8 Best Vacation Rentals and Private Villas in Hokkaido

When you think of a “resort trip,” you may have an image of summer, but winter resort trips are also full of charm. Only in this season can you see countless stars shining in the clear night sky and a snowy landscape. A relaxing soak in the hot onsen while the snow is falling is a wonderful experience.

Why don't you go on a longer trip than usual by combining your long-awaited winter resort, consecutive holidays and paid holidays? For longer trips, you can enjoy activities and extraordinary experiences that would be difficult to do on a day trip or a two-day, one-night trip. You can get refreshed just by staying away from the city and relaxing in a high-quality hotel.

This time, we have carefully selected hotels that are perfect for winter resorts across the country, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. There is no doubt that the environment surrounding the hotel will be wonderful and exciting. There is a wide variety of hotels available, so you are sure to find your favorite. Please take advantage of this when traveling this winter.

Even in winter, when you think of resorts, you can't miss Okinawa! Why don't you spend a tropical vacation at "Haimurubushi (Kohamajima)" on Kohama Island, which is about 400km south of the main island of Okinawa and at the same latitude as Hawaii? "Haimurubushi (Kohamajima)" means "Southern Cross" in the language of the Yaeyama region. Spend a dreamy few days enchanted on the starry island.

Yaeyama's sky has been selected as No. 1 nationwide in a TBS TV program "27 astronomers carefully selected! Beautiful starry sky". By the way, in the Yaeyama Islands, you can see the "Southern Cross" from mid-December to early June. Because it is a small island floating in the ocean, it is surrounded by a 360° starry sky. It's impossible in the city to be illuminated by the light of the stars. Take a walk under the stars, have a long conversation, or relax with a cocktail in hand. It is a resort stay only here in Okinawa.

This is a relaxing resort hotel with lodging buildings scattered throughout Iriomote Ishigaki National Park. In front of the ocean view guest room is the cobalt blue sea. Another point is that you can enjoy your own breakfast. For those who want to eat a lot, we recommend the breakfast buffet at the restaurant. If you want to jump out of your room and enjoy it outside, choose "Picnic Breakfast". You can have breakfast on the beach or under a banyan tree while gazing at the ocean.

There are plenty of activities that can only be found on a southern island. You can snorkel in the beautiful ocean, or even practice yoga or meditation in the great outdoors. Feel the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves and fully recharge your mind and body. Find your own favorite spot.

It takes about 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Tomamu Station. Hokkaido Hoshino Resorts Tomamu （Risonare Tomamu / Tomamu The Tower)", built in the central Tomamu area, is a resort hotel where you can enjoy activities in the great outdoors. You can enjoy a variety of experiences throughout the year, but if you visit during the winter season, you can enjoy the dreamy powder snow. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, don't miss the Ice Village, an ice town with domes made of ice and snow.

There are two hotels with different tastes on the grounds of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, which boasts an area of about 1,000 ha. The rooms at RISONARE Tomamu (pictured), all of which are equipped with scenic jet baths and private saunas, as well as the rooms at GAO Outdoor Center, which accepts snow activities, and Tomamu The Tower, which is close to restaurants, are all comfortable. . After the activity, lie down on the fluffy bed and spend an elegant time.

Source: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu （Risonare Tomamu / Tomamu The Tower)

While you can enjoy the world of ice, you can immerse yourself in the everlasting summer mood at Mina-Mina Beach, which has a wave pool that can be used all year round. After having a good time in the open pool, why not relax in the open-air bath "Kirin no Yu" directly connected to Mina-Mina Beach? In winter, you can enjoy the "Yukimi open-air bath" surrounded by snow scenery.

If you want to enjoy winter nature, how about "The Windsor Hotel Toya"? A luxury resort hotel on top of a mountain overlooking Lake Toya and Uchiura Bay. You can enjoy a high-quality stay while being embraced by the powerful nature that you can't experience in the city.

You can choose a room according to your desired stay, whether it is a “premier style” with luxurious benefits or a casual “casual style”. The suite room is like a vacation home abroad. If you stay in a room on the Lake Toya side, you can see the combination of the lake and the snow-covered mountains.

There are a total of 8 places where you can enjoy gourmet food, such as restaurants and bars. Too many choices is a luxury problem. Start the day gracefully while gazing at the great outdoors. Comes with a refreshing sparkling wine.

A beautiful lobby with live music is the symbol of the hotel. The large glass windows offer a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Toya. There's something special about looking at the harsh yet beautiful winter scenery of Hokkaido from the warm interior. Immerse yourself in the fantastical atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a storybook world.

For those who want to throw away onsen and resorts, we recommend ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa in the hot onsen area of Beppu. A hotel with a superb view overlooking the city of Beppu and the steam. You can spend a luxurious time in a modern and luxurious space that will change the image of a onsen inn.

An open room filled with warm light. Large windows make the spacious living room even brighter. For an elevated trip, choose a room with a private open-air bath. The modern interior that incorporates Japanese tastes such as Beppu bamboo work, foil, and lacquer is also wonderful.

You can fully enjoy the “Myoban no Yu”, which is known as “beautiful skin”. The open-air bath has a panoramic view of Beppu Bay! There are not many places where onsen culture is so sophisticated. Enjoy a blissful bath in a bath with a superb view while feeling the cold winter air.

