If you also love the idea of a water-side getaway, I’d definitely recommend a trip to Oirase Gorge in northeastern Japan and a stay at Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel.
You can listen to the soft rain falling on the leaves and grass, and drift off to sleep with the gentle sound of the stream. It’s incredibly relaxing.
The hotel’s facilities and service were excellent. What stood out most to me, besides the art installation in the lobby, were the welcome apple tea, the apple wall in the restaurant 🍎, and the apple desserts.
The air was filled with phytoncides, the earthy scent of the soil, and the sweet aroma of apples. It was truly healing!
Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs)
A historical hot spring resort located in Minami-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, also known as the inner city of the large Sapporo metropolis. It has been designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park for more than 150 years since the hot spring opened. The hot spring resort extends along the riverbanks carved by the Shirai River and the Toyohira River.
Jozankei Onsen, near Sapporo, is a well-known hot spring town in Hokkaido, often called Sapporo’s backyard retreat. It’s famous for the beautiful Toyohira River gorge scenery. Staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying an authentic sulfur hot spring bath is highly recommended.
As you stroll through the hot spring town, you’ll spot cute kappa everywhere, along with lots of kappa-themed souvenirs and keepsakes.
You can also enjoy water activities. Even beginners who can’t swim can easily have fun paddling, getting close to the water and the forest while surrounded by lush green mountains and clear streams—it’s such a joyful experience!
After night falls, listen to the sound of the stream under the soft lights, and in the dreamy glow, you might just have an unexpected encounter with a kappa. -
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Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.
Mt. Tengu is located on the outskirts of Otaru. After taking the ropeway up, you can enjoy one of Hokkaido’s top three night views.
The mountain was pleasantly cool and lush with greenery, and the beautiful scenery stretched out before us. No wonder movies like Love Letter and First Love were filmed here.
I hope I can visit again next time. Going up in the evening would probably let us stay until the city lights start to glow... -
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Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.
Otaru’s shopping street has more than just famous sweets and souvenir shops like LeTAO, Rokkatei, and Kitakaro. There are also glass shops and music box stores where you can really feel the art and culture.
Walking around the streets of Otaru and checking out all the well-known shops, you’re bound to come across a souvenir or keepsake you’ll fall in love with at first sight.
Since it was a holiday, there was a long line at the kerosene lamp café, so I took a photo by the sign as a little souvenir of my visit. -
