At the height of the long, hot Japanese summers, thoughts naturally turn to seaside fun and cool mountain breezes. Here are three beautiful ryokans that are perfect destinations for a quick summer getaway or an extended relaxing stay with an abundance of omotenashi – traditional Japanese hospitality.

Set in the ancient port town of Tomonoura, Hiroshima Prefecture, Ochikochi & Villas takes full advantage of the charms of the old town, as well as the beauty and natural abundance of its surroundings. Tomonoura has a 1,000-year history of hospitality, and this is reflected in Ochikochi’s villas, repurposed from historic buildings into luxury accommodations, along with their offerings of fine dining and exquisite, high-end hospitality. There are lots of activities here for summer travelers, too – exploring the town, sampling the fabulous cuisine, and trying outdoor sports such as standup paddleboarding and sea kayaking make Ochikochi a fun destination for the whole family.

THE SHINRA makes its home in majestic modern architecture that soars high above Tateyama Bay amidst the rugged mountains of the Boso Peninsula near Tokyo. The lifestyle of the area is laid-back, and the seashore offers an abundance of summer activities and fun experiences. The ryokan also offers onsen hot spring baths with magnificent views, as well as a full-service spa and a lounge on the top floor with a self-service bar and tasty snacks made fresh in-house. In the evening, you can take in the breathtaking sunsets and partake of THE SHINRA’s exquisite cuisine, as you let the cool breezes off the Pacific soothe your soul.

Despite being a thoroughly modern facility that opened in the summer of 2010, the elegant Villa Rakuen boasts all of the features and facilities one might expect of a high-end Japanese ryokan. Villa Rakuen guests can spend their days partaking of the huge variety of activities to choose from, including water sports, fishing and tennis, and in the evening savor the fabulous kaiseki ryori haute cuisine and big, beautiful open-air baths. Or you could simply relax, enjoy the cool ocean breezes, watch the ships passing on the way to Kobe Port, and listen to the sounds of surf and sea birds drifting up from the harbor below.

Whether it’s seaside fun or cool mountain breezes you’re after – or some expert pampering in a beautiful and luxurious location – these lovely ryokans are perfect for a fun family retreat or a quiet, luxurious respite in Japan.