Great summer breaks off the beaten path in Japan

Venture beyond the ski resorts and the tourist hot spots to experience the 'real' Japan - these destinations are perfect for a family adventure

Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture

Set in the forested highlands north of Tokyo, Nasu is a long-time favourite among Japanese families looking for fresh air and easy outdoor adventures. Rolling hills, open landscapes and a wide range of child-friendly attractions such as animal parks, seasonal flower fields and gentle walking trails make it a relaxed destination for families exploring rural Japan.

Where to stay

Great summer breaks in Japan - Grand Mercure Nasu Highland Resort & Spa

Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort designed to make travelling with children feel easy. Families can choose from Safari and Forest-themed rooms, while younger guests will enjoy KINOHA, the Family Lounge and Library, a warm, multi-purpose space wrapped in wood and tatami textures, with more than 3,000 books, wooden toys and a complimentary drink bar. The resort also features indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and a dedicated kids’ corner at the buffet restaurant. For parents and older guests, the outdoor onsen provides a peaceful retreat, set amid lush greenery with views towards the Nasu mountains. The adjacent onsen lounge offers a comfortable place to relax with a drink at the end of a busy day.

Yamanashi/Nagano Border

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Yatsugatake mountain range, this region is well-suited to families who enjoy cooler weather and outdoor discovery. With clear skies, wide open views and a slower pace, Yatsugatake offers a refreshing contrast to Japan’s busier cities. Children can explore easy nature trails or take part in hands-on farm experiences such as shiitake mushroom picking at Yatsugatake Energy Farm, where

learning unfolds naturally through time spent outdoors.

Where to stay

Great summer breaks in Japan - Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa

Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa provides an all-inclusive and comfortable base for families immersed in nature. Younger guests can let off steam at Mori no 8, an indoor playground featuring tube slides, net bridges, alongside a drift tricycle circuit. Families can also unwind at Mori no Lounge, a tatami-lined space with books, toys and light refreshments, as well as views towards Mount Fuji on clear days. As day turns to night, the SoRa Deck and astronomical dome invites families to take in mountain views by day and star-filled skies after dark. Parents can also retreat to the open-air rock onsen, where birdsong in the morning and cool mountain air at night enhance a deeply calming soak, followed by a pause in the onsen lounge to round off the day.

Yomitan, Okinawa

Okinawa introduces families to a different side of Japan, shaped by island life and a slower, sun-filled pace. Zanpa Beach and Cape Zanpa Park offer easy seaside escapes, while the iconic lighthouse, one of the few climbable lighthouses in Japan, rewards visitors with sweeping coastal views. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Zakimi Castle Ruins invite families to explore restored stone walls and dramatic hilltop scenery, while villages such as Ryukyu Mura and Murasaki Mura offer hands-on encounters with traditional Okinawan culture.

Where to stay

Great summer breaks in Japan - Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort

Set close to the shoreline, the all-inclusive Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort makes it easy for families to balance activity and downtime. A standout feature is its expansive pool area, one of Okinawa’s largest, with garden pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a dedicated children’s pool and a separate adults-only relaxation pool. Parents can also slow the pace at the observation bath, soaking as they look out over the Zanpa coastline. Dining is equally family-friendly, with breakfast and dinner buffets showcasing Okinawan flavours inspired by local farms. Dishes are given a regional touch, from Okinawa soba to creative twists on classics like bitter gourd chanpuru, offering an enjoyable introduction to the island’s culinary culture.

Nara City, Kansai

Nara offers families an engaging introduction to Japan’s history in a setting that feels calm, open and easy to explore. Compact and walkable, the city invites children to learn through experience, from meeting the friendly deer in Nara Park to wandering through wide temple grounds that encourage curiosity. With its generous green spaces and approachable attractions, Nara is especially well suited to younger travellers. Parents

will also appreciate the city’s slower rhythm, making it a destination where culture, discovery and shared family moments come together naturally.

Where to stay

Great summer breaks in Japan - Novotel Nara

Located in a convenient yet peaceful district of Nara City, Novotel Nara offers a modern base for families exploring Japan’s ancient capital. Just a short taxi ride from JR Nara Station, the hotel features an all-day dining restaurant, an executive lounge and a rooftop terrace and bar with views across the city. A public bath provides a welcome space to unwind after a day of sightseeing, making Novotel Nara an easy and comfortable choice for family stays.

This feature was produced in collaboration with Accor and was first published in the Spring issue of Asia Family Traveller magazine, read the digital issue here. For more information, visit all.com.