Starting February 1, 2023, visitors to Nagano will be able to experience an unforgettable winter experience at Hoshino Resorts KAI Alps. The Kamakura Footbath will invite guests to soak their feet in a warm bath as they sit in a traditional Japanese igloo while sipping local amazake and enjoying the snowy scenery. 

Soak your Feet Inside a Hot Footbath Inside a Kamakura

During February when snowfall is the heaviest, these kamakura, or igloos, can be spotted in the hotel’s courtyard. A private footbath is available inside each structure, which will keep guests from experiencing the cold wind. According to many, having a cool body and warm feet is the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep and good health.

Taste Amazake from a Local Brewery

Kurazukuri Amazake is brewed at Hokuan Brewery in Omachi, Nagano. Made exclusively from home-grown, expertly polished sake rice, the sweet beverage has a delicate flavor similar to wagashi. Why not warm your body from the inside out with this traditional drink?

Enjoy the Winter Landscape Illuminated by Bamboo Lights

Around each kamakura are a sea of bamboo lanterns, popular in the area. Guests can gaze out at the cold winter landscape beneath the awesome peaks of the Japanese Alps while pondering what the spring will bring. 

Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, a hot-spring hotel located in Owani, Aomori Prefecture, will hold a special snow and sake event from February 1 until February 28, 2022. Hotel guests will be invited to enjoy drinks before dinner with a special winter twist–under a kamakura! A kamakura is the Japanese equivalent of an igloo, and local sake will be cooled by the snow as guests enjoy a glass while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Famed author Osamu Dazai described the seven types of snowfall found in the Tsugaru region in his work Tsugaru. To allow visits to enjoy the many different types of snow in Aomori, seven unique sakes will be prepared and depending on the snowfall each day, the sake guests are served will change. This unique experience is sure to leave an impression. Who would you like to bring along?

Tsugaru Snow Lanterns

Seven lanterns designed by Iemasa Yamahata will be placed on the inside of the kamakura. Each has a different color and pattern and each is based on one of the seven types of snow: powdery snow, large snowflakes, grainy snow, watery snow, granular snow, sleet,  and crusted snow.

The scenic Hoshino Resort Risonare Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture, known for its spectacular views and hot springs, will begin hosting Night Strawberry Tours, inviting couples to pick strawberries in an illuminated greenhouse from January 6 until March 30, 2023. The event is only available on even-numbered days, and only one couple per day can participate. Beni Hoppe Strawberries are a specialty of the area, and this is the 10th event of its kind. Fittingly, guests can enjoy their strawberries with 10 unique condiments. 

Enjoy Fresh Strawberries with 10 Condiments

Guests can enjoy ten unique condiments with their strawberries, including condensed milk, mascarpone, and pistachio. When the mild flavor of condensed milk is combined with savory pistachios, the fresh, full-bodied sweetness of the Beni Hoppe strawberries reaches a new level. Visitors are welcome to ask the staff for the best combinations, or are welcome to experiment themselves!

Pick Strawberries at Night in a Private, Shimmering Greenhouse

After dinner, guests will leave the hotel to begin the Night Strawberry Tour. A red carpet is laid out in the illuminated greenhouse, and those taking part in the tour will enjoy strawberry picking as they sip a glass of rose champagne. 

See how Strawberries are Cultivated

Beni Hoppe strawberries are made by combining the Akihime and Sachinoka varieties. In Japanese, the name means red cheeks, and the name was inspired by the Japanese term hoppe ga ochiru*, meaning “my cheeks are falling off.” This is often used to describe food that’s extremely flavorful. These particular strawberries are award-winning, so visitors won’t want to miss this exclusive experience!

*See Shizuoka Prefecture’s official website for more information.

Hoshino Resort Aomoriya, an inn where visitors are invited to fully enjoy Aomori’s culture, will begin its Hanami Kotatsu event from April 1 until May 31, 2022. Guests can enjoy local sake while warming themselves beneath a cozy kotatsu. In the chilly Aomori spring, a kotatsu) will be set up beneath the blooming trees for visitors to comfortably view the cherry blossoms. Hot-water bottles will also be available for rent if guests can a little too cold!

April in Aomori is spring according to the calendar, but it’s still quite chilly. Nevertheless, the people of Aomori look forward to flower viewing to overcome the cold winter and enjoy the long-awaited arrival of spring.

Three Fun Additions to Make Cherry Blossom Viewing More Fun

1  A Traditional Umbrella with a Sakura Pattern

Next to each kotatsu is a row of Japanese umbrellas with cherry blossoms painted on them, spreading the pink cherry blossom imagery all around. When opened, the umbrellas are covered with cherry blossoms, making you feel as if you are under the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

2 Choose a Local Sake and Sake Cups for a Flower Viewing Sake Tower

Choose your favorite local sake and three sake cups to make a sake tower! Guests can choose from 10 Aomori sake brands, each with unique aromas and flavors. 

