Autumn in Japan is always a magical season—vivid reds, oranges, and yellows transforming landscapes into living paintings. But this year, Mother Nature decided to delay the peak of fall colors, giving travelers a rare extended window to enjoy Japan’s autumn splendor. Thanks to warmer-than-usual October temperatures, the Japan Weather Association predicts that many regions, including Kyoto, will see their momiji (autumn leaves) stay vibrant well into December. This late bloom means more time for travelers to explore Japan’s scenic spots while experiencing the seasonal beauty that makes the country’s autumn so unforgettable. And what better way to indulge in this extended season than with Hoshino Resorts’ carefully curated programs that celebrate Japan’s natural and cultural landscapes? Let’s explore some of the most enchanting experiences across their properties. Kyoto’s Quiet Charm: Late-Season Stays at HOSHINOYA Kyoto One of the most iconic fall destinations in Japan is Kyoto, where timeless temples and traditional streets are framed by spectacular foliage. HOSHINOYA Kyoto, nestled in the serene Oku-Arashiyama, offers an intimate retreat with rooms facing the lush slopes of Mount Ogura. This mountain often retains its colors longer than Kyoto’s city center—sometimes into mid-December—making it ideal for late-autumn visits. Guests staying here can start their day with a traditional matcha in the floating tea pavilion over the Ōi River. As the leaves change, the peaceful river scenery and the vibrant maple trees create a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation. Dinner is served in an enchanting garden setting, illuminated by soft lighting that accentuates the fiery colors of a century-old maple tree. The following morning, breakfast on the hotel’s houseboat, Hisui, offers a unique experience. As the boat gently cruises upstream, guests enjoy seasonal hotpot dishes while passing by historic villas once enjoyed by court nobles. This program is designed to harmonize with the natural rhythm of autumn, allowing visitors to savor the changing scenery at their own pace. Tip: Visiting in late November or early December gives you a chance to enjoy Kyoto’s foliage at its peak—especially in less crowded, more secluded spots around HOSHINOYA. Aomori’s Apple Harvest and Nebuta Festival: Nature and Culture in Harmony In Misawa, Aomoriya Resort embodies a charming blend of natural beauty and local tradition. Surrounded by apple orchards, horses, and Nebuta festival halls, this family-friendly hot spring resort offers a distinctive late-autumn experience rooted in regional culture. During November, the resort hosts the Jawamegu Apple Festival, featuring apple-themed activities like apple golf, harvest rallies, and “apple bacha”—a hot spring bath infused with fresh Aomori apples. Visitors can also enjoy the Koyo Apple Carriage, a peaceful horse-drawn ride through the orchards that lingers into early December. The region’s lower elevations, such as Misawa, tend to hold onto their colorful leaves longer than higher-altitude areas, providing a prolonged autumn display. As the season transitions in December, Aomoriya shifts into its winter programming, showcasing the region’s dynamic culture with Nebuta lantern floats, illuminated at night around the grounds. The hotpot menu also features Nebuta-inspired dishes, adding a festive touch to the end of the apple season. Tip: If you’re visiting Japan in late November or early December, don’t miss the chance to experience Aomori’s rich harvest traditions and vibrant winter festivals. Tokyo’s Hidden Gem: Hoshino Resorts OMO Tokyo and HOSHINOYA Tokyo While Tokyo is renowned for its bustling streets and vibrant city life, Hoshino Resorts offers an oasis of calm right in the heart of the metropolis. HOSHINOYA Tokyo, with its traditional tatami rooms and access to natural hot spring waters from 1,500 meters underground, provides a peaceful escape amid urban energy. The “Breath of Night Calm” program, ideal for late-autumn and winter, invites guests to unwind with onsen baths, breathing exercises on the rooftop, and quiet moments in the OCHANOMA lounge. These experiences are designed to help guests adapt to the shorter days and cooler temperatures, making them perfect for late November and December visits. Similarly, Hoshino Resorts’ urban OMO Tokyo offers a more dynamic experience, blending local neighborhood culture with modern comforts for city explorers seeking quality travel experiences. Tip: Visiting Tokyo during late autumn allows you to enjoy the city’s subtle seasonal changes, especially through parks like Shinjuku Gyoen or the Imperial Palace gardens. Embracing Winter at Hoshino Resorts Fuji As autumn fades, the view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi becomes especially striking. Hoshino Resorts Fuji offers a “Praying for Good Fortune” stay, beginning with an early morning canoe ride on the lake to witness the sunrise illuminating Mount Fuji. The early December period offers clear skies, making it an ideal time for photography and peaceful reflection. Guests can visit a local shrine at the mountain’s foot, offering prayers for good fortune, and enjoy a breakfast featuring ingredients associated with luck and prosperity. The scenery around the hotel transforms with the seasons, offering a stunning backdrop for any visit. Tip: Secure a cabin with a view of Mount Fuji for the best winter vistas—an experience that combines natural beauty with local customs. Final Thoughts: Why Late Autumn in Japan Is a Travel Dream Thanks to climate variations this year, Japan’s autumn has extended its colorful display into December, providing a unique opportunity for travelers to enjoy the season longer. Hoshino Resorts’ diverse properties across the country beautifully showcase this late-autumn magic, blending nature, culture, and wellness. Whether you’re wandering Kyoto’s quiet temples, exploring Aomori’s harvest traditions, or relaxing in Tokyo’s tranquil ryokans, Japan’s late fall is truly a special time to visit. Plan your trip during this extended window—an authentic, scenic, and culturally rich experience awaits. For more information on their seasonal programs and reservations, visit Hoshino Resorts.

