Hoshino Resorts’ new tourist hotel Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Otsuka opened on May 9, 2018.

‘OMO’ is one of four brands developed by Hoshino Resorts, the other three being ‘Hoshinoya,’ ‘KAI’ and ‘Risonare.’ At OMO, they focus on tourism, offering not simply rooms, but a travel experience. They aim to elevate the excitement of travel for users by letting people fully enjoy towns and cities and the tourist spots connected to them.

OMO is a resort that focuses on the entire city that it is located in, wishing for guests to not confine themselves to the hotel  but to go out and explore the local area.

Go-KINJO is a service offered at the hotel that helps guests discover the entertaining and fantastic things available within walking distance of the hotel, allowing them to deepen their knowledge of the city.

Additionally, they offer a map of the neighborhood, have a team of OMO rangers that know all there is to know about the neighborhood, offer a guide course for searching for recommended places, and local workshops. This offers the chance for guests to immerse themselves in and experience the full appeal of Otsuka.

There’s also the OMO Base, a space that acts as the center for sightseeing in the city, as well as the YAGURA Room, a 19 square meter guest room where guests can feel like they’re in a secret hideout.

Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Otsuka promises to offer guests the greatest travel experience, so why not consider staying there while in Tokyo?

Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa, one branch of Hoshino Resorts’ hotels for tourists opened rebranded and reopend from Asahikawa Grand Hotel on April 28. ‘OMO’ is one of four brands developed by Hoshino Resorts, the other three being ‘Hoshinoya,’ ‘KAI’ and ‘Risonare.’ At OMO, they focus on tourism.

OMO7 Asahikawa is within 500 steps from the best location for the city’s tourism where backstreets littered with the feeling of old-fashioned Japan sit. The facility maintains the excitement of trips by focusing on accessibility for tourists and being within public spaces.

Go-KINJO, a service aimed at curious city sightseers, have staff that support guests’ entire trip by helping them discover new things in the city and ensuring they make the best of their time. They offer a map of the neighborhood, have a team of OMO rangers that know all there is to know about the neighborhood, offer a guide course for searching for recommended places, and local workshops.

Additionally, the OMO Base is a public space that ties together travelers with locals, packed with numerous fun activities for walking around the town. The décor takes on the image of a Hokkaido forest and uses furniture from Asahikawa which can be said to be the best furniture made in Japan. The attic-like rooms have a ‘book tunnel’ that collects documents which have a connection to Hokkaido and Asahikawa. There’s also the OMO Café & Bar where one can enjoy the transition from morning to day and night.

The DANRAN Room is a fun and compact guest room introduced with the rebranding where everybody can sit together around the table and plan their activities for their day on their trip. The tabletops come in a green colour inspired by fresh lawns.

How about staying at OMO7 Asahikawa during your trip to Hokkaido?

Japan’s first luxury hotel that offers extraordinary experiences “Hohinoya” is offering many kinds of programs. In this article, I will introduce to you some programs that they are going to offer from summer of 2018.

 Hoshinoya Taketomi Island “personalized tour with guides acquainted with Iriomote Island.”

“Hoshinoya Taketomi Island” located on Taketomi Island, Okinawa will offer activity tours where jungle butlers acquainted with Japan’s last treasure spot, Iriomote Island will arrange the tours. The contents and the schedule of the tour can be adjusted at your own will. On this tour, you can stay at Taketomi Island and enjoy the jungle of Iriomote Island and the rich nature of the Yaeyama Island Chain.

Hoshinoya Karuizawa “Summer-Season-Limited Special Seats of Morino Hotori café&bar”

At “Mori no Hotori café&bar” lodgers of “Hoshinoya Karuizawa” located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture can use offer summer-season-limited seats between the 1^st of July, 2018 to the 31^st of August. This spce will be prepared under the concept of “offering a roofless private space.” They are planning to offer 3 kinds of Japanese cocktails related to the Shinshu Area. Let’s enjoy the nature of Karuizawa which is known as one of the most famous summer retreats in Japan.

Hoshinoya Fuji “Summer Wild Game Dinner”

Japan’s first grumping resort “Hoshinoya Fuji” located in Yamanashi Prefecture will offer an experience-based dinner plan named “Summer Wild Game Dinner” where you can enjoy eating special menus items cooked in a Dutch oven in the open-air dining space. The summer-season limited seasonal menu itmes use “venison” and “brawn.” They offer 5 kinds of courses that use rich flavored wild game combined with Yamanashi Prefecture’s (the prefecture is known as “the fruits kingdom”) seven kinds of summer fruits.

