Heidi in the Swiss Alps. Additionally, I recommend trying the local specialties of Nokonoshima, including "Nokonoudon" (Nokonoshima Udon noodles) and "Nokonoshima Apple Wine."
- Nokonoshima Island Park のこのしまアイランドパーク
- Address: Fukuoka, Nishi Ward, 能古島
- Access:
- Get off at "Machihama Station" on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line, then take the Nishitetsu Bus from the "Machihama Station North Exit" to "Noko Ferry Terminal" .
- Take the Nishitetsu Bus from "Hakata Ekimae A" to "Noko Ferry Terminal" and get off there.
- Official Website: http://nokonoshima.com/
Rokko Mountain Snow Park 六甲山スノーパーク (Hyogo)
"Rokko Mountain Snow Park" is a place resembling an "ice and snow theme park" that has been in operation for over 50 years since its opening in 1964. One of its most distinctive features is artificial snow.
While it may not be as extensive as real snow-covered mountains, the snow season starts in mid-November, making it the "earliest" skiing destination in the Kansai region. It is also recommended for families and beginners, as it is beginner-friendly during the winter season.
- Rokko Mountain Snow Park 六甲山スノーパーク
- Address: Kitarokko-4512-98 Rokkosancho, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo
- Access: JR Rokkomichi Station/Hankyu Rokko Station, take Kobe City Bus Line 16 → Get off at Rokko Cablecar Lower Station → Take Rokko Cablecar → Rokko Cablecar Upper Station → Take Rokko Mountain Bus → Rokko Mountain Ski Park.
- Official Website: https://www.rokkosan.com/ski/
Sun Messe Nichinan サンメッセ日南 (Miyazaki)
Do you want to visit the warm Kyushu region in winter? Nichinan Solar Garden is a park along the Nichinan coast, featuring rows of Moai statues. These seven Moai statues are the only ones in the world officially restored with permission from the Elder's Council of Easter Island in South America. Viewing them up close is impressive, as if you've stepped into Easter Island.
"Facing the sea, starting from the left, each one of them possesses different powers: career luck, health luck, love luck, overall luck (dreams coming true), marriage luck, money luck, and academic luck. It is said that touching them can bring you good luck!"
- Sun Messe Nichinan サンメッセ日南
- Address: 2650 Miyaura, Nichinan, Miyazaki
- Access: Take Nichinan line bus the Miyazaki Station, 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Official Website: https://www.sun-messe.co.jp/
Chateraise Gateau Kingdom シャトレーゼ ガトーキングダム (Hokkaido)
Chateraise Gateau Kingdom hotel offers a free shuttle service that takes 40 minutes to reach Sapporo Station. Operated by the renowned confectionery manufacturer Chateraise, every aspect of this place is grand and designed specifically for family vacations.
"The enormous pool within the hotel, known as the 'Water Paradise,' is a year-round, temperature-controlled pool, making it comfortable even in winter. From a 15cm deep baby pool to a 120m long slide (additional fee required), and even adult-friendly relaxation hot tubs, the whole family will be satisfied."
After enjoying the pool, it's recommended to relax your body and mind in the hot springs filled with strong mineral-rich water. Additionally, at the impressive buffet restaurant 'Vigne (ヴィーニュ),' with its giant palm tree-themed design, you can indulge in delicious Chateraise (シャトレーゼ) dishes and desserts to your heart's content.
- Chateraise Gateau Kingdom シャトレーゼ ガトーキングダム
- Address: 132 Higashibarato, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Access: From JR New Chitose Airport Station, take the Airport Express (operating every 15 minutes) to Sapporo Station, which takes approximately 37 minutes. From the north exit group bus station at Sapporo Station, you can take a free shuttle bus that takes about 40 minutes.
