Mercure resort hotels in Japan you need to visit

Japan comprises four large islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.  

From the emerald, green mountains of Kochi on Shikoku Island, to the serene temples of Miyazu on the main island of Honshu and the coastal castle town of Saga on Kyushu Island, Japan’s more remote islands offer a contrasting blend of tranquility and hustle.  
 
Travellers can discover a diverse culture that blends tradition with modernity. Enjoy subtle flavours of sushi and omakase dishes made by master chefs. Enjoy soaking in an Onsen after a day of new discoveries.  

For those with a penchant for local experiences and authentic culture, Mercure resort hotels in Japan are an excellent choice for travellers looking for high quality, resort hotels in Japan’s less travelled regions.  

Highlights include white sand beaches and sand dunes, Buddhist temples, centuries-old culture and legends of star-crossed lovers. Activities include river walks, surfing, and water sports. Here is just a taste of what you can expect from Japan’s archipelago islands.  

Location: Kyoto, Japan 
 
Set amidst the serene beauty of Kyoto’s coastal area, Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa provides an idyllic escape away from the fast pace of city life. Combining the best of Japanese minimalism with contemporary design. You can indulge in a variety of restorative spa treatments and traditional indoor and outdoor Japanese baths. Enjoy seasonal dishes sourced from the regions fertile farmlands and local fisherman.  
 
Miyazu is home to distinctive temples, white sand beaches, natural hot springs, and Amanohashidate. Meaning 'bridge to heaven' this natural phenomenon, a 3.5 km sandbar is set in Wakasa Bay in the Sea of Japan. It is covered with thousands of pines and takes about an hour to walk across. If you prefer, you can hire a bike and cycle across in 15 minutes.  

Visit Nariai-ji Temple which is located on a scenic landscaped mountain overlooking Amanohashidate. Chionin Temple located on the southern end of the footbridge houses an ancient pagoda from the late 1500s.  

The Mikami residence and museum on the eastern end, is also well worth seeing as it is an 18th-century home which once belonged to a family of silk traders. On the eastern side of the peninsula is Kotohiki-hama, a lovely swimming beach with a small, naturally formed onsen pool. Further along is Ine, a picturesque fishing village lined by hundreds of preserved Funaya (boat houses).  

Location: Karatsu, Japan

Located in Karatsu on Japan's southernmost Kyushu Island, Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort is only an hour’s drive from Fukuoka and is located steps away from the Genkai Sea. You will feel a sense of space in the newly renovated guestrooms and suites. 

Offering scenic views of the river, ocean or the hilltop Karatsu Castle the rooms provide a blend of comfort and modernity. Amentities include airconditioning, a safety deposit box, tea/coffee maker and complimentary WiFi. The resort’s buffet restaurant features seasonal dishes and the lounge offers a relaxing space and a selection of specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The onsite public bath and sauna offers a unique glimpse into Japanese daily life.

One of the central and most distinct attractions of Karatsu is its 17th century, white castle which offers dramatic views of the bay. The castle houses Karatsu-yaki (Karatsu pottery), archaeological treasures and samurai armour. The climb up the hill from the hotel offers an uphill walk or you can use an elevator.  

Thousands of black pine trees form the nearby Niji No Matsubara grove, originally planted in the 16th century. The Kawamura Museum displays 20th century art ranging from Rembrandt to Rothko. To the north is Nanatsugama, an unusual series of lava rock caves carved by the ocean.

 Location: Tottori, Japan 

Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa, with its revitalising indoor Japanese bath and onsen pool, offers a relaxing base for adventurers looking to explore Tottori’s mountains and sand dune. Mt. Daisen dominates the city and offers a ski destination in winter and a hiking destination in warmer seasons. The Tottori Sand Dunes stretch over 16 km and, at some points, are over 2 km wide. The dunes change in appearance from season to season – in winter they are covered in snow and carpeted by purple scallion flowers in autumn. 

Mount Mitoku offers a demanding 900-metre ascent to the Sanbutsuji Buddhist temple. The hilltop temple, built into the mouth of a cave on a sheer precipice, offers solace and stunning views. Challenges include exposed tree roots, boulders and the ancient Kusari-zaka chains. 

Location: Miyagi Zao, Japan 
 

Zao is a nature lovers' utopia. Located in the northeastern region of Japan's main island, Honshu, between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku. The Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa offers a tranquil highland resort hotel overlooking Mount Zao, about an hour's drive from Sendai Station. Experience views of evergreen trees from the comfort of your spacious guestroom or suite. 

Relax at the under cover pool or traditional open-air Japanese bath. Discover the secrets of Sendai cuisine ranging from gyutan, grilled beef tongue to zunda mochi which has a sweet edamame paste filling.

Follow the trail up Mount Zao alongside gorges and lakes to the inactive volcanic Okama crater. Stroll through Sendai’s tree lined streets. Enjoy a forest onsen adventure. If you visit during August, you will experience the Tanabata Matsuri Festival held in Sendai every year. A celebration of the ancient love story of star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi.

Location: Kochi, Japan 
 
Kochi is surrounded by mountains on the southern coast of Japan’s Shikoku Island. The Mercure Kochi Tosa Resort & Spa is set on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful scenery can be seen from the guest rooms. Every attention has been given to wellbeing. The resort’s natural hot spring onsen bath and sauna provides a peaceful retreat. Complimentary refreshments are provided at the Wellness Lounge. The tropical pool, set amongst greenery, offers a respite from the summer heat.  

Explore the natural beauty of the clear water Shimanto River in a canoe or enjoy a traditional yakatabune (riverboat) cruise. You can also hike the riverside trails. At Irino Beach sign up for surf school at Hata Surf Dojo. Rent a longboard or just enjoy the white sandy beach. Find harmony and balance at the beautiful Makino Botanical Garden located on the slopes of Mount Godai. Taste authentic Japanese street food, shop for souvenirs and enjoy local performances at Kochi’s Sunday Market. 

Japan has much to offer, and there is no better way to discover the country than by experiencing Mercure’s resort hotels stylish blend of comfort, convenience and adventure. Whether you choose to explore coastal pine forests and desert-like sand dunes on the rugged coastline of the Sea of Japan. Or immerse yourself in nature in the remote northeastern region of Japan’s main island, Honshu, your stay in Japan will forever be etched on your memory.