Hoshinoya Tokyo “2 Days and 3 Nights Spa Program where you can rest at aJapanese accommodation / Shinkokyu (deep breath) Yojo (rest)”

The spa program named “Shinkokyu Yojo” will start from the 1^st of June 2018 at a Japanese accommodation in Tokyo. You can learn about how to maintain your health and a balanced mind and body by taking a deep breath. The program includes stretching lesson, an aroma experience, spa treatment, healthy meal and hot spring experience. Let’s learn about the method of breathing to become healthy.

Hoshinoya Kyoto “Activity where you can observe cormorant fishing, a summer feature in Arashiyama”

“Hoshinoya Kyoto” located in Kyoto, Arashiyama will hold “Private Ukai (cormorant fishing) Kanshobune (observing from the boat).” In this activity, you can observe the summer feature of Arashiyama “cormorant fishing” at “Oi River” which flows in front of the accommodation. Tea ceremony dishes using the motifs of Arashiyama’s views and histories will be served to the participants. You can also listen to the sound of Shamisen and drink Champaign.

 Hoshinoya Kyoto “Staying Experience in Okuarashiyama”

“Hoshinoya Kyoto” will hold 5 summer/waterfront activities named “Okuarashiyama Noryo Taizai (staying experience) from the 1^st of July 2018 to the 31^st of August. The activity includes events such as “Okuarashiyama’s Noryoyuka,” “Mizube no Yaza” where you can experience stretching/meditation lessons at nighttime and “Noryobune Lunch” where you can enjoy eating lunch on a boat. Why not avoid the summer heat and enjoy the culture of Okuarashima filled with maple trees.

Why not participate in one of the events noted above this coming summer!

“Hoshino Resort Kai Kaga” will offer a new series of experience-based events called “Hanagoyomi” using the motifs of local culture and cherry blossoms. “Hanagoyomi” is a calendar where you can learn about flowers, plants and trees of each season.

Cherry blossom viewing party can be enjoyed while riding on a boat. “Daishojigawa no Kawakudari”

Daishoji is a castle town which is one of the most famous cherry blossom-viewing spots in Kaga Prefecture. You can ride on a traditional boat called “Yakatabune” and enjoy the splendid view of cherry blossoms. Charter boats will be rented to the lodgers of Kai Kaga this coming spring season. You can enjoy the views of beautiful/historical streetscapes and cherry blossoms while riding on a boat and enjoying Japanese desserts and traditional tea of Saga.

Perido: 2018/04/05 to the 15th

Time: 14:00～ (everyday) (30 minutes)

Venue: Daijoji Hakkando Boat Riding Area (15 minutes on car from Kai Kaga)

Fixed number: 8 persons per boat

Price: 2,000 yen per person (service fee and tax are included) ※accommodation fee is not included

Reservation must be made 4 days in advance. ※ the number of the lodgers must be more than 2.

Sakura Monaka Zukuri to Haru no Ochakai

Kanazawa is known as on of the 3 main dessert-producing areas in Japan along with Kyoto and Matsue. This castle town has been loved by many people as a tea/dessert producing area. This coming spring season, they are going to offer a cooking class where you can make crunchy monaka (wafer-cake filled with red bean jam) using dough made by a monaka specialized store and bean jam made by the established dessert maker, Yamashiro Onsen. Why not enjoy a cherry blossom monaka and tasty matcha while relaxing on the Chaniwa no Terrace where Kaga Yuzen’s umbrellas are installed.

Period: 2018/03/11 to 05/31

Time: 15:00 to 18:00

Venue: tea room, Chaniwa no Terrace

Price: free

Reservation: not necessary

There is a free bus service from Kai Kaga and Kanazawa Station (one bus per day).

A free transfer bus will run from Kanazawa Station to Kai Kaga for a limited time offer. It takes about 60 minutes to get to the station. Why not enjoy touring around Kanazawa and Onsens using this transfer bus.

Period: lodgers – 2018/03/11 to 07/31 ※Except 2018/04/17, 04/28 to 05/05.

Time: 14:00 (departing from Kanazawa Station), 10:30 (departing from Kai Saga).

Price: free

Reservation must be made 4 days in advance.

Let’s enjoy the beautiful views and desserts of spring.