- Official Website: http://www.gateauxkingdom.com/
Asahiyama Zoo 旭山動物園 (Hokkaido)
Asahiyama Zoo was previously one of Japan's most challenging environments for animals, and it once struggled due to a decrease in visitors. However, through the efforts of the zoo management, they created environments that closely resemble the wild and transformed it into a 'behavioral exhibition' where you can observe lively animal behaviors. Now, it has become a nationally popular zoo.
Among the most popular attractions is the cylindrical aquarium, where you can observe the unique swimming style of seals. Curious seals often make repeated appearances in the cylindrical aquarium, coming close to equally curious visitors.
Another interesting activity in the winter is the 'Penguin Walk.' This activity was originally introduced to alleviate the lack of exercise for penguins during the winter, and it has now become a major winter event at Asahiyama Zoo.
- Asahiyama Zoo 旭山動物園
- Address: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido
- Access: From Asahikawa Station take the Asahikawa Electric Tramway bus to Asahiyama Zoo, 40 minutes.
- Official Website: https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/
Tulip Shikisai-kan チューリップ四季彩館 (Toyama)
This is the only facility in the world where you can enjoy tulips and springtime flowers year-round. In the Tulip Palace, 500 cut tulips are displayed on a 3.7-meter-high curved glass wall, providing a magical experience of being surrounded by tulips in 360 degrees.
In the Palette Garden, tulips spread out like a kaleidoscope in all directions. Inside the facility, there is a café where you can enjoy tulip ice cream amidst fresh flowers and greenery, as well as a shop selling adorable tulip merchandise. The backdrop here is perfect for photography, so you can capture wonderful family photos.
- Tulip Shikisai-kan チューリップ四季彩館
- Address: 100-1 Nakamura, Tonami, Toyama 939-1381 Google Map
- Access: It's about a 15-minute walk from Tonami Station
- Official Website: https://www.tulipfair.or.jp/
Tokyo Summerland 東京サマーランド (Tokyo)
Tokyo Summerland is one of the largest leisure pools in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Despite its name, it's an indoor swimming pool facility that can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the season.
"The 'Adventure Dome' features a massive wave pool, a swimming pool with a sudden 600-liter water drop, and a hot spring bath located in the basement. It's a place suitable for families to enjoy together."
- Tokyo Summerland 東京サマーランド
- Address: 600 Kamiyotsugi, Akiruno, Tokyo
- Access: From Keio Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line to Keio Hachioji Station, which takes about 40 minutes. Then, take a shuttle bus to Tokyo Summerland, which is approximately a 35-minute ride.
- Official Website: http://www.summerland.co.jp/
Aqua Park Shinagawa アクアパーク品川 (Tokyo)
Shinagawa Aquarium is an urban aquarium located just a 2-minute walk from Shinagawa Station's Takanawa exit. It focuses on creating a 'shining' experience rather than just 'viewing,' with its standout feature being its fantastical exhibits.
One of the highlights here is the jellyfish exhibition space known as 'Jellyfish Ongakukan.' The music and lighting change according to the time and season, giving a mysterious aura to the fluffy jellyfish.
Another impressive feature is the spectacular dolphin show, which utilizes water curtains, lighting, and sound to provide a thrilling performance you won't find in other aquariums. There's a roof over the seating area, so you don't have to worry even in the cold winter. And, because it's a 360-degree surround pool with no obstructed views, you can enjoy the dynamic dolphin show from any seat, making the design quite thoughtful.
- Aqua Park Shinagawa アクアパーク品川
- Address: Kitarokko-4512-98 Rokkosancho, Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo
- Access: It's a 2-minute walk from Shinagawa Station (Takanawa exit) on the Shinkansen/JR/Keikyu lines.
- Business Hours: 10:00 to 20:00 (last admission at 19:00).
- Official Website: https://www.aqua-park.jp/aqua/
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun 箱根小涌園 ユネッサン (Kanagawa)
Hakone's hot spring-themed park includes the Yunessun bathing facility with swimsuits, a large Mediterranean-themed spa center called 'The Gods' Aegean Sea,' as well as unique spa centers like wine baths, authentic coffee baths, green tea baths, sake baths, and more. It's a great destination for winter family outings.
