My First Hoshino Resorts Stay | Kai Anjin

Hello! I'm Koha☺︎

During the COVID-19 pandemic when I couldn't travel abroad, I found myself thinking, "I want to experience something special even within Japan..." and that's when Hoshino Resorts came to mind. I had always admired them, but I couldn't quite take the plunge because of the image that they were expensive... but finally! My first stay was at


Kai Anjin in Ito Onsen, Shizuoka Prefecture.

It's been about two years since then, but I'd like to write about it as a record･:*+

What kind of inn is Kai Anjin?

The "Kai" series by Hoshino Resorts is a brand of hot spring inns themed around "Japanese" style, located all over Japan. It is characterized by hospitality that makes the most of the local culture, traditions, and nature.

You can get away from your daily routine, experience traditional Japanese beauty and nature, and refresh both your mind and body. It's a recommended inn for those who want to spend a special time!

By the way, many of the "Kai" brand inns are named after their locations, such as "Kai Ito," but this "Anjin" is different. "Anjin" has a somewhat unusual ring to it, doesn't it?✽ Actually, this name comes from the English navigator


William Adams (Japanese name: Miura Anjin) . He is known as the first Westerner to arrive in Japan in the early Edo period, served Tokugawa Ieyasu, and has ties to the Ito area. In honor of that history, "Kai Anjin" is a hot spring inn with a design themed around the "sea" and "sea voyages"𓆉˖* Inside the building, the essence of "voyaging" is scattered everywhere, such as decorations using wood and rope, and designs inspired by ships. It feels like

an exciting adventure as if you've boarded a foreign ship


!

The start of an extraordinary experience from the moment you check in

From the moment you enter the hotel lobby, a space that feels like traveling the sea spreads out, and your extraordinary experience begins. Check-in was also very smooth, and they guided us to our room right away.

The room size was perfect. I could see the sea from the large window, and it felt like it would be a luxurious time even if I did nothing.

As a welcome sweet, Anjin's original shortbread (citrus flavor) was prepared in the room, and it was delicious! It was refreshing and light, and I was convinced that "the time ahead will definitely be a happy one"𖥍𖥍. The room key also had a charm with an anchor motif, which was very cute!

The food was so luxurious it was impressive

Dinner was a creative kaiseki meal using plenty of seasonal ingredients from Izu. The meals at "Kai" are centered around kaiseki cuisine that uses plenty of local ingredients, and

you can enjoy the unique flavors of the region .

What left an impression on me was the fresh sashimi and the fluffy eel rice! For the eel rice, there was a service where they would wrap up any leftovers as onigiri for you to eat in your room, and this kind of thoughtfulness was very kind and appreciated. Moreover, since I told them it was a birthday celebration for my companion, they prepared a dessert plate with a message, which moved me...⚘⋱. Furthermore, I ordered a tasting set of local sake, which really boosted the travel mood.

The starry sky terrace and limited-time events were also the best

At night, after my bath, I went to the starry sky terrace. When I went out to the rooftop, the breeze felt good, and I spent a relaxing time gazing blankly at the night sky. Illuminated by the soft light of candles, it was a truly luxurious time. Since I went in the summer, there was also a limited-time shaved ice event being held on the terrace. The happiness of eating shaved ice with original syrup while feeling the cool sea breeze...! Also, in the lobby, there was a tea service from various countries that Miura Anjin traveled to. As a travel lover, this is quite exciting♪

The hot springs and breakfast were also very satisfying!

All guest rooms are equipped with open-air baths or hot spring baths, and we were able to enjoy the hot springs in our own private space. Also, partly because it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, the large public bath was spacious and not crowded, so I was able to relax.

Breakfast had a wide variety of items and was well-balanced◎. It was beautiful to look at, and I felt fully satisfied from the morning𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡

What is Hoshino Resorts actually like?

And just like that, my first-ever Hoshino Resorts trip came to an end.

The price is definitely on the higher side, but the staff's hospitality, the perfection of the space, and the quality of the food...I felt that everything was 'worth more than the price.'The 'KAI' series, in particular, is at a relatively accessible price point within Hoshino Resorts, making it perfect for those who want to 'treat themselves a little' or 'stay at a Hoshino Resort for the first time.'

KAI Anjin was truly a

“rewarding inn” where you can enjoy hot springs, the ocean, and cultural experiences!

Summary | A memorable inn I want to stay at again

It was a stay that made me realize how luxurious it is to enjoy time doing absolutely nothing.

Relaxing in the bath, being soothed by gazing at the stars, eating delicious food—a perfect 1-night, 2-day trip for something a little special ˖* ⋈

'Which KAI should I stay at next?'
I find myself looking at the Hoshino Resorts website more often with that thought in mind, and I've officially dipped one foot into the Hoshino Resorts obsession. Haha.