100 TRIP STORIES by Hoshino Resort

DESTINATIONS

Six destinations of the project.

As part of the 100 TRIP STORIES initiative,
Hoshino Resorts has selected properties in areas that offer uniquely Japanese
cultural experiences and unrivalled scenic beauty.

There are six areas in total. These are: the vast natural plains of Hokkaido, famous for its superb powder snow; Aomori with one of Japan's most popular festivals, the Nebuta Matsuri, and an array of age-old traditional folk craft; Toshogu Shrine located in Nikko & surrounding areas of Tochigi Prefecture and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Hakone & Atami area just a stone’s throw from Tokyo and renowned for its tranquil hot springs and traditional Japanese onsen culture; the onsen-bathing monkeys and ski slopes of former Winter Olympics host-city Nagano; and the reef-fringed islands and resorts of Okinawa and Yaeyama mountain region famous for its unique and colorful local cuisine, music and architecture.

THE HOKKAIDO AREA - The Big Snowy Island -

The big island located at Japan's northern extremity.
The vast wilderness, a winter wonderland, and seafood treasure trove.

Hokkaido, the expansive island located at Japan's northernmost tip, transforms into a winter wonderland from November to April each year as the cold air drifts down from Siberia bringing the snow with it. The quality of snow is famous the world over, and each year ski-enthusiasts flock there to enjoy the powder ski slopes. The boundless snow-bleached plains of Hokkaido are breathtaking and visitors will be sure to take home many memories to last a lifetime. Every February, Hokkaido’s capital hosts the Sapporo Snow Festival where splendid snow and ice sculptures line the main street turning the city into a winter wonderland. Accounting for one fifth of the country’s land yet home to only 5% of the population, Hokkaido boasts vast unspoiled natural wilderness and an abundance of fresh seafood. It is the perfect location to enjoy the finest seafood Japan has to offer.

ACCOMMODATIONS

TOMAMU THE TOWER

We will cover major transportation costs for you during your stay with us.

Includes:

  • A 3-night stay at at TOMAMU THE TOWER
  • Round trip airfare between Haneda and Chitose airports
  • [Access between Chitose Airport and TOMAMU]
    A, Round trip  public transportation fare OR B, 4 days rent-a-car pick up and drop off at Chitose A.P
    *Please note petrol price is not included on this tour.

THE AOMORI AREA - Home of the biggest traditional festival: Nebuta -

The northernmost point of Japan’s main island
Surrounded by priceless natural and cultural heritage.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the world-famous Nebuta Festival.

Located some 600kms north of Tokyo as the crow flies, the Aomori area is home to the world's largest virgin forest of beech trees in the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains, the picturesque mountain stream and national park of Oirase, and the scenic beauty of Lake Towada-ko. The area offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the distinctive seasons showcased by the area’s rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and cascading rivers. Aomori is Japan’s top apple-producing region and people come from all over the world to get a taste of the apples grown there. The area has also retained an array of traditional folk art, festivals, and customs passed down through the generations and seldom seen in the urban areas of Japan these days. In particular, the Nebuta Festival is a must-see event that often appears on bucket lists of many of the locals. The festival’s gallantly decorated giant floats are paraded around the city amidst a sea of exuberant dancers.

ACCOMMODATIONS

AOMORIYA KAI TSUGARU OIRASE KEIRYU HOTEL

We will select one of the 3 hotels above for your 3-night stay. We will cover major transportation costs for you during your stay with us.

Includes:

  • A 3-night stay at one of the hotels/ryokans above
  • Fare for a JR EAST PASS
  • (* option: 4 days rent-a-car pick up and drop off at Hachinohe station .)
    **Please note petrol price is not included on this tour.

NIKKO & SURROUNDING AREAS - Shrines and Temples of the Shogun -

North of Tokyo is rich in history and nature’s gifts.
Home of the famous World Heritage Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

Located in the middle of Japan’s main island and just a stone’s throw from Tokyo, the Tochigi area is well known as the home of the World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and offers visitors a chance to see the types of Japanese architecture that they have likely seen in the movies and TV dramas. This area abounds in traditional Japanese arts and craftsmanship, and the area’s cultural significance can be felt by just seeing this place with your own eyes. Scattered throughout the region’s mountain ranges you will find many temples and shrines, Lake Chuzenji at an altitude of 1300m, the Kegon Falls with its splendid cascading stream of water, as well as many hot springs including Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen, where visitors can soothe their tired, well-traveled bodies after a day exploring the Heritage-listed and historic sites. Also, if you want to stretch your legs a little further afield, just north of Nikko is the Aizu area. There, you won't be able to miss the exquisite white-walled Tsuruga Castle which played an important role in Japanese history. You can enjoy a walk through the castle grounds, cruise the ski slopes in winter, or relax in a cozy hot onsen while watching the snow fall around you.

