Tuesday, 23 April 2024—Shōgun, the new TV adaption of James Clavell's 1975 novel, and one of this year's most standout drama series will today air its highly anticipated finale.

Praised for its striking portrayal of Feudal Japan, fans may be delighted to learn they could stay in a hotel dedicated to the life of the 17-century English navigator and historical figure upon which the show is based on.

Situated in Ito, a quiet seaside town in Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is Hoshino Resorts KAI Anjin, a boutique hot spring ryokan. Accessible by train from Tokyo, the Japanese style inn is named after Miura Anjin, better known outside of Japan as William Adams, the first Englishman to reach Japan who became the first-known Western samurai.

It is at this hotel that you can learn how William Adams arrived and his contribution to Japan's maritime history that inspired Pilot Major John Blackthorne's character, also known as Anjin in both the novel and TV series.

The significance of KAI Anjin's location dates to 1604 when Shogun Tokugawa ordered Adams to build Japan's first western-style ships in the shipyards of Ito city. Each year in August, the Anjin Festival is held to commemorate his efforts with a ceremony, parade and taiko drum competition, concluding with a spectacular firework display over the ocean.

With over 20 establishments across Japan, KAI is a leading hot spring ryokan brand operated by Hoshino Resorts that brings attention to a region's distinctive features by showcasing its local history, culture, and cuisine through a hotel's design, amenities, and activities.

Embodying this philosophy, KAI Anjin features stunning ocean views and maritime-inspired artwork to make guests feel as though they are navigating the high seas in the Age of Discovery. Even the kaiseki meals, which feature fresh local seafood, have a touch of British sensibility.

After soaking in the hot spring, guests can relax with complimentary drinks as they feel the sea breeze from the San Buena Deck. The drinks on offer take inspiration from what sailors drank instead of water during the Age of Discovery which include IPA beer and refreshing apple cider vinegar soft drinks. 

Tea enthusiasts will enjoy the experience of tasting the teas of William Adams' ports of call in the Travel Library that is adorned with local crafts and books about history and nature. Here they can relax with a book as they sip tea infused with the leaves and herbs featured along the actual route that Adams took on his voyage across the seas from England to Japan. 

Hoshino Resorts believe unique hotels like KAI Anjin can promote tourism in less-travelled regions of Japan and encourage travellers to venture beyond the well-trodden Tokyo to Kyoto Route, also known as the Golden Route.

Shogun won't be the first TV series to inspire Australians to travel to an oversea region. Game of Thrones inspired a significant increase in tourism to Croatia after locations in Dubrovnik and Split were captured in the widely popular series. Many visitors enjoy seeing how Dubrovnik's historical Old Town was used as the backdrop for King's Landing, the capital city of Westeros.

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*When using any images provided with the release "©︎Hoshino Resorts" must be added.

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About Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/

About KAI

KAI is a leading brand of hot spring ryokan where every establishment offers a contemporary take on a traditional Japanese inn whilst keeping Western comforts. KAI invites one to discover the multifaceted aspects of Japan through natural hot springs, exploration of local arts and entertainment, and classic Kaiseki-style course meals using local and seasonal flavours. Experience Washoku, Japanese cuisine, presented on carefully selected ceramics for full exposure to culinary sensations.