Singaporeans just love Japan. With fresh produce, good food, culture, nature, onsen and the beauty of the four seasons, it’s no wonder the country remains one of most visited places for travellers. If you are making a trip there this holiday season, here are 6 new hotels (all opened this year) under Hoshino Resorts to consider. Hoshino Resorts operates more than 70 hotels and resorts in and outside Japan under five brands, catering to different types of travellers.
Tokyo: OMO5 Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
OMO5 Gotanda is a boutique hotel that offers guests a plugged-in experience through destination experts, free tours and activities at a mid-range price point. Despite its central location, Gotanda is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, but the locals know it as an izakaya and bar hotspot (there are around 1,300 of them within a two-kilometre radius of the hotel). At night, the area turns into a foodie town popular with Japanese salarymen, university students and locals who want to indulge at some of the best izakayas in the area.
Sendai: Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu
Akiu is a historic onsen area in Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. Head to this onsen ryokan that offers a contemporary take on traditional Japanese inns while providing Western comforts. The hotel seeks to connect guests to the multi-faceted culture of Japan, away from the usual cities of Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto.
Kochi: OMO7 Kochi by Hoshino Resorts
Kochi is in Shikoku, the smallest island among Japan’s four main islands. It is well known for its food and drink, and the famous Yosakoi Matsuri festival. Recently rebranded, OMO7 Kochi is centrally located in the city (great for sightseeing) and offers a buffet breakfast and spa facilities.
Chiba: Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay
Visitors to Disneyland can consider this newly opened 1950s-inspired hotel as it is just 18 minutes away by car. Plus, the hotel is mindful that guests may head out early for the theme park and return late, which is why F&B facilities and shops are either open 24/7 or till late.
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. Sign up for fun and informative food market tours with an OMO Ranger (an expert OMO guide). Seafood nibbles are part of the package.
Gifu: Hoshino Resorts KAI Okuhida
The hotel is located in the historic onsen town of Okuhida-onsengo, in one of the best geothermal spots in the country with mineral-rich waters. Craftsmanship is also celebrated here with many furnishings and art by craftsmen in Hida, a city in Gifu. While at the town, visitors can try Hida beef, which is famous for its buttery texture and mild aftertaste.
All photos courtesy of Hoshino Resorts.
