Hoshino Resorts Japan: Complete Guide to All Properties

Hoshino Resorts is Japan's most prominent luxury hospitality group and operates a portfolio of properties that spans from ultra-luxury ryokan to accessible themed resorts designed around specific Japanese cultural experiences. Founded in 1914 as a single hot spring inn in Karuizawa and now operating over 50 properties across Japan, Hoshino has built each brand around a distinct concept and target experience. Understanding which Hoshino Resorts brand suits your preferences and budget is the key to choosing correctly, as the price points range from around 15,000 yen per person at the more accessible OMO city properties to over 200,000 yen per person at the flagship Hoshinoya Kyoto. All Hoshino properties share a commitment to thoughtful design, cultural programming, and an immersive approach to place.

Hoshinoya: The Ultra-Luxury Brand

Hoshinoya is Hoshino's flagship luxury brand and represents some of the most beautiful resort experiences in Japan. Hoshinoya Kyoto, accessible only by boat along the Oi River and set within a forested gorge in Arashiyama, is frequently cited as one of the best hotels in the world. Each of its 25 rooms is a suite with floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding mountains, and the property has private outdoor baths, a full spa, and a kaiseki restaurant that sources ingredients from the property's forest terroir. Rates start at around 90,000 to 150,000 yen per person per night including breakfast.

Hoshinoya Tokyo is a vertical ryokan occupying a glass tower in central Tokyo, each floor a different experience: lower floors for onsen and dining, upper floors for rooms that combine modern architecture with traditional ryokan design. Hoshinoya Fuji is a glamping resort on Lake Kawaguchi with views of Mount Fuji, blending outdoor adventure with luxury accommodation. Hoshinoya Okinawa opened recently with an overwater architecture inspired by the Ryukyu islands.

Kai, Risonare, and OMO Brands Explained

• Hoshinoya: ultra-luxury ryokan and resorts, from 90,000 yen per person per night
• Kai: mid-luxury onsen ryokan in regional Japan, from 35,000 to 60,000 yen per person
• Risonare: family-oriented resort hotels with activities and outdoor programs, from 25,000 yen per person
• OMO: city hotels for active urban explorers, from 12,000 to 25,000 yen per room
• BEB: social relaxation hotels for groups and younger travelers, from 8,000 yen per person

The Kai brand operates traditional onsen ryokan in some of Japan's most famous hot spring areas. Kai Nikko, Kai Hakone, Kai Matsumoto, and Kai Ito are among the most popular locations. Each Kai property draws on regional crafts, ingredients, and cultural traditions to create a distinct local identity while maintaining consistent service standards. The Kai properties are accessible at lower price points than Hoshinoya and are a strong recommendation for first-time ryokan guests who want quality without the maximum investment.

The OMO brand is Hoshino's most accessible and is designed for travelers who want a hotel that serves as a base for urban exploration rather than an immersive destination in itself. OMO hotels feature resident neighborhood experts called OMO Rangers who run free walking tours and local experience programs. OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka and OMO7 Asahikawa are particularly well-regarded. For budget-to-mid-range travelers who want the Hoshino service philosophy without the full ryokan price point, OMO delivers excellent value.