Lotte Arai Resort is one of those places where you can enjoy a self contained stay with plenty to keep the whole family amused during Japan's green season summer months without ever having to leave the grounds. We recently spent two nights there and still didn't manage to do everything during that time.
The long tubing slide was a big hit with the kids. Given the chance, they probably would have been happy playing on it for much longer. An escalator lift carried us to the top of the slope with our tube which you sit in it to enjoy an exhilarating ride down to the bottom. The same lift also accesses a small zipline (the full version descends from the top of the gondola). Inside the gondola building we found plenty of games including curling, bowls, pin-throwing Molkky, and even giant chess.
There were even games to take outside, and rental bikes for anyone feeling more energetic. Heading deeper into the building we found a trampoline park as well as climbing walls with different levels of challenges. All these activities are guaranteed to help youngsters burn off excess energy.
In a different part of the hotel grounds we discovered high rope courses. Again there are different challenge levels depending on how high and scary you want to go. Working up through the levels was a fun use of half a day and the attentive staff were always on hand to encourage you.
Finishing the day with a dip in the pool - with both and indoor and outdoor sections - and then the onsen really was the perfect way to cool off after a full day of action and exertion. What more could we say? Whether it is summer or winter, the Lotte Arai Hotel really is a great place to stay and chock full of activities to occupy the whole family for days on end.
Getting there
Around 90 minutes on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Joetsumyoko Station followed by a free shuttle bus to the hotel.
