The Karuizawa-based hotel and hot spring complex Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu joined hands with local apple farmers last year to help support apple cultivation for their apple hot springs. This is now being taken to the next level with the opening of Ringo Tsuchi, an apple farm that Tombo-no-yu staff helped to build. The farm opened on March 19, and locals will be able to visit part of the farm for free starting on April 26.
The project ties in with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, specifically the 12th goal: “Responsible Consumption and Production,” which looks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Karuizawa is located in Nagano Prefecture which is ranked as the 2nd biggest producer of apples in Japan. When growing apples, those fruits which incur any kind of damage or grazing isn’t shipped to the country’s supermarkets or stores. It’s these not-so-perfect apples that Tombo-no-yu uses for its apple hot spring experience. Though it may just be a small step towards that goes, it still goes a small incremental way towards achieving it.
Free entry to Ringo Tsuchi
The main raw materials at Ringo Tsuchi (“Apple Earth”) are the apples used in the apple hot springs and fallen leaves from around the Hoshino area. In addition to compost and water, the materials are fermented, which adds the necessary nutrients to growing apples and creates soft and breathable soil. And since compost is added, it creates an environment where gardening tools can be used in the earth without any prior preparation.
The completion of Ringo Tsuchi
In the mid-October last year, work was carried out at Nomoto Kajuen Orchards in Mimakigahara Okubo, Nagano, to carefully select picked apples and not-so-perfect apples. These apples were used for the apple hot springs at Tombo-no-yu over a three day period from October 23 to 25. The apples are placed in both the male and female hot springs to float on the water.
After that three-day period, the apples were collected, washed, and cut to be used for compost. Since fermentation removes water content, the staff also had to add water twice a month to manage the compost.
Working with the locals
Katsuya Nomoto is a representative of Nomoto Kajuen Orchards, a farm that grows apples, prunes, and more. The farm takes advantage of the area’s high altitude and takes pride in its work to cultivate produce that is healthy to the body and environment using soil microbes as an organic fertiliser. It’s also officially recognised as a farm dedicated to supporting Nagano’s environment, and carries out school trips for children to visit, creating ties with the local community.
RELATED ENTRIES
-
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. Information
Kamakura Footbath
Running: February 1 – 28, 2023
Price: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)
Reservations: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaialps/activities/9929/*Reservations are required by noon the day before.
Time Slots: 18:00-18:45 / 19:00-19:45 / 20:00-20:45Capacity: Up to 3 guests per session
*Must be staying at the hotel.
**Bookings may be canceled due to weather. -
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. Information
Tsugaru Snow Festival
Running: February 1 – February 28, 2023
Price: ¥1,000 per set (Tax Included, 20 sets available per day)
Included: 1 glass of local sake, 2 scallop snacks
Venue: Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, Water Garden
Hours: 16:30-18:00
*Only available to hotel guests.
https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaitsugaru/ -
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. Information
Hoshino Resorts Risonare Atami – Night Strawberry Tour
Running: Even-numbered days from January 6, 2023 – March 30, 2023
Hours: 19:00-21:00
Price: ¥17,000 per person, reservation for 2 people (Tax Included)
Details/Reservations: https://risonare.com/atami/
-
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!
Information
Onward Beach Resort Guam
Address: 445 Governor Carlos G. Camacho Rd. Tamuning, Guam 96913
Facilities: Water Park, Restaurants, Shops, etc.
Official Site: https://www.onwardguam.com/hotel/ -
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 PatternNext 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? Information
Hanami Kotatsu
Running: April 1 – May 31, 2022
Hours: 15:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: ParkOfficial Site：https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/aomoriya/
-
Headquartered in Nagoya, Kakuouzan Fruits Daifuku Benzaiten sparked the recent fruit daifuku boom. Founded in 2019, more than 70 locations have popped up throughout Japan, and these delectable sweets have been popping up on television, in magazines, and across social media. A limited-time pop-up shop is now open at Hiroshima T-SITE until February 4.
Benzaiten is also the famous birthplace of the ‘mochi-cutting thread.’ By cutting each piece with a thin string, visitors can create a beautiful cross-section perfect for posting to Instagram. Each piece is made from white bean paste and rice to bring out the flavor of the fruit. With a light sweetness, these are treats that everyone will love. Information
Kakuouzan Fruits Daifuku Benzaiten Pop-Up Store
Open: January 21 – February 14, 2022
Hours: 10:00-21:00
Location: Hiroshima T-SITE / Hiroshima TSUTAYAOfficial Site: https://store.tsite.jp/hiroshima/