[Japan Aomori Hotel Review] Immersion in Aomori: A Stay at Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

There are hotels that serve simply as a place to sleep, and then there are destinations that redefine the very concept of travel. Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel belongs firmly in the latter category. Situated within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in northern Japan, this is the sole resort located directly along the banks of the magnificent Oirase Mountain Stream. On my recent trip to Aomori, I had the privilege of checking into this nature-infused sanctuary, and I am excited to share the details of a stay that feels less like a hotel visit and more like living inside a landscape painting.

Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

Lobby / Sitting area

Room Tour: The "Stream Japanese-style Room"

Upon sliding open the door to our accommodations, the "Stream Japanese-style Room," the first thing that strikes you is the sophisticated interplay of shadow and light. As you step into the foyer, distinctively lined with dark, textured wallpaper and warm wood accents, the chaotic energy of travel immediately dissipates. The design is quintessentially Hoshino: modern and sleek, yet deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics. A contemporary entryway features a long, minimalist wooden bench and open shelving for shoes, immediately inviting you to slip off your footwear and transition into a state of relaxation.

Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

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Spacious entryway

Shoe Storage Area/Indoor Slippers

The main living and sleeping area is a masterclass in spatial design, particularly for groups or families. We stayed in a setup designed for four guests, featuring low-profile, cloud-like beds arranged on a raised tatami platform. This layout, separated from the entrance by elegant vertical wooden slats, creates a sense of privacy without sacrificing the room's airy feel. The beds are incredibly plush, offering the comfort of Western mattresses with the cultural charm of traditional futon positioning. Facing the beds is a wide window area equipped with a long, curved sofa filled with textured cushions. Even in the evening darkness, sitting here feels intimate and cozy, perfect for sipping tea while looking out toward the silent forest.

Sleeping area

Beds for four / Tatami platform

Wide Window / sofa area

The functional amenities in the room are hidden away with clever discretion to maintain the visual calm. A dark wooden console houses a sleek flat-screen television and essential connectivity information, while the open-concept wardrobe reveals the resort’s signature attention to detail. Inside, we found a neat arrangement of towels, a safe, and most importantly, the hotel’s "Samue"—traditional Japanese relaxation wear. These indigo two-piece outfits are provided for guests to wear everywhere in the hotel, from the lobby to the restaurant, truly making you feel at home. There is also a dedicated vanity area with a desk and mirror, perfect for getting ready in the morning.

TV / Long desk

Dressing table

Wordrobe

Japanese bathrobe

The bathroom facilities are separated into distinct spaces, a standard and highly appreciated feature in high-end Japanese hospitality. The vanity area is chic and well-lit, featuring a round vessel sink and premium amenities in amber bottles. The toilet is housed in its own private cubicle with light wood paneling and a high-tech Toto washlet. While the room does not feature a bathtub, it offers a spacious, modern shower room with dark tiling, a high-pressure rainfall showerhead, and a handheld wand. The lack of a private tub is hardly a drawback, as the resort encourages guests to utilize the spectacular public onsen baths.

Vanity area

Dresssing mirror

Onsen Basket with Towels

Separate Toilet with Washlet

Shower room

Keiryu Onsen: Soaking in the View

No trip to Aomori is complete without experiencing an onsen (hot spring), and the "Keiryu Onsen" here is nothing short of spectacular. Located within the hotel, the entrance is marked by glowing signage that simply reads "Keiryu Open-air Onsen," promising a direct connection with nature. The experience is designed to be seamless; right outside the bath entrance, there is a well-maintained hydration station with cold water dispensers and resting benches, ensuring you stay hydrated before and after your soak.

The baths are open from early morning (6:00–11:30) until late at night (14:30–24:00), with a midday break for cleaning. I highly recommend visiting twice: once in the early morning to watch the sunrise filter through the trees, and once at night to bathe under the stars. The outdoor bath projects out towards the Oirase stream, offering an infinity-pool-like effect where the hot water seems to merge with the flowing river below. In winter, this transforms into the famed "Ice Waterfall Onsen," where you can soak in steaming thermal waters while surrounded by frozen, snow-draped cliffs—a surreal contrast of fire and ice that is exclusive to this season.

Keiryu Onsen

Opening hour

The Heart of the Hotel: "Forest of Myths" and Scenic Lounges

Stepping out of the privacy of the guest rooms, the hotel reveals its true centerpiece: the "Lounge Forest of Myths." This space is dominated by a breathtaking, monumental bronze fireplace that stretches toward the high ceiling, intricately carved with motifs of forest spirits and nature. The genius of this space lies in its backdrop; a massive wall of glass frames the actual Oirase forest behind the artwork, blurring the line between art and reality. It is the perfect spot to sit with a coffee, basking in the warmth of the fire while watching the snow fall gently on the trees outside.