Kinugawa River in Tochigi Prefecture is about a 2-hour train or car journey from Tokyo. It’s immensely popular as an onsen, or “hot spring” site, and is close to World Heritage Sites and places of scenic beauty. The KAI Kinugawa hot spring resort at Kinugawa Onsen is offering a limited-time “Yozakura Dining” plan from April 11^th to April 20^th. For one night, two people can enjoy a banquet while gazing at the cherry blossom trees in the evening. You can also experience “Hanami Roten” and admire the cherry blossoms in full bloom from the site’s famous open air hot springs.

“Yozakura Dining” – admire the cherry blossoms with a springtime meal

Two people can enjoy their own private space to relish in spring dishes while viewing the evening cherry trees. The cherry blossoms cannot be seen from the regular eating spot, but in the special seats offered with “Yozakura Dining,” you can look forward to soaking in the colours of evening-time cherry blossoms illuminated with dreamy lights while sat at a table co-ordinated with the colours of spring and set with Tochigi crockery like light-coloured Mashiko ware and traditional kurobane aizome, or “Kurobane indigo-dyed” tableware. Mealtime is different and each person will be tended to individually, so there’s no need to worry about other people, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed time and atmosphere.

Time: 2 Slots – 17:30 / 19:30

Price: From ￥30,000 – Includes 1 overnight stay and 2 meals (Costs the price of one person for a room for 2 people. Service tax included.)

Reservations: 1 night for 2 people. 4 people on-site. You must book the plan 5 days in advance of the date you plan to stay.

https://booking.hoshinoresort.com/plans/JA/0000000121/0000000139

“Hanami Roten” – behold the cherry blossoms in full bloom

At Kinugawa Onsen, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of Japan’s four distinct seasons from the large public baths and open-air baths – from the fresh verdure in summer to the vibrant reds of autumn. The most fantastic experience of the year though is “Hanami Roten” in spring. The rows of cherry trees reflect along the surface of the water in the hot springs, granting a spectacle only observable in spring. As you raise your gaze upwards while submerged in the water, the fully bloomed cherry trees unfold before you. At night, the trees are lit up. The atmosphere changes whether you’re in there during the day or at night, offering different experiences to be enjoyed.

Time: 15:00-01:00 / 05:00-11:00 (*illuminations are turned on from sunset until 1am)

Location: Public baths

Reservations: Not required

“Haru no Yuagari Drink” – smell the cherry blossoms

Upon emerging from a relaxing bathe, you will be served “Sakura Koucha,” or black cherry blossom tea, offered exclusively in spring. Feel the call of spring while savouring the fresh taste of gentle cherry blossom fragrance.

Location: Place where you exit the bath

Price: Free

Reservations: Not required

Have yourself an unforgettable spring in Japan this year at Hoshino Resorts KAI Kinugawa.

The hotel brand, “Hoshino Resort OMO” announced the contents of the guest rooms called “OMO7 Asahikawa” and “OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka” which will be opened in mid-2018. The guest rooms that have casual and refreshing interiors are quite small but are very comfortable. Reservation can be made at OMO’s official website.

OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka “YAGURA ROOM” (19 square meters / 3 persons can stay at once)

This room’s ceiling is high, and the windows are big so that customers will not feel a sense of closeness. The concept of the room is “yagura” (traditional tower). Tatamis are used on the floor of the room and the sleeping bunk called “yagura shindai” made of hinoki cypress is located on the second floor. A closet where you can store big luggage is installed which makes you feel like you are staying in a secret base. A sofa space where you can lie down barefoot and a bath room that includes a washing area are also included in the room.

OMO7 Asahikawa “DANRAN Room” (18 square meters / fixed number – 2 persons).

This is a guest room renovated in accordance of the renovation of OMO. The room was created under the concept of “family-gathering.” You can discuss plans of where to visit in Asahikawa by using the DANRAN table which has a green, artificial-grass sheet on it. You can also buy toy-figures of cows sold at the lobby of the hotel and let your cows go to pasture on the sheet. You can use the bed like a sofa since there is a storage space installed underneath the bed.

Let’s enjoy their special rooms!

An onsen (hot spring) accommodation “Hoshino Resort Kai Aso” located in Oita Prefecture’s Senomonot Onsen will open an open-air bath “Yuki Rotenburo” where you can view the snow scenery (rare in Kyusyu) from the 1^st of December to the 28^th of February 2018. Also, they will hold events including “Yama Mizore Nabe Kaiseki” where you can enjoy nabe (hot pot) with gourd-shaped cheese and “Juhyo Trekking Tour” where you can enjoy the scenery of hoar frost-covered trees.

