7 workations for families to maximize work and play

Ever since the pandemic, people who go on workation have increased. Workation is a vacation style that allows you to work remotely while integrating elements of leisure. The good part about workation is that you can relax and be more productive at the same time.

But for those who have children, it can be challenging to take such vacations. For you, there are places to enjoy “family workations,” allowing you to work remotely and enjoy some time off with your children.

“But who will take care of my child while I work? Are there plenty of sightseeing locations and activities near the accommodation so my child won’t get bored? Will I be able to work productively?” Let these seven recommended accommodations answer your needs and fulfill both work and play.

Hatara Co-living Minano subako (Saitama Prefecture)

Hatara Co-living Minano subako is the perfect lodging facility for working in the quiet forest of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. It is easily accessible from the city center and close to Geo Gravity Park Chichibu, where visitors can enjoy thrilling activities and visit the popular sightseeing spot Nagatoro. The Mangan hot spring, famous for its skin-beautifying effects, is also next to the facility.

Address: 3993-3 Shimohinozawa, Minano, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1625 (Google Map)
Phone number: 0494‐26‐5582
Official website: Homepage (Japanese)

BUB RESORT Chosei Village (Chiba Prefecture)

BUB RESORT Chosei Village is a spot where people can work while enjoying outdoor glamping (a mix between “glamourous” and “camping.”) While parents work, children can have a job experience as a BUB management staff.

The accommodation offers pet-friendly cottages and several types of tents, including the popular dome tents. All rooms are equipped with beds, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

Address: 2811 Kaneda, Chōsei, Chōsei District, Chiba 299-4332 (Google Map)
Phone number: 0475‐36‐3219
Official website: Homepage (Japanese)

Hotel Maruya Grande (Fukushima Prefecture)

Hotel Maruya Grande in Fukushima Prefecture is recommended for those who want to enjoy a relaxing workation in the countryside. It has a guest lounge with about 2,000 comic books. Children can enjoy reading them while their parents work. You will also find “Machi – Hito – Shigoto-no-Musubi-ba NARU” 7 minutes walk from the hotel, a co-working space that comes with a kids’ space. It can be used at 110 yen an hour including tax.

Moreover, there are plenty of services for a comfortable stay, including a buffet that serves organic rice created by local farmers. The beach is only a 30-minutes drive away from the hotel too!

Address: 2 Chome-28 Haramachiku Asahicho, Minamisōma, Fukushima 975-0004 (Google Map)
Phone number: 0244‐23‐6221
Official website: Homepage (Japanese)

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel (Nagano Prefecture)

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel is a facility for those who want to enjoy a luxurious workation in the mountainous resort area of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. There is a special plan for a family workation, and you can secure your time for work with their early check-in and late check-out services.

Original sketchbooks and colored pencils are given to children staying at the hotel. There is a work lounge on the lobby floor too, for visitors who want to concentrate outside their room.

Address: 389-0111, Nagakura, Nagano 4339 (Google Map)
Phone number: 0267‐46‐6611
Official website: Homepage

MIMARU Osaka Namba Station (Osaka Prefecture)

MIMARU Osaka Namba Station is a hotel with board games that parents and children can enjoy. There are about 130 types of board games in the shared room, and a concierge is present to teach beginners how to play. There is also a mystery-solving game exclusively for hotel guests.

The spacious rooms of 40 square meters are equipped with a kitchen and a living/dining space, allowing visitors to feel like they are living there. The room is divided into two sections, making it easier for visitors to secure working space.

Address: 3 Chome-6-24 Nipponbashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0005 (Google Map)
Phone number: 06‐6567‐8237
Official website: Homepage

Riverside Lodge (Ehime Prefecture)

Located on the banks of Meguro River, the source of Shimanto River in Ehime Prefecture, Riverside Lodge is a spot where visitors can enjoy their workation surrounded by untouched nature. There are numerous activities, such as tree climbing and canyoning, including their Forest Experience Tour during summer for elementary school children.

Bunk beds in the spacious guest rooms will tickle the adventurous spirit of both children and adults. A special bento box is also prepared at breakfast, which allows you to enjoy it in the forest like a picnic. Moreover, the hotel’s pizzeria is a popular restaurant that serves delicious pizzas utilizing fresh, local ingredients.

Address: Ehime Prefecture, Kitauwa District, Matsuno, Meguro (Google Map)
Phone number: 0895‐43‐0331
Official website: Homepage (Japanese)

RISONARE Kohamajima (Okinawa Prefecture)

RISONARE Kohamajima is a hotel recommended for those who want to work and enjoy a great vacation simultaneously. It is fully equipped with an environment where you can work remotely while overlooking the beautiful Yaeyama blue sea.

The hotel has a workation plan accompanied with childcare. Visitors can leave their children aged from 3 to 6 to carers in the morning while they work. The plan comes with a “Memory Album,” a collection of photos taken by the staff during childcare.

The villa-type rooms, all of which are over 50 square meters, allow visitors to enjoy a relaxing time in a tropical atmosphere. There are also several enjoyable activities available on Kohamajima Island, including snorkeling, SUP, and craft making.

Address: 2954 Kohama, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1221 (Google Map)
Phone number: 0570‐073‐055
Official website: Homepage

Originally published on LivHub.
Translated by Karino Ayako.