"The 'Mori no Yu' naked bath area features open-air baths, cypress wood baths, and other hot spring baths for your relaxation. You can also enjoy dining and shopping in the 'Mio Mall (ミーオモール)' without the need for bathing."
- Hakone Kowakien Yunessun 箱根小涌園 ユネッサン
- Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
- Access:
- Take the Odakyu Line's Limited Express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which takes approximately 90 minutes.
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus or Izu-Hakone Bus to Kowakien Bus Stop, which is about a 20-minute ride.
- Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort ガーラ湯沢スキー場 (Niigata)
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort, which is only a 1.5-hour journey from Tokyo Station, is ideal for family skiing. The Shinkansen station is directly connected to the ski center, allowing families to access the ski resort without the need to venture outside, making it very convenient.
Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort also provides ample facilities for children, ensuring that your kids can learn to ski comfortably and confidently. If your child wants to learn how to ski properly, there is a children's school available here, which enrolls children aged 4 and above. In the Yukiasobi Park (ゆきあそびパーク), which is free for kids who are new to skiing, you can also enjoy activities like sledding and playing in the snow.
- Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort ガーラ湯沢スキー場
- Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa
- Access: To get to Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort from Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen and get off at either Gala Yuzawa Station or Echigo Yuzawa Station. From the east exit of the station, transfer to a shuttle bus.
- Official Website: https://gala.co.jp/
Donden Taira Snow Park どんでん平スノーパーク (Yamagata)
Donden Taira Snow Park (Yamagata)" is a snow-themed park located in the town of Inawashiro, one of the snowiest areas in the Tohoku region. It offers numerous exciting attractions such as giant snow slides, snow banana boats, and snowmobile experiences.
Snowshoeing and outdoor walks are also popular activities. The indoor restroom facilities at the Tenda Hira Ski Park even have a children's area, making it a family-friendly destination even if you have young children.
- Donden Taira Snow Park どんでん平スノーパーク
- Address: 3341 Hagyu, Iide, Nishiokitama District, Yamagata
- Official Website: https://www.iikanjini.com/asobu/snowpark.html
Spa World スパワールド (Osaka)
"Spa World" is a hot spring-themed park located in the heart of Osaka, just a 5-minute walk from Tsutenkaku. Inside the facility, you'll find hot spring baths from around the world, rock saunas, swimming pools, and more, allowing you to enjoy a full day of relaxation and entertainment.
For families, the swimming pool is highly recommended as it can be comfortably enjoyed all year round. The pool's water temperature varies with the seasons, and there is a spacious children's area where children of all ages can have fun! With facilities like water slides and playgrounds, children are sure to have a great time.
- Spa World スパワールド
- Address: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka
- Access:
- Osaka Subway Midosuji Line and Sakaisuji Line: Take the No. 5 exit at Dobutsuen-mae Station, and you'll arrive.
- JR Loop Line: Exit from the east exit of Shin-Imamiya Station, and you'll arrive.
- Nankai Electric Railway: It's a 10-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station.
- Official Website: https://www.spaworld.co.jp/
Sanrio Puroland サンリオピューロランド (Tokyo)
Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park where you can meet various Sanrio cartoon characters, including the beloved Hello Kitty, who is adored by both adults and children. It's a warm and inviting place to visit even during the winter months. Enjoy attractions, character performances, and parades in a cute and delightful indoor setting.
The park also offers desserts and beverages related to various characters, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Sanrio. It's a theme park that both children and adults will enjoy.
- Sanrio Puroland サンリオピューロランド
- Address: 1 Chome-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo
- Access: To get to Sanrio Puroland from Shinjuku, take the Keio Line Express and get off at Tama Center Station, which takes about 30 minutes.
