Vacationing with the family in a far-off destination? Do as the Japanese do and head to a hot spring resort. Narrowing down your options can be as difficult or as easy as landing on a locale within the country. Nagato is known for its hot spring culture, views of the Otozure River and quaint village life. If this Western region happens to be where you’re headed, let this list be your guide.
See the local sites by day, including the famous Motonosumi Shrine, before warming up and relaxing in a hot bath. Located along the Otozure River, Nagato Hot Spring offers a quiet local town for visitors to explore outside, and alkaline hot spring waters within. Visit the old-fashioned public bath and let the soothing effects wash over you. Believed to reduce muscle, joint and nerve pain, guests eagerly find time to make their way to the hot springs.
Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Photo: Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
Enjoy the retro-style wooden inns lining the historic town surrounding Tawarayama Onsen, or hot spring. The bubbling waters of the therapeutic bath offer guests all the same alkaline waters and holistic benefits, but with an added touch of whimsy — wooden clogs clopping to and from the bath.
With incredible views of the Yuya Bay, the onsen is just an added benefit. Relax in peace watching the sun rise or set on the property and relieve stress, while promoting good health and circulation by the warm waters of the spring.
The whole family can enjoy karaoke booths, tennis matches, local seafood, a sauna and, of course, outdoor baths. Believed to be discovered in ancient times, Yumen Onsen was named for the legend of a rabbit healing wounds — as the hot springs are believed to aid skin diseases and improve health.
Enjoy the all-natural look of the Kiwado Hot Springs, with views of the water from the water. After a day of hiking the Kita Nagato Coast National Park where the hot springs are located, guests can unwind and rest their weary muscles with a view of the Fukawa Bay.
Typically, in Japanese tradition, hot springs can be an all-natural experience. The resorts are all completely family-friendly and baths are separated by sex and not overly crowded. Check in with the resort and see if it fits your family’s age, needs and interests.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedAirlines
Mar 19, 2025Neos Airlines Provides Amenity Kits for Kids
Children’s programming and games are standard on most transcontinental flights, and Neos Airlines is no exception. While the Italian carrier is relatively new to the U.S. market, launching its first New York (JFK)–Milan (MXP) flights in 2021, it now counts Rome (FCO); Palermo (PMO); and Bari, Puglia (BRI) (as of June 2025) as destinations from New York. It has also established a niche as an affordable carrier with premium attributes and a soft spot for family travelers.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Destinations / North America
Mar 19, 2025Upcoming Garden Festivals and Events in Virginia
Plan family travel to Virginia this spring and summer and experience the state’s fabulous gardens.
Destinations / North America
Mar 19, 2025Kid-Approved Experiences in Frisco, Texas
Did you know 43 percent of families are most likely to let kids influence family travel decisions? This recent study by Expedia Group Media Solutions and Northstar Research Partners sheds light on just how much of a say kids have when it comes to family vacations. And, let’s face it, it’s sometimes hard to find the right destination.
Travel Goods
Mar 18, 2025This Brilliant Luggage Move Makes Travel a Breeze
Whether headed out for college visits or some much-awaited family travel, traveling with kids involves a lot of moving parts. Planning; packing; lugging your suitcases around; waiting in long lines at the airport; and making sure everyone is happy, fed, entertained and accounted for at all times is a lot of work. If anyone needs a break, it’s parents, so every little bit of help along the way is a big deal. Thankfully, there is a travel hack for your luggage to take some of the stress out of the trip so you can focus on having fun together as a family.
Hotels
Mar 18, 2025Welcome Spring at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay invites family travelers to spend spring in California with its season-long programming.
ShareThis