FFengyuezhibianI've long admired the reputation of the Hoshino Resorts, and this was my first time staying at one of their properties. The ”Kai” series is supposedly a mid- to high-end resort hotel specializing in hot springs, but overall, I was a bit disappointed.
First, the hotel's location is quite secluded, in the Owani Onsen area of Aomori Prefecture. It's relatively close to Hirosaki City, a mere 10-minute train ride away, but it's quite a distance from Shin-Aomori Station, the Shinkansen terminus, taking nearly an hour. This late September visit to Owani Onsen might have been off-season, but the temperature was pleasant, the crowds were sparse, and the hot spring village surrounding the station was tranquil. If you make a reservation in advance, the hotel's shuttle bus will pick you up at Owani Onsen Station, a roughly 10-minute ride away (though I later discovered the hotel is also a 20-minute walk, which is still quite close).
But upon entering the hotel, the popularity of the Hoshino Resorts became apparent. The lobby was nearly full upon check-in, instantly diminishing the sense of tranquility. The hotel is small, but with 40 rooms, it feels much more commercialized than a traditional Japanese onsen hotel. There are no private baths, and the public baths aren't rotated, and the bathing environment is quite ordinary, with absolutely no special features. This kind of arrangement shouldn't be found in a high-end hotel focused on hot springs.
I stayed two nights, with two nights and four meals. Meals rotate, as is typical at most hot spring hotels. However, the first day's meal was better than the second. Overall, the dining experience was only mid-range for this price range. Perhaps due to its proximity to the northern waters, the sashimi was decent, but the selection was mediocre. The other food was even less memorable.
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