- Official Website: http://www.puroland.jp/
Hachi Kogen Ski Resort ハチ高原スキー場 (Hyogo)
Hachi Kogen Ski Resort is recommended for families. The slopes at the foot of the mountain are wide, and the incline is gentle. The snow at Hachi Kogen Ski Resort is flat and compact, making it very smooth, so even many beginners can practice without worrying about bumps.
There is also a children's park designed for kids of all ages. Additionally, you can rent snow riders and snow tubes here, making it a great place to enjoy some winter fun.
- Sanrio Puroland ハチ高原スキー場
- Address: Hyogo, Yabu, Tando, 字西横角９０９−１
- Access: To get to Hachi Kogen Ski Resort from Osaka, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by train to Yoka Station. From Yoka Station, take the Zen-Tan Bus to Hachi (Tando Minshuku Street) and then transfer to the direct bus to Hachi Kogen, which takes approximately 55 minutes.
- Official Website: https://www.hachi-hachikita.co.jp/hachi/index.html
Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club 横浜みなとみらい 万葉倶楽部 (Kanagawa)
Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club is a 24-hour leisure facility located in an 8-story building. It offers amenities such as foot baths, open-air baths, hot stone saunas, accommodation facilities, and a restaurant.
The hot water used in the hot springs is transported daily from the sources of Atami Onsen and Yugawara Onsen by tanker. The facility is well-equipped with relaxation areas and a children's space, making it suitable for families to enjoy together.
- Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club 横浜みなとみらい 万葉倶楽部
- Address: 2 Chome-7-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Official Website: https://www.manyo.co.jp/mm21/
Marine Spa Atami マリンスパあたみ (Shizuoka)
This is a popular leisure facility with a tropical atmosphere, and it's a family-friendly attraction where you can enjoy hot springs while wearing swimwear.
The water slides and lazy river are very popular among children! There is also a toddler pool suitable for children aged 3 and under who are not yet toilet-trained, so people of all ages can enjoy the fun.
- Marine Spa Atami マリンスパあたみ
- Address: 4-39 Wadahamaminamicho, Atami, Shizuoka
- Access: From Atami Station Bus Terminal No. 6 or No. 7, take a bus to Marine Spa Atami and it's about a 10-minute ride.
- Official Website: https://www.marinespa.com/
Kusatsu Tropican 草津熱帯圏 (Gunma)
Kusatsu Tropican is a zoo located a 15-minute walk from the Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake. Utilizing the heat from the hot springs, the large dome is surrounded by subtropical air, allowing for the presence of many tropical plants and large trees even in the winter! You'll feel like you've stepped into a jungle.
You can see capybaras, which are beloved by children, enjoying themselves in the hot springs, observe exotic birds and crocodiles, and even take pictures with snakes.
- Kusatsu Tropican 草津熱帯圏
- Address: 286 Kusatsu, 草津町 Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma
- Access: To get to Kusatsu Tropican from JR Agatsuma Line Nagano-Kusatsuguchi Station, take a bus for about 20 minutes.
- Official Website: http://nettaiken.com/
Tokyo German Village 東京ドイツ村 (Tokyo)
Tokyo German Village is a flower and green-themed park with its design inspired by the German countryside. If you visit during the winter, there are various entertainment activities available, including a matured putt-putt golf course, archery, and a sledding area on the grass. You can also participate in activities like candle making, snowball crafting, and bread making.
Additionally, during the winter, there's a limited-time event called "Tokyo German Village Winter Illumination," where 500,000 colorful lights illuminate the park in the style of a German mining town. Electric cars are available for rent within the park, making it convenient for touring the illumination, and it's recommended for families to explore together.
- Tokyo German Village 東京ドイツ村
- Address: 419 Nagayoshi, Sodegaura, Chiba
- Access: Take the Sobu Line from Tokyo Station to Chiba Station. From Chiba Station, take the high-speed bus called "カピーナ" to the "平岡小前" bus stop, it's a 12-minute walk from there to Tokyo German Village.
- Official Website: https://t-doitsumura.co.jp/
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