Kitayuzawa Mori no Soraniwa

With kids under 10 and extended family, we liked being tucked away from the city for a chance to unwind. The mountain setting is cold and dark, reception can be patchy, and the wifi sometimes slows down. There are no convenience stores nearby, just a small hotel shop with early opening and closing hours. The parking area is roomy, though I guess most people arrive by the hotel bus or their own car. Kids have lots to do: a whole basement floor of activities for little ones, plus outdoor options like a zip line for preteens and up. The baths are really relaxing and the rooms are spacious and clean enough. Food was fine, not a grand or luxurious lineup, but it seemed to use local, organic produce.

There wasn’t anywhere to get lunch during our two-day stay, and besides soaking in the onsen there wasn’t much for adults to do. A bar or adults-only area would be nice. The food itself was good. My daughter had a great time in the indoor pool, but the outdoor one had bugs floating in it and she didn’t enjoy that. I was annoyed that the indoor play areas cost extra, since I feel they should be part of the hotel fee.

Rooms are a decent size, and the buffet is the usual kind of food you get at an onsen hotel. Families with younger kids will find plenty to keep them busy, from pools and play areas to the big onsen baths. Some activities cost extra, like the bouncy castle and indoor go-karts. They’re right beside the lobby, so kids are bound to spot them and want to try them.

The room was Japanese-Western style, but the air conditioning didn’t work and there was a lot of dust near the bed. Self check-in starts at 3pm, and the line was already long around 2:45. For a family trip, the onsen beach with its slide and jacuzzi was a hit. The surface there is rough, so bring swimsuits and swim shoes for the kids. There’s also a play area inside the buffet restaurant on the second floor, and lots of food choices.