OMO5 Hakodate will entice travellers to this Japanese seaside town with groovy design, insider food tours and an onsen for bathing. Olivia Palamountain reports
Leading Japanese hotel group Hoshino Resorts has announced the addition of OMO5 Hakodate to its OMO portfolio of affordable, design-led hotels, set to open in July 2024.
The new OMO hotel, located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, aims to provide great value accommodation that doesn’t skimp on style for travellers looking to experience the unique offerings of this charming city.
Rates at OMO5 Hakodate will start from 31,000 JPY (£162) per room per night, including breakfast and taxes.
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Hakodate is renowned for its fresh seafood, historical buildings, and the stunning view from Mount Hakodate. As Japan’s first international trading port developed during the Edo period, the city boasts a rich history and a mix of modern and traditional attractions.
OMO5 Hakodate will encourage guests to discover lesser-known attractions, such as the morning market, historical landmarks and lively food stalls. The hotel’s signature Go-KINJO service, which includes neighbourhood maps and tours organised in collaboration with local staff, will support guests in exploring the area on foot. There will also be a free bus service for hotel guests that will stop at all major attractions.
One of the Go-KINJO Activities available at OMO5 Hakodate is the Utterly Satisfied! Morning Market Specialty Shop Tour, led by local guides known as OMO Rangers. This tour will take guests through the Hakodate Open Market, which features more than 40 shops selling fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and locally sourced produce.
In addition to its prime location, OMO5 Hakodate will offer excellent services and facilities, including the OMO Base, a public space connecting the hotel with the city. The OMO Cafe and Bar will serve original local delicacies, while an onsen and an outdoor terrace will provide guests with a place to unwind and enjoy the ambiance of the night-time view from Mount Hakodate.
Hoshino Resorts currently operates more than 60 properties in Japan, Bali and Taiwan. Its OMO concept was developed to address the need for affordable urban hotels that maintain the high-design qualities for which Japanese hotels are renowned.
With its casual yet innovative interiors, friendly service, insider knowledge and competitive rates, OMO hotels aims to raise the quality of urban tourism in Japan.
The origins of the Hoshino hospitality brand started with the opening of the first hot spring resort, Karuizawa, in 1914.
The company was rebranded as Hoshino Resorts by current CEO Yoshiharu Hoshino in 1995, and now includes five hospitality brands under its parent company – HOSHINOYA (Hoshino Resorts’ flagship luxury brand), KAI (hot spring ryokan/inns with a focus on food), RISONARE (countryside resort hotels), OMO (urban-based mid-range hotels), and BEB (free-spirited hotels) together with other unique lodgings.