Traveling to Owani, Aomori: An Unbeatable, Crowd-Free Authentic Hot Spring Getaway at Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru
On this trip, we traveled to Owani Town in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, and stayed at Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru. If you're looking to enjoy an authentic hot spring and escape the crowds, this place is absolutely unbeatable! Hidden away in the mountains and forests, the hotel is surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The moment you arrive, you instantly switch into true vacation mode—no dealing with crowds, glaring highway lights, or chaotic check-ins.
The location is very convenient. Situated in the renowned Owani Onsen area, you can easily take the JR train to Owani Onsen Station, and if you notify the hotel in advance, they provide a shuttle service. Whether you're driving or taking public transport, it's hassle-free. It's only about an hour's drive from downtown Aomori City, with plenty of niche attractions nearby. If you visit around winter time, seeing the hotel and wilderness blanketed in snow makes you feel like the main character in a Japanese drama, and that's no exaggeration.
Compared to regular hotels, KAI Tsugaru's biggest selling point is undoubtedly its signature apple hot spring. Soaking in an open-air bath filled with floating Aomori apples while breathing in the subtle, sweet aroma completely relaxes your body and mind—it's an exclusive experience you definitely won't find elsewhere. Both the indoor and outdoor baths are immaculately maintained, with thorough disinfection and frequent water changes, so you can feel completely at ease about the hygiene. The yukatas provided in the rooms are also incredibly comfortable. As for the rooms, they feature traditional Japanese tatami designs. Sliding open the doors reveals a picturesque view of the forest or a thick layer of winter snow, which is extremely relaxing.
The dinner and the hotel's overall design are equally praiseworthy. The Kaiseki cuisine uses fresh ingredients and is exquisitely presented—it's so delicious you won't want to leave a single grain of rice behind. Additionally, there is a live Tsugaru Shamisen performance every night. Combined with the ambiance of the Japanese-style garden, it's something you can truly sit back and savor. The staff are incredibly friendly, explaining all the facilities one by one during check-in and helping with luggage. You can ask them anything anytime without any pressure.
If you have some free time during the day, you can drop by the nearby Owani Ski Resort for some skiing, or visit the Owani Onsen Morning Market to try some local snacks. Fans of hot spring culture must give this a try: soaking in the baths at night while stargazing, listening to the wind and snow. You can step out to cool off and then hop right back in. Honestly, just staying at the hotel is enough to keep you fully entertained for a whole day.
Booking Tips: Hoshino Resorts are highly popular, so booking well in advance is recommended during peak seasons. They offer Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and family suites. Be mindful of the daily cleaning and disinfection schedule for the apple hot spring, and plan your dips around those times for the best experience. The Owani area boasts distinct seasonal landscapes—whether it's admiring the autumn foliage or viewing the winter snow, the vibe is always incredibly atmospheric.
Travel Tips: Dining options around the hotel are somewhat limited, so it's highly recommended to book your dinner at the hotel. If you're driving in winter, snow accumulation is common, so make sure to bring ice cleats or rent a car equipped with snow tires. With the available shuttle bus, you won't have to worry about transportation issues, making it an easy trip even for independent travelers.