3 Cherry Blossom Patterned Cotton-Filled Hot Water Bottle for Extra Warmth

To keep extra warm beneath the kotatsu, a cotton blanket with a cherry blossom pattern and a hot-water bottle are available for rent. Doesn’t it sound heavenly?

Hoshino Resort Risonare Atami will open the Atami Plum Cafe from January 6 until March 11, 2022. Guests can experience the early arrival of spring beneath the plum blossoms, and at the cafe space on the top floor of the hotel, visitors can feast on a number of plum-inspired dishes. 

The Atami Plum Garden, located near the resort, is one of the most famous places in Japan to see plum blossoms early. The first blossoms usually open up in late November or early December, and this event will get people excited about welcoming the warmer spring months.

A false plum tree will welcome visitors to the cafe, and the ceiling will also be covered in lavender blossoms. The tables, chairs, and garlands are all themed to welcome spring, and the terrace will feature a plum-shaped kotatsu. Guests sitting beneath it can stay warm while gazing out at the vast ocean.

The Plum Gelato Plate features three varieties made with plum pulp, jam, and paste. Why not give it a try?

Plum Gelato Plate: ¥2,000 (Tax Included) *5 available per day

Located in wonderfully warm Okinawa, Hoshino Resort is the perfect getaway for those wanting a warmer winter. The Banta Cafe overlooks the ocean, and from December 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022, the cafe is putting on the ‘Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea’ event. Of course, Illumi-Banta is a portmanteau of the words ‘Illumination’ and ‘Banta,’ but the Okinawan word iyumibanta means ‘a cliff overlooking the fish.’ The entire location, from the top of the cliff all the way to the sea, will be bathed in otherworldly light. A special menu is available during the event period, serving up food perfect for eating as guests wander by the seaside. A number of Okinawan workshops have also brought local craftsmen to the site to show off their creations.

Okinawa is warm in the winter, and this event has been perfect for those wanting to avoid being chilled to the bone during the holidays. For those unable to attend, the video above was filmed using a drone and shows the incredible heart of this event. Who knew that water could be so blue?

A Fantastic World of Light and Ocean Life

Banta Cafe sits on a cliff above the water, and the waters beneath it hide gorgeous coral reefs. Watch the sea come to life, as the ocean, white sand beach, and rock formations are illuminated. The lights will change colors during the daily light show along with the tides, giving a different impression depending on the time of day. The pavilion on the seaside terrace is also illuminated with motifs inspired by traditional Okinawan textiles.

Playful Plant Shadows

On the large roof deck located at the entrance, large fern and palm leaves have been arranged to welcome guests along with other plants local to Okinawa. Using lights, the shadows from these plants reach massive heights on the 4-meter high Ryukyu limestone walls. This takes shadow puppets to a whole new level!

Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Night Picnic

The night cafe will be selling a special Strolling Soup Set menu, inviting guests to venture out onto the sandy shore with a lantern in hand to enjoy a meal beside the sea. Guests can choose two of the available four soups along with a crispy baguette and herb butter.

Hours: 18:00-20:30 (Last Order)
Price: Strolling Soup Set for Two, ¥2,600

The Night Light Market, a Gathering of Proud Okinawan Artists

On Saturday nights from January 8 to January 29, the Night Light Market will bring various artists and craftsmen from Okinawa to the Hoshino Resort. These artists will be excited to share the culture of Okinawa and will offer a range of products made of locally sourced materials. Guests can even try their hand at local crafts at the indoor Gorogoro Lounge!

Running: Every Saturday Night from January 8 – January 29, 2022

Hours: 18:00-21:00

Located in wonderfully warm Okinawa, Hoshino Resort is the perfect getaway for those wanting a warmer winter. The Banta Cafe overlooks the ocean, offering unmatched views. From December 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022, the cafe will hold the ‘Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea’ event. Of course, Illumi-Banta is a portmanteau of the words ‘Illumination’ and ‘Banta,’ but the Okinawan word iyumibanta means ‘a cliff overlooking the fish.’ The entire location, from the top of the cliff all the way to the sea, will be bathed in otherworldly light. A special menu will also be available during the event period, serving up food perfect for eating as guests wander by the seaside. A number of Okinawan workshops will also bring local craftsmen to the site to show off their creations. Why bundle up when you can enjoy a warm winter by the ocean? 

A Fantastic World of Light and Ocean Life

Banta Cafe sits on a cliff above the water, and the waters beneath it hide gorgeous coral reefs. Watch the sea come to life, as the ocean, white sand beach, and rock formations are illuminated. The lights will change colors during the daily light show along with the tides, so don’t miss it!