Very rare in Kyusyu. Yukimi Rotenburo

Kai Aso is an area in Kyushu which receives snow fall, and you can enjoy the snow scenery while soaking on an open-air bath which is installed in every room. You can also enjoy a special onsen which float kabosu and yuzu (Japanese citrus fruits) inside the bath. Also, “Yogan Onsen Set” where you can enjoy the boiling onsen using the baked plaster of melted rock. After taking a bath, you can enjoy the beauty skin pack made with limonite which contains lots of minerals. Let’s enjoy this fun experience.

 “Yama no Mizore Nabe” where you can enjoy a gourd-shaped cheese.

They will offer tea-ceremony dishes using gourd-shaped cheese called “Caciocavallo” and “Yama no Mizore Nabe” offered in a caldera-shaped pot. The nabe is originally made based on the image of Aso Caldera’s grasslands which is one of the largest grasslands in the world and is a nabe cuisine using a healthy soup using lots of grated daikon, Japanese beef and winter vegetables. You can cut the cheese and add it into the pot. The texture of the cheese will become chewy like mochi (rice cake). Let’s enjoy this dish produced in the land of Aso using this beautiful pot.

 “Juhyo Trekking Tour” where you can enjoy the “art of ice.”

Juhyo (hoar frost covered trees) is also known as the “art of ice” where frozen water vapor sticks to trees. The phenomenon can be only seen in very cold places. The contrast between blue sky and the juhyo on a sunny day is so beautiful. Kai Aso will offer a trekking tour where participators can walk around the mountain to see juhyo. Professional guides will guide you and explain how to walk in the snowy mountains.

Let’s enjoy the winter views of Kyusyu at “Hoshino Resort Kai Aso.”

The resort in Okinawa, Taketomi Island “Hoshinoya Taketomijima” will offer a program titled, “Maboroshi no Shima no Picnic Joshikai” targeting busy women from the 1^st of December 2017 to the 28^th of February 2018.

Taketomi Island is a popular spot as a winter refuge since the average high temperature during the winter season exceeds 20℃. Visitors of the resort can enjoy the warm sun’s rays even in winter. You can also enjoy picnicing and coral snorkel which cannot be enjoyed during the summer season.

Winter girls’ party / point 1: Winter is the best time to enjoy an island holiday.

The Yaesan area has a subtropical climate area and is warm throughout the year. The sun’s rays during the winter is warm and you can enjoy the island without the tourist crowds.

Winter girls’ party / point 2: Enjoy Yaesan’s nature during the winter

Ultraviolet rays are not so strong during the winter season (December to February) on the island, therefore you don’t have to be as careful of about getting a sun burn while staying on the beach. Why not enjoy marine sports such as snorkeling and diving.

Winter girls’ party / point 3 / Enjoy chatting at nighttime

The sunset in Yaesan is an hour after the sunset of Tokyo. An extraordinary atmosphere where you can hear nothing else but the sounds of nature can be enjoyed during the nighttime since the island does not have many street lights. The starry sky of Yaessan was designated as a “Dark Sky Place” (a place where a beautiful starry sky can be viewed) by IDA (International Dark-Sky Association). You can see all 21 stars of the first magnitude and 84 star-signs (out of 88). From late December to May, you can also see the Southern Cross. Why not chat with your friends while watching the beautiful starry sky?

Hoshinoya Taketomijima has a rental cycle system for guests who want to go into the town. You can enjoy the island while riding a bicycle. Moreover, you can rent a charter boat at Taketomi Island and visit “Maboroshi no Shima,”a crescent moon-shaped deserted island while enjoying the view of the clear blue colored sea. (it takes about 20 minutes to get to “Maboroshi no Shima”). A picnic set where you can enjoy the sea of Yaesan is offered too. After picnicking, it is recommended to enjoy marine sports such as snorkeling and diving. There are about 400 kinds of corals living in the marine area between Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island and is known as one of the most beautiful marine areas in the world.

The resort also offers chocolate, fresh herb tea using herbs grown inside the facility and sparkling wine after dinner. You can enjoy a quite relaxing time after eating dinner under the beautiful sky.

Let’s enjoy Taketomi Island during the winter season.