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Discover the Best Sakura Themed Experiences on your Journey from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto.  Cherry blossoms, known in Japan as Sakura, are usually in full bloom for only one week. After blossoming in full, the most beautiful and final stage is celebrated by locals and tourists alike, as the small petals flutter gracefully from their trees onto the ground. The Japanese cherish the cherry blossoms during this special period, as they celebrate this notable event. Discover the best places to witness the change of these beautiful trees by immersing yourself in unforgettable experiences as we take you on an 8-stop journey to our luxurious hotels from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto. Stop #1 – Culinary Delights at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo Make your first stop this Sakura season and enjoy some carefully crafted specialties at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo with a themed Sakura Afternoon Tea, as you sip on a delightful cocktail while watching the magic unfold. To mark these celebrations, the culinary team has prepared special Sakura Kaiseki bento boxes and hampers, as well as the Sakura frozen soufflé that will have you dancing under the trees. Not just any trees, but trust the Concierge in the know to recommend the nicest cherry blossoming spots on the way to your next stop. Stop #2 – Palatial Beauty & Cooling Cocktails in Tokyo Gaze at the falling petals near the Imperial Palace located in large park-like grounds filled with cherry trees. Embrace the moment as you are this close to the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. As you reach your next stop, treat yourself to a “Gallery Flower” at the Sky Gallery Lounge Levita or The Bar Illumiid at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, A Luxury Collection Hotel. A Champagne cocktail featuring a subtle cherry blossom flavour of sparkling ice and jelly, accentuated by a bright red flower. Stop #3 – Best Sakura Viewing Spots in Osaka Let the fluttering beauties lead you to Osaka next and let the Concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka take over. Visit Osaka Castle Park, as the castle’s main tower becomes the perfect backdrop to view the 3,000 cherry blossom trees. You will be mesmerised by the water, greenery and 4,700 cherry trees built on a river terrace at Kema Sakuranomiya Park or Riverside Park, which is located in the aqua metropolis of Osaka. Mid-April, the gates to the cherry garden of The Osaka Mint Bureau are opened to the public for a one week period, so do not miss the opportunity to view the elegance of over 100 varieties of cherry trees. Stop #4 – Time to get pampered at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka Pamper yourself at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka in one of the hotel’s luxurious suites and make the Sakura experience a “Cherry Blossom Suite Stay”. Enjoy a Strawberry Afternoon Tea with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot’s Rosé Champagne while viewing the spectacle from your room. Or make it a “Spring Stay with Sakura Sweets”, savouring Chef Hiroyuki Matsuo’s homemade Sakura sweets box and a special Sakura Cocktail. Stop #5 – A blossoming afternoon at The St. Regis Osaka Another luxurious option is to delight in a seasonal selection of Afternoon Tea specialties reflecting Japan’s most celebrated season at The St. Regis Osaka. Fresh pink Sakura coloured pastries are contrasted with black scones and cookies made with activated charcoal, a perfect way to experience a detox effect while indulging. Feel the Spring while enjoying these guilt-free sweets and savories. Stop #6 – Photo opportunities in Kyoto After your journey through Tokyo and Osaka, it is time to travel away from the crowds and the tourists to appreciate the beautiful cherry blossom season in Kyoto. Visit Konoetei (Imperial Palace), Miyagawacho and Konkai Koumyouji to view the blossom extravaganza. For photo enthusiasts, take a gate shot at the Hirano Shrine with the Sakura in the foreground, or explore the first gate of the Kamigamo Shrine, Suika Tenmangu or Nakaragi Street. Stop #7 – Taste the Spring at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Revel in the season with “Spring Temptations”, granting you valuable food and beverage credits at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Whether you choose dinner in Mizuki for authentic Japanese cuisine, tastes of Italy at La Locanda, a cocktail at The Bar or Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge, this once a year event will surely create memorable moments. Stop #8 – Tea Ceremony at Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto A trip through Japan is never complete without having experienced a traditional Tea Ceremony. Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto Introduces Randy Chanel, Canadian Tea Master who will conduct this ceremony under a bloomed cherry blossom tree in Suiran’s main Japanese Garden, allowing you to be as close as you can get to the petal spectacle. Then savour the tastes of Japan in the awe-inspiring Afternoon Tea Sets, as the oldest Japanese confectionary shop “Kameya Yoshinaga” presents its authentic and traditional Japanese sweets. Enjoy Japan, enjoy Sakura!