Light Show Times: 18:30, 20:00, 21:00 *Each show lasts about five minutes.

Playful Plant Shadows

On the large roof deck located at the entrance, large fern and palm leaves have been arranged to welcome guests along with other plants local to Okinawa. Using lights, the shadows from these plants reach massive heights on the 4-meter high Ryukyu limestone walls, and guests are encouraged to try making some fun shadow puppets for the perfect snapshot!

Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Night Picnic with the Strolling Soup Set

The night cafe will be selling a special Strolling Soup Set menu, inviting guests to venture out onto the sandy shore with a lantern in hand to enjoy a meal beside the sea. Guests can choose two of the available four soups along with a crispy baguette and herb butter. 

Hours: 18:00 – 20:30 (Last Order)

Price: Strolling Soup Set for Two, ¥2,600

Includes: Two types of soup and bucket for two people, lantern and basket rental

Four Types of Soup

・ Minestrone
Filled with colorful vegetables, such as tomato, bitter melon, and yellow carrot

・Clam Chowder

Packed with seafood flavor and a unique mix of Okinawan spices

・Consomme with Yushi Tofu
A lightly-salted soup made with Okinawa’s fluffy Yushi Tofu and thick-cut bacon

・Yam and Cauliflower Potage
Creamy potage with white cauliflower and brightly colored yam

The Night Light Market, a Gathering of Proud Okinawan Artists

On Saturday nights from January 8 to January 29, the Night Light Market will bring various artists and craftsmen from Okinawa to the Hoshino Resort. These artists will be excited to share the culture of Okinawa and will offer a range of products made of locally sourced materials. Guests can even try their hand at local crafts at the indoor Gorogoro Lounge!

Running: Every Saturday Night from January 8 – January 29, 2022

Hours: 18:00-21:00

Wouldn’t you prefer a warm Okinawan winter? 

One of the largest resorts in Hokkaido, Hoshino Resort Tomamu will be offering a ‘Family Salmon Trip’ package starting on September 4, 2021. This two-day, one-night plan will be available until October 31, 2021, and features a salmon-themed room complete with salmon pajamas! The accompanying meal plan includes dishes made from different parts of salmon, complete with a challenge: try your hand at making salmon roe, and enjoy your creation at breakfast the next day! Who knew that a salmon-themed getaway was even possible? 

Salmon Room

Bath inspired by a salmon roe bowl

Salmon Roe making experience

Children’s Salmon Plate

Salmon Dinner

Breakfast ‘Salmon and Roe Oyako-don’

Why the salmon theme? The source of the Mukawa River is located near the resort, and where salmon are said to migrate, leaping upstream. Starting in September 2017, the salmon travel plan was introduced to inspire visitors to enjoy this fish at peak season. During the two-day, one-night stay, guests can surround themselves with all things salmon, going so far as to feel like one themselves! This ‘Family Salmon Trip’ was launched to give children a chance to experience the fun, based on one of Hokkaido’s most beloved dishes. 

The plan includes a room decorated from floor to ceiling in fishy furnishings, including salmon curtains, mugs, figures, and cushions. The bedroom is inspired by the salmon’s difficult trek up the river, with a bed frame depicting father and son bears attempting to make a catch. Children will have a blast transforming into a salmon in their special pajamas, complete with a nightcap. The whirlpool tub offers stunning views, but that’s not all–with the help of bath salts, the bathtub transforms into a bowl of salmon roe, with a new salmon fillet float to make the experience even more memorable!

Families can change into a cook’s coat and try their hand at preparing salmon roe, which will then be used in next day’s ‘Salmon and Roe Oyako-don’ breakfast. The ‘Children’s Salmon Plate’ features a collection of unique salmon dishes on a fish-shaped plate, while adults can enjoy the featured Salmon Dinner, which uses every part of the salmon, from the nose to the tip of the tail!

How do you feel about a salmon-themed family vacation? 

Hokkaido’s largest hotel resort Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is set to open its enormous new 100-hectare farm area this summer for a limited time between July 1 and September 30. Guests are invited to sit and lay amongst the farm’s animals during the warm season.

Relax in nature

The farm area was originally an agricultural ground home to around 700 cows. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu wanted to bring the space back to its origins for people to enjoy, and so it is now operating as 100s hectares of farmland. The resort has offered a range of limited-time experiences on the land in the past, such as the Cow & Daytime Nap Hammocks where people can doze on hammocks and count the sheep, as well as the Pasture Lounge, and more.

What to expec

Inhale the smells of nature while laying on some comfy beds

Guests are invited to kick back and relax on a warm and cosy bed spanning 30 meters. Its large size means you don’t have to come into close contact with everyone, enabling you to enjoy yourself withour worry. Cushions and blankets are also prepared.

