From Hokkaido in the North to Kochi in Shikoku island in the South, attractions that run the gamut from hot springs to cuisine and a wonderful new hotel in each city that will connect you to them all await
TOKYO – In 2024, Hoshino Resorts will add six hotels in Japan to a collection of more than 70 across Japan, Taipei, Taiwan and Bali, Indonesia under its sub-brands. These brands are HOSHINOYA (luxury hotels), KAI (hot spring ryokans), RISONARE (countryside resort hotels), OMO (city-tourism hotels), and BEB (free-spirited hotels).
Through these brands, Hoshino Resorts meets the needs and preferences of different travellers in the locations where its hotels and resorts are found.
From curated F & B experiences and activities, guests are better connected to the host destination and therefore gain a deeper appreciation of its attractions and the local culture.
Between April to Fall this year, six hotels will open in the following cities: Tokyo, Sendai in the Northeast, Kochi in the South, Hakodate in Hokkaido, Chiba (where Tokyo Disneyland is located), and Okuhida in Gifu.
BRIGHT LIGHTS AND EATERIES – AN ESTIMATED 1,300 ALL AROUND
TOKYO – OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
Omo is our brand of city-tourism hotels that despite their mid-range price points offer guests a plugged-in experience through destination experts, free tours and activities. Despite its central location, Gotanda is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, but the locals know it as an izakaya and bar hotspot – there are around1,300 of them within a 2km radius of the hotel. In the day, the neighbourhood is quite commercial, but at night, it turns into a foodie town popular with Japanese salarymen, university students and locals who are here for some of the best izakayas in town.
SENDAI, MIYAGI – Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu
An onsen ryokan that offers a contemporary take on traditional Japanese inns while providing Western comforts. The brand seeks to connect guests to the multi-faceted culture of Japan, away from the usual cities of OSaka, Tokyo and Kyoto. Kaiseki is available and cuisine is seasonal. Akiu is a historic onsen area in Sendai in Miyagi in Japan’s Northeast. Akiu-machi is a hot spring town that was popular with emperors and feudal lords.
KOCHI, SHIKOKU – OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts (Rebranding)
(An Omo7 is a full-service hotel while an OMO5 is boutique. The main difference is that a 7 provides the extra option of a buffet breakfast while a 5 only offers a cafe breakfast). This hotel is great for friends celebrating an occasion or people who like mingling. Kochi is in Shikoku, the smallest island among Japan’s four main islands. It is well known for food and drink, hospital locals and a famous festival, the Yosakoi Matsuri.
CHIBA – Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay
Targeting Disneyland visitors as it is just 18 minutes away by car. Rather than designed to appeal just to children, it is done up in 1950s style so that it will also appeal to nostalgia lovers. The theme is 50s retro and a bit of rock and roll. The needs of Disneyland goers are well considered. Having taken into consideration they are likely to head out early for the amusement park and return late, F & B facilities and shops are either open 24/7 or till late.
HAKODATE, HOKKAIDO – OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts
The tagline at this hotel is 120% Hakodate, which means experiences are designed such that even returning visitors will find plenty to look forward to. The food market tours with an OMO Ranger (i.e. expert OMO guide) are fun and informative. Seafood nibbles are part of the package. Hakodate is popular with Hokkaido lovers for its navigability, fresh seafood and onsens.
OKUHIDA-ONSENGO, GIFU – Hoshino Resorts KAI Okuhida (OPENING THIS FALL)
The hotel is located in the historic onsen town of Okuhida-onsengo in one of the best geothermal spots in the country with the highest volume of top quality mineral-rich waters. However, it remains an onsen lover’s secret. Apparently the millennial crowd hasn’t caught on. Craftsmanship is celebrated here, with many furnishings and art by craftsmen in Hida, a city in Gifu. Hida beef is famous for its buttery texture and mild aftertaste. Guests can have the beef in the “Special Kaiseki” dinner.
