It's always fun to explore different hotels. And I often find it amazing how different luxury hotels strive to present themselves in their unique ways - it's always that 'extra something' that makes you stand out.
During my recent visit to the Tohoku (North East of Japan), I finally had my first Hoshinoya experience. My fantasy (and obsession) over the Hoshinoya resorts was indeed originated from my previous visits to Tokyo. Similar to Hong Kong, Tokyo also got plenty of renowned and indeed some of the best hotels worldwide. Among all the international brands, the Hoshino hotels stood out the most to me and it had indeed always been famous of its traditional Japanese elements.The Hoshino group is a local luxury hotel group and the Hoshinoya is their curated brand for a 'Sublime ryokan-style luxury' experience.
This time, I'm staying with the Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya -星野リゾート青森屋 and the experience was incredible. I have indeed anticipated this stay for long and it definitely lived up to my expectation.
This area of Aomori was famous of its different kinds of premium apples and often crowned as the 'Apple Land'. With one of the best onsen in the Prefecture, the Aomoriya was an Japanese ryokan of rooms with onsen access and awe-inspiring natural view. The hotel was also of an incredible Japanese traditional style with heavy wood and apple elements.
The view from my room was beyond description. I mean could you imagine that pleasant feeling of a peaceful mind- with a warm genmaicha tea in hand and slow falling snow outside. I could do this all day.
Check out my captures below now!
Restaurant NORESORE
As the property's buffet restaurant, the NORESORE was one serving traditional Aoromi cuisine. (Yes, this's exactly the charm of Japan- different prefectures/places got their distinctive food cultures) The food was simple yet taste absolutely great. Their apple pie was like one of the best I have ever had!
The Show Restaurant Michinoku Matsuriya
The restaurant got a really romantic and mysterious design. During the dinner, they also got a show of Nebuta Matsuri's highlight dance and musical performances. I was generally less interested in musicals but this show was really fun- there was one section where the guests could dance along with the performers and it was totally like a campfire/carnival event. It was totally worth a try!
The Yawatauma Lounge
The Aomoriya actually got two lounges and the one I visited was called the Yawatauma Lounge. The Yawatauma lounge was one of the most unique ones that I have been. The lounge was very intimate and like those traditional Japanese houses with Tatami and many wooden elements. It was right by the pond of a huge park with a calm and relaxing ambiance. I also LOVE that they got a simple yet really nice drinks menu (with premium Aomori apple juice, sake and genmaicha tea). This was what people called 'quality over quantity'.
The Onsen
They got 3 onsens (Uki Yu, Hiba Yu and Moto Yu). I have visited the Uki Yu and Hiba Yu which both of them were really nice from the interior design to the hot springs. It was totally a treat and couldn't be any better for an icy winter day!
The Room
Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
So I went out to explore around Aomori that morning and bumped into this. The resort offered a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. It was totally like a fairy tale world!
To sum up, the Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya was an one of a kind resort. I definitely enjoyed my first Hoshino stay and the overall experience a lot. The hotel was a warm one with great hospitality and many local cultural elements incorporated. It was totally a highlight to my Tohoku trip and I would totally come back again!
