Experience the best of Japanese Summer at HOSHINOYA

HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island ©Hoshino Resorts

It’s not surprising the seasons play a part in deciding the best time to visit Japan. The beautiful Sakura transforms the landscapes pink, and the fall foliage turns trees rich hues of yellow, orange and red, making spring and autumn the most popular seasons to explore Japan’s historical sights.

The heat and humidity throughout the rainy season from June to August can discourage travellers from visiting Japan in summer, however there are many experiences that can be enjoyed, and only relished during this time of year.

With six locations across Japan, HOSHINOYA weaves the local climate, history, and culture into the hospitality of each property. Here’s how you can immerse yourself in an experience unique to summer at HOSHINOYA.

Enjoy the sound of rain at Mount Fuji

©Hoshino Resorts

The first resort in Japan to introduce “glamping” HOSHINOYA Fuji was built to blend into the hills overlooking beautiful Lake Kawaguchi. Many visitors take advantage of the summer season to climb Mount Fuji and whilst sunny weather can’t always be guaranteed, there’s no need to let it dampen your holiday spirit.

On rainy days, guests are invited to special covered seatingon a wooden terrace in the forest wherethey can sip warm whiskey barrel-aged coffee cocktails to enjoy the sound of rain, nature’s mostcalming sound.

Indulge in seasonal Kaiseki

©Hoshino Resorts

Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is where the story of Hoshino Resorts began over a century ago. Located an hour bullet train ride from Tokyo where it is considerably cooler in climate, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is the ultimate sanctuary for rest and relaxation.

In Summer, guests can enjoy a special kaiseki dinner combining the culinary culture of Shinshu, the traditional name of Nagano Prefecture, with the seasonal abundance of wild-caught game and river fish. The dinner takes place in a private building with a babbling river running through the grounds.

Paddle Okinawa’s pristine coastline

©Hoshino Resorts

Located on the natural coastline of Yomitan Village, HOSHINOYA Okinawa allows visitors to experience the ecological and geological features of Okinawa’s main island all at once. Summer is the best season to enjoy kayaking, as the sea turns a deep blue, and the wind and waves are calmer.

Anchored outside the reef is a private cruiser that transports guests to points where they can switch to a kayak to get a closer look at Okinawa’s spectacular scenery, including a kilometre-long 30-metre-high sheer cliff, mangroves along the sea border and table corals.

Stargazing on Taketomi Island

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The first island in Japan to be recognised as a starry sky protection zone, Taketomi Island in Okinawa is where 84 of the 88 constellations in the entire sky can be seen. In Summer, the stars are so bright the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye.

Designed to match the landscape and culture of its special location, HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Here guests can sit on a hill overlooking the village to admire the stunning starry sky whilst enjoying a five-course French meal using ingredients familiar to the island.

Relax like anaristocrat in the Heian period

©Hoshino Resorts

Nestled along the Oi River in Arashiyama is HOSHINOYA Kyoto, a former residence of the Heian aristocracy. It is said that aristocrats would visit here in the summer to escape the heat. Accessible by a peaceful boat ride, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is still a retreat where those come to get away from it all.

Only in the summer do they set up the Noryo-Doko, a special cooling floor where you can sit and enjoy a refreshing Kaiseki course with a breeze blowing through the water garden and the sound of a waterfall nearby.

Try a refreshing dessert reminiscent of the Edo period

In the heart of Tokyo, a tall black monument-like building blends in with its surroundings. Inside isthe stylish and contemporary hot spring ryokan that is HOSHINOYA Tokyo. It’s hard to believe that one could replenish their wellbeing within Tokyo’s financial district.

This summer, guests can savour a special summer ice made with fermented foods and fresh seasonal fruits that have been savoured since the Edo period. Fermented foods such as amazake, doburoku and mirin seasoning will feature in the 10 layers of varying textures and flavours of ice that is sure to delight and cool one’s appetite.

About Hoshino Resorts https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/
About HOSHINOYA https://hoshinoya.com/en/

*Source: Maki Watabe at m.watabe@thedoq.com