Lounge Forest of Myths

Piano and violin concert

For those seeking a quieter corner to read or simply daydream, the hotel offers various seating pockets designed for observation. We found a lovely area in the West Building featuring plush orange sofas positioned directly against floor-to-ceiling windows. The contrast of the warm, vibrant furniture against the cool, white winter landscape creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The design throughout the public spaces is consistent, with spacious lobbies featuring earthy green, moss-inspired seating areas that mimic the forest floor, ensuring that even when you are indoors, you feel connected to the greenery of Aomori.

Reading area with snow view

Outdoor sitting area

Reading area

Coffee and tea

A Sanctuary for Connection and "Slow Life"

What I love most about Oirase Keiryu Hotel is how it facilitates quiet family moments. The architecture essentially forces you to slow down. Back in our room, the large picture window became a natural television for us. There is something profoundly peaceful about watching children captivated by the flowing stream and the winter scenery right from the tatami mats. It was a joy to see different generations—grandmother and grandchild—sitting side by side on the window-side sofa, sharing a quiet moment while sketching or simply looking out at the bare trees and river rocks. This is the "Keiryu-slower life" in action; no itinerary is needed when the view is this commanding.

Family time

Aomori Apple Kitchen: A Feast for the Senses

Dining at Hoshino Resorts is not just a meal; it is a celebration of Aomori’s most famous export—the apple. The main dining venue, "Aomori Apple Kitchen," creates an immediate visual impact with its warm, wooden lattice ceiling and whimsical decor featuring glass apples and trees laden with red fruit. The atmosphere is vibrant yet sophisticated, with the aroma of grilling meats and fresh pastries filling the air, inviting guests to indulge in a buffet experience that far exceeds standard hotel fare.

Dinner is a theatrical affair where the line between chef and guest blurs. The highlight is undoubtedly the live cooking stations, where skilled chefs meticulously prepare dishes right before your eyes. We were particularly impressed by the roast beef station, where chefs carve tender, juicy slices to order. The hot food selection is extensive and diverse, ranging from Western-style comforts like Chicken Diavolo to rich seafood creations, all presented in heavy iron skillets that keep the food piping hot. Even the salad bar embraces the local theme, offering fresh greens and apple-infused specialties amidst a beautiful display of red glass art.

Breakfast at the Apple Kitchen offers a delightful reason to wake up early. The morning light floods the restaurant, illuminating a spread that perfectly balances Japanese and Western favorites. The live kitchen transforms to offer two signature morning dishes that you absolutely must try: a fluffy, decadent French Toast and a savory Scallop and Kelp Ramen, the latter providing a gentle, warming start to a cold winter day. For those who prefer a continental breakfast, the bakery section is stocked with golden croissants and pastries, accompanied by dispensers filled with fresh juices, including, of course, premium Aomori apple juice.

Practical Amenities and Accessibility

While the hotel excels in atmosphere, it does not compromise on practical conveniences, which is a relief for families on longer trips. Hidden away from the aesthetic grandeur are the essential facilities that make a stay seamless. For those of us traveling with kids or light luggage, the on-site coin laundry room is a lifesaver, equipped with multiple stacked washer and dryer units. The hallways are also thoughtfully equipped with utility stations, offering ice machines and water dispensers for hydration, as well as designated smoking rooms tucked away behind discreet glass doors.

Laundry room

Ice machine / Water dispenser / Smoking room

Given the hotel’s secluded location within a national park, accessibility is handled effortlessly via the hotel's free shuttle bus service, the "White Rosa". Connecting guests to major transport hubs like Aomori Station or Hachinohe Station, the shuttle is clean and comfortable, making the transfer through the snowy mountain roads a stress-free part of the journey.

Free shuttle

Snow walk

Final Thoughts: Seasonality and Planning

Planning a trip to Oirase Keiryu requires a bit of strategy regarding the calendar. Pricing follows the traditional Ryokan model—per person, including meals—and fluctuates dynamically. Expect premium rates during the peak Autumn foliage season (October) and the lush "Fresh Green" season (May-June). However, the winter season offers a more competitive rate and a magical atmosphere of snow and ice that is truly underrated.

For families, it is important to note that Hoshino Resorts has specific child policies. Generally, younger children (under 4-6) may co-sleep for a minimal fee, but elementary school-aged children are typically charged at a percentage of the adult rate and provided with their own bedding and meals. Always check the official booking engine for the most current age brackets.

Staying here is not just about checking off a bucket list item; it is about reconnecting with the rhythm of nature. Whether you are watching the snow fall from the "Forest of Myths" or enjoying a bowl of Scallop Ramen, Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel offers an escape that stays with you long after you check out.

Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

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Aomori Hotel Reviews:

Hotel Mystays Aomori Station

Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

Hotel JAL City Aomori (Summer)

Hotel JAL City Aomori (Winter)

Toyoko Inn Aomori Station

Dormy Inn Hirosaki Hotel

See also:

2026 Aomori Travel Guide (by Trip.com)