By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
As summer vacation here, many families are planning cool getaways, and hotels in Japan are capitalizing on the trend with pool-centric packages to cash in on the “water” boom. Leading booking site Rakuten Travel has released Japan’s Top 10 Best-Selling Pool Hotel Rankings. The survey shows that Okinawa, one of the most popular island destinations among Taiwanese travelers, has five hotels on the list. “Kerama Resort Okinawa,” which offers free access to a private beach, ranked third for having an expansive pool right by the sea. Okinawa’s “Naha Loisir Hotel,” featuring a safe shallow-water pool area, secured second place—proving that a beachfront hotel with a huge pool and stunning ocean views is a must for vacationers. However, the most popular choice overall is the “Kisarazu Onsen Ryugujo SPA ‘Hotel Mikazuki Ryugu-kan’” in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, which boasts a family-friendly water slide. Its seasonal highlight? A pool with views of Mount Fuji.
The Kerama Resort Okinawa features a separate children’s pool by the beach. (Photo provided by Rakuten Travel)
Japan’s Top 10 Best-Selling Pool Hotels Ranking
|
Rank |
Prefecture |
Hotel |
|
The1famous |
Chiba Prefecture |
Kisarazu Onsen Ryugujo SPA 'Hotel Mikazuki Ryugu-kan' |
|
The2famous |
Okinawa Prefecture |
Naha Loisir Hotel |
|
The3famous |
Okinawa Prefecture |
Kerama Resort Okinawa |
|
The4famous |
Shizuoka Prefecture |
Itoman Atagawa Onsen Katara Resort & Spa |
|
The5famous |
Okinawa Prefecture |
Okinawa Renaissance Resort |
|
The6Number |
Fukushima Prefecture |
Spa Resort Hawaiians |
|
Ranking7persons |
Okinawa Prefecture |
Hotel Grandrio Ishigaki Resort |
|
Ranking8persons |
Gunma Prefecture |
Kusatsu Onsen Resort Hotel |
|
Ranking9persons |
Okinawa Prefecture |
Laguna Garden Hotel |
|
Ranking10persons |
Hokkaido |
Niseko Alps Hotel |
Kisarazu Onsen Dragon Palace SPA 'Tsukimiyama Hotel's waterslide pool ranks No. 1 in popularity. (Image provided by Rakuten Travel)
1st Place – Kisarazu Onsen Dragon Palace SPA 'Tsukimiyama Hotel'
Located across Tokyo Bay from Yokohama, Kisarazu Onsen Dragon Palace SPA 'Tsukimiyama Hotel' features three distinct pools in both indoor and outdoor areas: an indoor pool with a large waterslide and a river-style “Aqua Park”; an outdoor year-round heated pool called the “Ocean SPA”; and a seasonal summer-only “Garden Pool” offering views of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Bay. With lighting and water shows at various times, the property offers comprehensive facilities for guests to fully enjoy their stay.
Naha Loisir Hotel provides a dedicated shallow area for children, making it easy for families to play together. (Image provided by Rakuten Travel)
2nd Place – Naha Loisir Hotel
Coming in second, Naha Loisir Hotel also has a summer-only outdoor pool but is especially well known for its dedicated shallow area for children, allowing the whole family to splash around together. At night, there’s a poolside lighting show that showcases the beautiful illumination over the water. In addition, the hotel features a year-round natural hot spring therapy pool with thalassotherapy benefits for complete relaxation.
At Okinawa Kirishima Beach Resort Hotel, guests can enjoy a private beach and experience resort life. (Image provided by Rakuten Travel)
3rd Place – Okinawa Kirishima Beach Resort Hotel
Okinawa Kirishima Beach Resort Hotel offers free access to a private beach upon check-in. Next to the beach is a separate pool for children, ensuring safe swimming fun for families by the sea. The hotel is surrounded by lush palm trees, catering to all age groups. Facilities include two outdoor pools—the Tropical Garden Pool and the Lake O Pool—as well as an indoor pool, providing a relaxing resort experience.