Situated in the northeastern part of Japan, Miyagi Prefecture has a long and vibrant history and is considered the ideal base to explore the remote corners of Tohoku, the region between Tokyo and Hokkaido.

As the onset of autumn is fast approaching, Japan's Golden Route will attract many tourists to witness the extraordinary beauty of the foliage that speckles landscapes in rich hues of red, orange and yellow.

Australian travellers eager to see Japan's autumn foliage but don't mind venturing into regional areas away from the crowds may enjoy a unique ryokan stay in Miyagi Prefecture.

Located between Akiu Otaki Falls and the historical Sendai Castle ruins is a hot spring ryokan by Hoshino Resorts called KAI Akiu. The newly renovated premises are by a beautiful river valley where the seasonal colours are framed by the windows in every room.

Sendai, the capital of Miyagi, is a beautiful tree-lined city known for its local delicacy of grilled beef tongue (Gyutan) and impressive monuments dedicated to its founder and legendary feudal lord Date Masamune who was nicknamed the One-Eyed Dragon.

At KAI Akiu, there is a semi-outdoor lounge where you can admire the autumn leaves with the gentle breeze and burbling sound of the river while enjoying hospitality fit for a daimyo (feudal lord). Here, local delicacies are served on elegant lacquer standing trays, as was once done for Date Masamune's meals.

This ryokan also offers a cultural activity to enjoy sake the way the local daimyo once did in an elegant banquet room with a wall decorated in the style of the daimyo's war flag: a golden circle on a navy background. Guests can learn how to instil camaraderie in one another through the acts of serving and consuming locally brewed sake.

Spanning a 1,400-year history, Akiu Onsen is known as one of the “Three Great Hot Springs” of Japan. Two hot springs located on the premises feed the baths at KAI Akiu. Guests can immerse themselves in the open-air rock baths surrounded by nature, or in the two indoor public baths, one of which is a pleasantly warm bath at body temperature, offering a peaceful and revitalising experience.

Almost all rooms include a sitting area beside a wide window overlooking the area's gorgeous river valley. The sitting area is decorated in deep blue tones that evoke the river. The carefully considered interior along with the services at KAI Akiu is designed to make guests feel like the daimyos that once ruled this land.

- END -

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

For Australia and New Zealand media enquiries, please contact:

Maki Watabe

m.watabe@thedoq.com

0481 796 381

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.