LUXURY hotel developer Hoshino Resorts is set to open its latest property in the town of Kinugawa, north of Tokyo, in November.
A ryokan-style estate built atop a low hill alongside a river, Hoshino Kai Kinugawa features 48 guest rooms decorated with local folk art, such as Mashiko earthenware and indigo dye. Twenty of the rooms are equipped with a private open-air bath overlooking the surrounding woodland.
“Our other Kai properties reflect the regional culture and cuisine in different parts of Japan. This time we wanted to focus on the culture of Tochigi Prefecture,” Fumi Miyauchi, a spokeswoman for Hoshino, told TTG Asia e-Daily. “Part of our aim was to enable visitors to feel and enjoy the charm of local handicrafts and the culture of the region during their stay.”
Hoshino anticipates that the property will appeal across age groups and expects to attract visitors from overseas as well. The hotel also offers a room for pets.
With the addition of the Kinugawa outpost, Hoshino Resorts will boost 13 Kai properties in operation, each consisting of fewer than 50 guest rooms.