ACCOMMODATIONS

KAI KAWAJI KAI NIKKO

We will select one of the 2 hotels above for your 3-night stay. We will cover major transportation costs for you during your stay with us.

Includes:

  • A 3-night stay at one of the hotels/ryokans above
  • Fare for a JR EAST PASS
  • (* option: 4 days rent-a-car pick up and drop off at Utsunomiya station .)
    **Please note petrol price is not included on this tour.

HAKONE & ATAMI AREA - The onsen retreat of Shoguns -

A popular Japanese retreat since the days of the Samurai.
Relax in the hot springs and enjoy the first blossoms of the season.

With easy access from Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula boasts many well-established onsens, and has become a healing ground for the many visitors that flock there. Once you arrive, slip on one of the yukata robes, and wander through the streets lined with souvenirs and sweet stores. This prime location is hugely popular among locals and tourists alike as it offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, and the Pacific Ocean can be seen from many of the onsen ryokan in the area. You can also enjoy the delicious fresh seafood on offer. Thanks to the warm seaside climate, the local area is famous for being the corner of Japan where blossoms first bloom. There you can get a sneak peak at aromatic plum blossoms, boundless yellow fields of rapeseed blossoms, and cherry tree blossoms that line the streets.

ACCOMMODATIONS

KAI ATAMI RISONARE ATAMI KAI HAKONE

We will select one of the 3 hotels above for your 3-night stay. We will cover major transportation costs for you during your stay with us.

Includes:

  • A 3-night stay at one of the hotels/ryokans above
  • Fare for a JR EAST PASS

THE NAGANO AREA - The Japan Alps -

Highlands surrounded by famous mountain ranges.
Enjoy a day exploring the national parks and stay at one of the many onsens.

Located almost smack-bang in the middle of Japan's main island of Honshu, the Nagano area is almost at the center of the main routes between Japan’s major metros of Tokyo and Osaka, making it a must-see port of call on every travel itinerary. Former host to the Winter Olympic Games, Nagano naturally boasts some of Japan's best quality snow and variety of slopes as well as superb natural hot springs making it the ideal destination to check off two must-do experiences on your list: a day out on the slopes and staying at a traditional onsen ryokan (Japanese inn with hot springs). At the onsen ryokan, you can get a little taste of living like a local and take home some unforgettable memories by trying some typically Japanese experiences on offer such as Kaiseki cuisine, outdoor onsens, Japanese sake, sashimi, nabe hot pots, sunken fireplaces, kamado crockpot cooking, and pounding sticky rice. Incidentally, this is also the home of those famous Snow Monkeys you may have heard of that come down from the mountains to bathe in the onsens.

ACCOMMODATIONS

RISONARE
YATSUGATAKE
KAI MATSUMOTO KAI ALPS HOSHINOYA KARUIZAWA

We will select one of the 4 hotels above for your 3-night stay. We will cover major transportation costs for you during your stay with us.

Includes:

  • A 3-night stay at one of the hotels/ryokans above
  • Fare for a JR EAST PASS
  • (* option: 4 days rent-a-car pick up and drop off at Utsunomiya station .)
    **Please note petrol price is not included on this tour.

THE OKINAWA AREA - Japan's Tropical Paradise -

Japan's leading island resort destination.
Enjoy the picturesque coral sea and unique Yaeyama culture.

Okinawa is a chain of hundreds of tropical islands at the southernmost point of Japan. The Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture are the remotest part of Japan from the main islands. The islands are famous for being home to one of the world's largest coral reefs, second only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The stunning contrast of coral-formed white sandy beaches and the cobalt-blue ocean is often listed as one of the world's must-see landscapes. This divers’ mecca, which attracts marine-sports enthusiast from all over the world, is known as the place to see manta rays. Not only is this nature-lover's paradise a treasure trove of marine activities such as snorkeling and fishing, but it also offers rare and wonderful opportunities to experience the great outdoors such as canoeing through mangroves. Take a stroll around the island's streets lined with blooming hibiscus and bougainvillea while enjoying the distant sounds of the traditional Okinawan instrument, the Sanshin, or the local folk melodies. After enjoying the beaches, take time out to discover the unique native culture, mingle with the friendly locals, and savor every precious encounter.

ACCOMMODATIONS

HOSHINOYA
OKINAWA
RISONARE
KOHAMAJIMA

We will select one of the 3 hotels above for your 3-night stay. We will cover major transportation costs for you during your stay with us.

Includes:

  • A 3-night stay at one of the hotels above
  • Round trip airfare between Kansai International Airport and Ishigaki Airport
  • Ferry passes for between Ishigaki Island and remote surrounding islands
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