2020年1月11日 星期六

Wineshark Hotel Stay - Oirase Keiryu Hotel 奥入瀬渓流ホテル

Address: 青森県十和田市大字奥瀬字栃久保231

Tel: 017-651-1117

Website: https://www.oirase-keiryuu.jp/

Date of Visit: 2 Nov 2019

The Oirase Keiryu (奥入瀬渓流) is part of the Towada-Hachimantai (十和田八幡平) National Park, and is designated both as a place of special scenic beauty and as a natural treasure. The location is one of the most picturesque in all of Japan as its clear stream and deep forest provide a beauty scenery painted with the various colours of each season, forever charming the people who come to see it.


After finishing a truly wonderful hike there, we drove for a short distance to Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, the only hotel located in the vicinity of the stream, where guests can enjoy the extraordinary space provided by the great nature of Oirase. The hotel is certainly popular for both domestic and international travelers.



After resting in the lounge, where the large windows present a scene like a painting, we were shown to our room. The Nagomi Japanese-Style Room (なごみ和室) is a nice guest room where people traveling on the Oirase stream can take a break and relax. Of 44 sq.m in size, it is comfortable with a banquette sofa on the window side.

For the public bath, there are two hot springs where guests can take a bath surrounded by the natural beauty of Oirase. From fresh green young leaves shining brightly, to the autumn leaves changing colour from red to yellow, one can take a moment to immerse in the high-quality hot spring while gazing at the scenery that changes with the season.

View bath Nishinoyu

The first bath is located inside the hotel, a spectacular open-air bath overlooking the Oirase Gorge flowing right next to the hotel. In a space surrounded by nature, one can get a panoramic view of the mountains from fresh water in the spring and summer, and vivid colored leaves in autumn. It is wonderful to spend a blissful time while watching the mountain stream in the gentle touch of hot spring that comes from Hakkoda.

Mixed bathing outdoor bath Yae Kokonoe no Yu

The other hot spring is located outside the main building, has an open-air mixed bath that overlooks the famous 九重の瀧 while relaxing the body and soul in a slightly white hot spring. The sounds of wild birds and waterfalls can be heard from all sides, giving a feeling of enjoying a forest bath. The hotel has a shuttle taking guests to this hot spring but it is important to check the time beforehand.



Walking around inside the hotel, you cannot miss Mori no Shinwa (森の神話), depicting the elegant yet turbulent Keiryu current, with pebbles tumble down with the water. Birds cast out their gazes among the giant trees, flying swiftly and twittering about as they sing their songs. On the ground, even the mushrooms smile radiantly, and at the top, the king of birds, wearing his crown, dances elegantly in harmony with the humans and the spirits of the forest.

Imagining this scene, Taro Okamoto (岡本太郎) created the legend of the forest. It is made of bronze and is 8.5 meters tall, weighing 5 tons. It was finished in April of 1991.



Kashin (河神) depicts the water separating as it meanders then rejoins, flowing calmly and then roughly. This three-dimensional sculpture is known for its 7 nymphs, which represent the splashes created when the water hits a rock and look like spirits, and the fireplace made of zig-zagging lines that look like Keiryu’s current.

While the Legend of the Forest is meant to represent a male god, this moument, made of aluminum alloy and standing 10 meters tall, weighing 7 tons, is meant to be a female god. This work, left behind by Taro Okamoto, was completed in April of 1996.





The Souvenir Shop carries a variety of items, from memorable souvenir gifts to outdoor goods for use on a trek through Oirase. Guests are recommended to try out the hotel original body soaps and Aloe Shio (aloe and sea salt) products, as well as the raw silk products meant to look like moss, the hotel’s homemade jams, and the Maruyama coffee used in our spring water coffee.

There is an Information Booth that guides guests to the Oirase Gorge and surrounding sightseeing information. A nature guide concierge is stationed to provide guests with information too. The lounge creates a relaxing space at night. Take a moment to talk while watching the flames of the flickering fireplace. One can also enjoy a cocktail that changes according to the season with your loved one.

Restaurant Sonore (ソノール) is the French restaurant in Oirase Keiryu Hotel, opening in May 2019 which offers modern and sophisticated French cuisine while respecting tradition. With the magnificent mountain range that highlights the changes of the four seasons and the spreading sea in Aomori Prefecture, the chef carefully prepares the food by making full use of the rich mountain and seafood ingredients.

Besides the good food, Sonore was also recognized as a restaurant where the scenery, food and wine resonate. There are many great wines to choose from and spending time to select wines will be an unforgettable memory of your trip.

Chef 斉藤 春樹 went to work at Michelin-star restaurants in France and Spain after graduation in Tokyo, and became a chef later. He joined Hoshino Resort in 2012 and worked on restaurants in Hoshinoya Taketomi Island (星のや竹富島). In April 2019, he became the head chef of Sonore. Using traditional French cooking methods, he creates amazing dishes that make use of the local ingredients.


During check-in we were asked to wear our coat coming to the restaurant. Originally quite puzzled,  we soon knew why. The staff showed us to the outdoor terrace beside the river, to enjoy some aperitif and snacks, before starting the dinner.




While it was cold outside, there were heater and blankets provided so it was in fact quite comfortable. The snacks were very good indeed, and I can think of the time when the weather was warmer, it would indeed be a very romantic and nice experience having the entire meal outside.


Moving back inside the restaurant, we were served a meal with 7 courses, delicious and beautifully plated. The first course is Tuna and 'Boudin Noir' Ravioli with Apple Salad.


Second course is Meuniere of Conger Eel with Potato and Chips Anchovy Butter Sauce.


Third course is Steamed Flounder Roll, Scallop Mousse and Sea Urchin with Mushroom Soup.


Fourth course is Spice Crusted Roast Duck, Foie Gras with a Side of Root Vegetables.


Fifth course is Petite 'Mount Blanc' with Rum Jelly.


Sixth course is Caramelized Pear Tart with Gingerbread Cream and Blackcurrant Sauce.


Last is Petits Fours and Coffee.



In the morning when you wake up refreshed, you can relax and enjoy breakfast at the buffet restaurant where you can fully enjoy the charm of Aomori's apples, while watching the dazzling fresh greenery in the garden. The recommendation is an apple pancake using apple compote.




  • Room package for two (including dinner at Sonore and breakfast buffet) - 109,719 yen 

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