A spa is an integral part of a resort. At the HARNN Heritage Spa, you can receive treatments using highly pure and precious oils. A dreamy moment with skilled craftsmanship and elegant fragrance. Experience relaxation that will soothe your soul.

It takes about 5 minutes by shuttle bus from Kobuchizawa Station. Yamanashi "Hoshino Resorts Risonare Yatsugatake built at the foot of Yatsugatake MountainThe concept is "Wine Resort", where you can taste Yamanashi and Nagano wines in various ways, such as enjoying food and wine pairings and tasting 24 different wines. There are plenty of activities, and in winter, a project to enjoy snow activities for the first time has appeared as a "sacred place for snow debut". You can also take ski lessons. You can also play by rolling snowballs. You will have a valuable experience.

The guest room building is divided into two, the "hotel building" and the "residence building", and all rooms are over 35 square meters in size. There are plenty of guest rooms with a resort feel, such as the "Residence Suite" with an open-air bath and the "Standard Terrace Twin" with an outdoor terrace on a wooden deck. The photo shows the "Residence Maisonette" with a comfortable atrium living room. The Bordeaux color interior is perfect for the hotel's concept of "wine resort"♡

"Il Mare" is an indoor pool that can be enjoyed regardless of the season or weather. The pool produces powerful big waves of up to 1.2m, making you feel like you are in the real ocean. There are no dangerous creatures, so you can play safely. Get on the waves and have some active fun in the winter.

The hotel has two restaurants. The buffet at YYgrill, which is decorated with stylish interiors, and the Italian cuisine made with carefully selected ingredients at OTTO SETTE are both exquisite. Fine wine is a must to accompany your meal ♪Gourmet food and fine sake will warm your body and soul.

We also recommend a “winter vacation” in Karuizawa, which can be reached in about an hour from the city center. "Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort" is a nature resort where adults can spend time elegantly. The entire hotel has a stylish atmosphere that makes you feel like you've wandered into a European town. The vast grounds of about 70,000 tsubo are full of activities, and you can spend your time in several ways.

There are three types of guest rooms: "Main Building", "Yamanoue Suite" and "Villa Suite". All of them have a classic and luxurious atmosphere. The Yamanoue Suite is a higher-grade space located at an altitude of about 1,000m. The luxurious furnishings will grab your heart. At the same time, surrounded by green trees and warm sunlight, it is exquisitely comfortable.

Another point is that it has a natural onsen, which is rare in the Karuizawa area. There are probably many people who say, "For travel, staying at an inn with onsen is good!" Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in the open-air bath surrounded by nature. onsen are a must in winter.

The facility is so spacious that it is not enough even if you stay for several days. The dignified bar, Karuizawa French restaurant, and the finest spa room will tickle your girlish heart. Outdoors surrounded by nature, there are many picturesque scenery. There are plenty of spots that will make you want to wear a coat and take a walk, such as a courtyard with pretty seasonal flowers and a spacious terrace overlooking Mount Asama. I would definitely like to take a long vacation and enjoy it as a stay type.

Spend a special time at THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Sengokuhara for your anniversary resort trip. A small luxury hotel located in Sengokuhara, Hakone. Let's make a trip to immerse yourself in gastronomy at the "restaurant to stay" operated by the prestigious French restaurant "Hiramatsu".

Dinner at the hotel is perfect for special occasions. Enjoy gourmet food in a space decorated with paintings, and then relax in your room. From the time you enter the restaurant until you fall asleep, the beautiful time continues, which is the real pleasure of staying in a hotel.

Hiramatsu's original dishes are based on Italian cuisine with the essence of French and Japanese cuisine. Colorful items that make you feel the nature of Hakone. There are two dining rooms, both of which have an excellent sense of openness. If you enjoy an exceptional time in a spacious space, it will surely be an unforgettable dinner.

A total of 20 luxurious rooms with free-flowing hot onsen. The modern, high-quality interior will not break the mood for a romantic dinner. The "Executive Suite" is the largest room. The walls are lined with paintings by Miro and Chagall. Enjoy the snowy scenery of Hakone from the large windows.

Izu Hotel Resort & Spa, a resort in Atami, opened in June 2020. It is located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can see such a beautiful view from everywhere that you will think, "There is no other place where you can see the sea of Izu so beautifully." Keep your mind free and light. The perfect place to stay for a relaxing trip.

Relax in a luxurious room with an open-air bath and all rooms have an ocean view. The warm interior and the soft scent of wood welcome you. Women will be happy to know that they have a full range of amenities, such as basic cosmetics from CLARINS, which is fragrant and highly moisturizing.

The large public bath is only a deep bath with a water depth of about 125m. It has a charm different from onsen in your room, so let's extend your legs. You can feel the water pressure of the hot water thanks to the depth of the water up to the height of your chest. You can refresh yourself in a well-ventilated space.

At the restaurant "Dining & Bar WAVE" on the top floor, you can enjoy your meal while looking at the panoramic view. If you choose the special course, you can have a teppanyaki dish cooked on an iron plate in front of you with a spectacular view. The cuisine that uses Izu-like ingredients, including fresh seafood, is of course "delicious".

Winter resorts have a lot to offer. There are various ways to spend your time, such as drinking alcohol at a luxurious hotel while watching the cold winter scenery, or soaking in a healing onsen spring. You can feel refreshed just by going outside in a warm outfit and being surrounded by the clear air and natural beauty. Take a long break this winter and spend a leisurely time at a winter resort.