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Five dynamic destinations across Japan offer unprecedented access to the nation’s hidden natural beauty and deep cultural heritage. Marriott International, Inc. and Japan’s leading lodging company Mori Trust Group announced the upcoming opening of five Marriott Hotels resorts across Japan this summer. Located in Japan’s most scenic destinations, the resorts give access to areas of the country that are known to few international travelers. From the picturesque lake area at the base of Mount Fuji to the Shuzenzi hot springs resort town situated in the Izu Peninsula, the resorts collectively offer more than 800 rooms and showcase exciting new destinations to a new generation of globetrotters. “We are thrilled to be working alongside Mori Trust in growing Marriott Hotels’ footprint in Japan,” said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand Marketing, Asia Pacific at Marriott International. “These five dynamic resorts are going to expand the mind and spark new ways of thinking about Japan as a travel destination. The properties will let guests venture beyond the well-trodden metropolises and tourist hubs without compromising on modern comforts and access to technology.” “In an era of discovery and adventure, these resorts speak to the new generation of travelers looking for a unique experience. We encourage our guests to relax and rejuvenate by providing aesthetically pleasing spaces that help them make the most out of their visit,” said Matthew Carroll, Vice President, Marriott Hotels. “Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in travel to inspire and foster our guests’ creativity.” Located in Nagano, less than two hours by train away from central Tokyo, Karuizawa is where city-dwellers find refuge in eco-tours, healing hot springs and local cuisine. Karuizawa Marriott Hotel will feature 136 modern-designed rooms with a distinctive Japanese sensibility. The Grill & Dining G restaurant, dynamic fitness center, onsen and spa will further bring out the distinctive cultural influences of this mountain retreat. Guests can relax while taking in the picturesque white sandy beaches and mountain trails when visiting the Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel. Set against rugged scenery and beaches from which to admire memorable sunsets, the hotel will feature 182 stylish rooms as well as two restaurants that serve the freshest seafood. A ballroom and versatile meeting facilities enable innovative and creative event set ups while proximity to nature and onsite hot springs, an outdoor pool and scenic gardens allow guests the ability to mix work and play while still enjoying the convenience of technology. Located at the largest of the five lakes at the base of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka will unveil stunning vistas of the iconic national landmark. The hotel will serve as a prime spot for visiting shrines and dynamic natural attractions, meanwhile the 105 tranquil guestrooms, on-site restaurant, hot springs, a fitness center and spa plus tennis courts provide thoughtful activities for guests to experience. Located West of Tokyo along the Pacific coastline, Shuzenzi is a hot springs resort town nestled in the densely wooded hills of the Izu Peninsula – an area dotted with ancient temples and bamboo groves. It’s now also home to Izu Marriott Hotel Shuzenzi, a 128-room hotel with interiors adorned with modern décor influenced with authentic touches. The restaurant will serve regional Japanese cuisine and international favorites, meanwhile the Grand Ballroom is ideal for celebrating special events. The resort will also feature diverse wellness options including a stone sauna, a fitness center and spa, as well as famed hot springs, golf courses and tennis courts nearby. In Western Japan, just a stone throw’s away from Kyoto, is Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel. Situated along the banks of Japan’s largest lake, the hotel offers 274 rooms with breathtaking views, natural hot springs and is poised to become a wellness destination for local and international travelers. Guests will experience the region’s celebrated local cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, stroll along the streets to witness the mix of traditional and western style architecture, and plan a celebration at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom or in the hotel’s private chapel. In addition to accessing authentic cultural experiences and modern innovations, digital-savvy solutions have been integrated to meet the needs of always-connected travelers. Mori Trust has linked all five distinctive Marriott hotels in Japan onto their digital platform www.JapaTabi.com “In order to promote these uniquely scenic locations featuring our country’s traditions, regional cuisines and modern art and design, we have created JapaTabi.com, an inventive online platform to share these destinations,” announced Miwako Date, President, Mori Trust Group. “Vivid video footage and beautifully navigable content will guide travelers to uncover the gems Japan has to offer, with Marriott Hotels as their host.” The multi-lingual website by Mori Trust is one more inventive tool that provides guests with thoughtful concierge recommendations on all five resort destinations. In partnership with Mori Trust, these five resorts located in thoughtful and surprising areas will give travelers unprecedented access and insight into Japan’s natural beauty, culture and history, matched with the modern comforts and stylish designs that are at the core of Marriott Hotels brand.

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