Soak up the sights and sounds of the farm

The cows on the grass

Hammocks for a siesta snooze

Yagi the Postman

Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone has announced a special hydrangea-themed hotel plan for Japan’s rainy season which will run from June 12 to July 4.

Hydrangeas bloom before guest room benches

At KAI Hakone, there is a special guest room with an outdoor bench seating area which looks out into the green forest. Hydrangeas will bloom, providing a gorgeous backdrop as guests enjoy the sounds of the Sukumogawa River.

Hydrangea accessory kit

Guests will be given an accessory kit in their rooms to make their own flower accessories from hydrangea leaves and wooden mosaics. These accessories can be fitted to yukata, used as piercings, and more to serve a Japanese summer vibe.

Enjoy hydrangea sweets and shaved iced

Guests can turn their rooms into a little tearoom with the wooden mosaic plaques provided on which they can tuck into a range of hydrangea-flavoured sweets and desserts along with a cup of matcha. The shaved ice is a KAI Hakone-original made with jelly and syrup coloured purple with hydrangea.

The hydrangea is perhaps the most celebrated flower in all of Hakone, arriving in early summer. It’s hailed in a variety of ways, one of the most popular being the Hydrangea Train, a nickname given to the train that runs from Odawara Station to Gora Station. Passangers are treated to an incredible view out the train window as their vision is filled with vivid hydrangea flowers.

This year marks the second that KAI Hakone is offering its seasonal hydrangea plan. If you’re able to visit during this time, don’t miss out.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake is calling for the rain this summer with the announcement of its Yatsugatake Fure Fure Sky event. The event will see over 1,000 fure fure bozu strung up—small handmade dolls to pray for the rain—along the 150-meter main street Green Pepper Avenue. The dolls act as the opposite of the more well known teru teru bozu dolls which are used to prevent rainy days.

Rain is something that’s always on the mind of travellers who hope for a dry trip when they reach their destination. This event however takes advantage of the rainy days to turn it into something to be enjoyed.

Yatsugatake Fure Fure Sky: 3 Things to Enjoy

The grand spectacle of the rain and over 1,000 dolls

Colourful fure fure bozu will line Green Pepper Avenue which serve as gorgeous decorations. There are eight colours to be spotted which represent the Yatsu in Yatsugatake meaning “eight” in Japanese.

Enjoy the sight and sound of the rainfall in the Rainy Domes

Sit inside your very own dome along Green Pepper Avenue and enjoy the sounds of the tapping rain. This is an experience that is best enjoyed when it rains, meaning praying for the rain is a must. It’s a chance to enjoy the rain without getting wet while sipping on wine and tucking into some light food.

Times: 11:00-16:00
Price: Free

Location: Green Pepper Avenue

Snap some photos in the rain wearing a Fure Fure Poncho

Inside the activity centre, visitors can rent their very own Fure Fure Poncho. This means they can head out in the rain and enjoy the sounds of the rain hitting their poncho, which is available in three different colours and all sizes for the family.

Times: 9:00-18:00

Price: Free

Location: Activity centre

Notes: Exclusive to Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Yatsugatake guests

HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island, a hotel resort in Okinawa, is bringing back its night time picnic plan this year where guests can sit on sofas by the beachside with the gorgeous starry sky overhead. The plan is called “Hoshi Furu Yoru no Teingaara Picnic” (Starry Night Milky Way Picnic). Teingaara (てぃんがーら) is Okinawan for the Japanese word for Milky Way (Ama no Gawa, 天の川). It will run from June 1 to August 31.

Gaze at the Milky Way beside the tranquil seaside

Aiyaru Beach is just a five-minute walk from HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island, and it’s here where guests can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Milky Away. The beach is situated away from any hustle and bustle, and not many people visit at night, allowing for a chance to enjoy the sound of the waves. Plus, there aren’t many days when people have picnics when the moon is out, meaning guests can enjoy a more quiet and private picnic under the moonlight on a comfy sofa.

A fancy picnic inspired by the Milky Way

Tuck into a very special picnic based on the Milky Way made with Taketomi Island’s famous Japanese leek, papaya, purple yam, and other delicious veggies as well as island tofu cream and miso. The set comes with a sparkling wine which captures the deep hues of the night sky.

A conversation with the stars

An expert on the Ishigaki Island and the stars will take guests on a journey through the stars, offering commentary on the island’s beauty and culture.

In March 2018, the Yaeyama Islands, which includes Taketomi Island, were recognised by the non-profit organisation International Dark‑Sky Association as Japan’s first International Dark Sky Park for its distinguished quality of starry nights. The Yaeyama Islands have a lower latitude than Tokyo meaning many more stars can be seen in the sky. Summertime is the best season for enjoying its stars too.