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 Resorts currently operates 56 facilities in Japan and abroad, and the company has just added another gorgeous property to the list. Starting March 30, Hoshino Resorts acquired all shares of the Onward Beach Resort Guam. Going forward, the hotel will undergo extensive renovations and will be relaunched as a Hoshino Resorts branded location. This is the fifth Hoshino property to be located overseas and the second in the United States. 

The Onward Beach Resort Guam is located 10 minutes by car from downtown Tumon. At the hotel, guests can enjoy a quiet stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a private beach and unrivaled views of the sunset. 

The resort also boasts one of the largest water parks in Micronesia, where adults and children can enjoy themselves all day long. With plenty of chances to both relax and stay active, this is the perfect location for any travel lover!

The Daimaru location in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, will soon begin selling limited edition Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi goods! About 1,400 rare goods previously only available at 10 locations around Japan will be available in Shimonoseki from May 25 until May 30. Inspired by locales around the country, these adorable items will inspire you to travel when you can!

Limited Edition Sumikko Gurashi Goods

Ise Shop Exclusive

Dangling Stuffed Animal

Dangling Stuffed Animal

Jisho-ji Shop Exclusive

Dangling Stuffed Animal

Kyoto Kiyomizu-Zaka Shop Exclusive

Dangling Stuffed Animal

Shrine and Temple Stamp Book

Castella Manju

Dazaifu Shop Exclusive

Dangling Stuffed Animal

Rilakkuma’s Teahouse & Rilakkuma’s Bath Exclusive Goods

Arashiyama Shop Exclusive

Honey Castella Manju

Miyajima Shop Exclusive

Stuffed Animal

Roasted Mochi Pieces, Soy Sauce Flavor (with Can)

Kurokawa Shop Exclusive

Japanese Pattern Towels

Dogomachi Shop Exclusive

Stuffed Animals

Kusatsu Shop Exclusive

Stuffed Animal

With over 700 Sumikko Gurashi goods available, each symbolizing a specific locale with a cherry blossom theme, it won’t be easy to choose which items you’ll want to take home. Photo spots will also be set up at the venue, so come snap some pics for social media! Also, look forward to the Summer Bread and Sweets Festival 2022 in the adjacent venue!

The Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media will house a new work by DJ Licaxxx, the fifth installment of the ‘sound tectonics installation.’ The new work, Reason and Emotion ‘22, will be on display in the museum’s courtyard. 

Licaxxx is a popular DJ and beatmaker who has been active in many unique fields over the past few years. The artist has created music for commercials and other advertisements while also contributing works to museums and art spaces.

The new sound installation features trackmaker Dan Kubo and electronic musician Kazuki Muraoka as collaborators. The goal of this ongoing project is to critically examine the act of viewing art in general, including music, and to generate music in real-time based on the current environment. The installation is impacted by weather, temperature, and the number of people viewing the work. The courtyard venue faces the main foyer and features a large glass atrium. 

Come enjoy a new listening experience like no other before the installation disappears in November.

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?

From January 28 until February 27, 2022, Nagato Yumoto Onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture will host the ‘Otozuregawa Uta Akari,’ a light-up event based on a poem by children’s poet Mizusu Kaneko. 

The event will feature poem narration and music, with motifs created by children and students in the city set up to create an unforgettable scene. The ‘Uta Akari Gentou Rondo,’ a light performance set to a poem reading, and thousands of light bowls created by young people in the city will be  prepared at the venue. 

Sound and Light Entertainment ・Gentou Rondo Area

Welcomed by 3,000 Lights ・Misuzu’s Garden Area

Welcomed by 3,000 Lights ・Misuzu’s Garden Area

New Area・Dreaming Fish Area

Hage Ware Lampshades・Light of the Earth Area

Performances

Misuzu’s Garden Area（Onyu, Lawn Area）

About 3,000 elementary and junior high school students in the city created light motifs for the event. Inspired by the timeless poetry of Misuzu Kaneko, these illuminations will warmly welcome visitors.

Otozuregawa Area（Onshinkawa Onsen Park）

Large-scale lighting motifs created by local residents and workshop participants will be installed along the river. The slowly flickering illuminations will seem to float atop the gently flowing water, creating a fantastic scene.

Dreaming Fish Area（Onshinkawa Onsen Park）

In 2022, the event will take up more space on the property. A fish-shaped light will be placed in the center of Onshinkawa Onsen Park, and guests will be invited to see the many sea-inspired works donated by kindergarten and nursery school students.

Light of the Earth Area（NearOntoshoku)

Lampshades made of local Hagi ware will be installed along the riverside path near the hot spring resort. More than 20 of these lampshades were made by local elementary school students along with cooperation from teachers from the Fukagawa Kiln. The crafting school has a history of 360 years in the Minose area near Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

Gentou Rondo Area（Near Bamboo Forest Stairs)

Watch as shadow puppets dance to the music and recitation of poems by Misuzu Kaneko! The lights in the bamboo grove and plaza will playfully change as the night goes on. 

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?