On February 7, 2025, Hoshino Resorts launched "Authentic Shochu Discovery" at its KAI onsen ryokans in Kyushu: KAI Unzen, KAI Yufuin, KAI Beppu, KAI Kirishima, and KAI Aso. This program is designed to provide an engaging and accessible introduction to shochu, especially for those new to the spirit. It combines unique educational experiences with newly introduced shochu-infused dessert sets, making it an ideal way to begin a journey into the world of authentic shochu.
Background
Kyushu is a leading region in Japan for both shochu production and consumption, with prefectures consistently ranking at the top for both. Shochu, made from diverse ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, brown sugar, and rice, is deeply woven into Kyushu's culinary fabric as a popular accompaniment to meals and for evening drinks. The recent UNESCO intangible cultural heritage designation of traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage production, including shochu, has further invigorated the region's liquor industry. The KAI brand of onsen ryokans developed this program to introduce shochu to a wider audience and share its appeal, particularly with those who may not be familiar with it.
Features
1. Unique Shochu Learning with Local Programs
Authentic shochu offers profound depths in its culture, history, production methods, and aromas, all of which become more fascinating the more one learns. Staff at each KAI property, who are intimately familiar with shochu, will guide guests through unique learning experiences that go beyond simply tasting the spirit.
Here are some examples of the local shochu programs:
Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen: Comparing Iki Shochu with Wakaran Mixers
Wakaran is a unique Nagasaki culture blending Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch (western) influences. Guests will compare Iki Shochu, produced in Nagasaki Prefecture's Iki area—said to be the birthplace of barley shochu—by mixing it with Wakaran-inspired beverages like oolong tea and coffee. This offers a chance to enjoy unexpected combinations while reflecting on the spirit's history.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu: Exploring Barley Shochu in the Lab
In a "lab" space inspired by Beppu's hot spring pipes, guests will use experimental equipment to compare shochu aromas. While tasting barley shochu, they will learn about the history of the region that popularized it and the commitment of its breweries.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kirishima: Deciphering Potato Shochu by Aroma
Despite using simple ingredients like sweet potato, water, and rice, sweet potato shochu boasts a wide range of aromas. Guests will discover how such diverse sweet potato shochus are created by experiencing the aromas of approximately 15 varieties of potato shochu while listening to staff explanations.
2. Western Sweets Meet Authentic Shochu: New Post-Bath Shochu & Dessert Set
This set combines shochu with sweets to complete the relaxation of a hot spring bath. Centered around a savarin (a baked dessert soaked in shochu-infused syrup), the set also includes ice cream and local delicacies, all designed to be enjoyed after a soothing soak. Drizzling additional shochu syrup allows for an evolving flavor experience. Guests can savor these shochu and sweet combinations, which highlight the unique characteristics of each region, in the comfortable ambiance of a hot spring ryokan.
Here are some examples of the shochu dessert sets:
Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin: Barley Shochu x Puffed Rice Savarin Set
Inspired by the terraced rice fields surrounding KAI Yufuin, this savarin is topped with puffed rice. The set also includes Bisu-man, a famous Oita confection consisting of biscuit dough filled with egg yolk bean paste. Guests can enjoy the rich aroma of barley shochu, enhanced by the wheat in the dough and the puffed rice.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu: Barley Shochu x Fruit Savarin Set
This savarin features classic stall treats like chocolate banana and candy apples. A refreshing twist is added with kabosu-scented barley shochu syrup. Accompanying items like Usuki Senbei (ginger-glazed crackers, said to have originated as a portable food for feudal lords) and red bean kuzu bars evoke the leisurely strolls through a hot spring town.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso: Rice Shochu x Tomato Savarin Set
This visually vibrant savarin is garnished with miniature tomatoes. The set is packed with rich-flavored sweets, including Mushagaeshi (a pie pastry resembling Kumamoto Castle's stone walls) and milk ice cream made with Jersey milk.
Authentic Shochu Discovery Program Details
Period: February 7, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Price: 3,500 JPY per person (includes tax and service charge; accommodation not included)
Includes: Local Shochu Program, Local Shochu Dessert Set
Reservation: Required at least 7 days prior to stay via each property's official website.
Capacity:
- Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen, Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin, Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu, Hoshino Resorts KAI Kirishima: One group per day (up to 4 people per group)
- Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso: One group per day (up to 2 people per group)
About Hoshino Resorts KAI Properties in Kyushu
Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen (Unzen Onsen, Nagasaki Prefecture)
Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen is situated where guests can experience the Unzen Jigoku (hells) up close. The property's design incorporates elements of Nagasaki's unique Wakaran culture, a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences. Stays at Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen offer opportunities for hot spring bathing and activities utilizing the "hells" to connect with their natural power. It is a hot spring ryokan where guests can immerse themselves in exotic and vibrant culture while experiencing the earth's energy from the "hells."
Location: 321 Obamacho Unzen, Unzen-shi, Nagasaki 854-0621
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Number of Rooms: 51
Price: From 28,000 JPY per person per night (based on double occupancy, includes tax, service charge, dinner, and breakfast)
Access: Approximately 1 hour by car from JR Isahaya Station; approximately 1.5 hours by car from Nagasaki Airport
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaiunzen/
Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin (Yufuin Onsen, Oita Prefecture)
At Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin, terraced rice fields, a quintessential part of Yufuin's original landscape, are positioned at the heart of the property. Guests can enjoy the changing colors of the seasons reflected in the terraced fields and views of Mount Yufu. It is a hot spring ryokan where guests can feel the essence of Yufuin's scenery, relax in the hot springs, and spend a leisurely time.
Location: 398 Kawakami, Yufuincho, Yufu-shi, Oita 879-5102
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Number of Rooms: 45
Price: From 38,000 JPY per person per night (based on double occupancy, includes tax, service charge, dinner, and breakfast)
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station (shuttle service available from JR Yufuin Station); approximately 60 minutes by car from Oita Airport
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaiyufuin/
Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu (Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture)
This hot spring ryokan is located in Beppu Onsen, boasting the highest number of hot spring sources and largest water volume in Japan. The interior evokes the lively atmosphere of Beppu's hot spring town, with a lobby adorned with washi paper lanterns and night stalls lining stone pathways. Guest rooms offer captivating ocean views, like a single painting, allowing guests to enjoy Beppu's dramatic charm as time passes.
Location: 2-14-29 Kitahama, Beppu-shi, Oita 874-0920
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Number of Rooms: 70
Price: From 32,000 JPY per person per night (based on double occupancy, includes tax, service charge, dinner, and breakfast)
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Beppu Station; approximately 60 minutes by car from Oita Airport
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaibeppu/
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kirishima (Kirishima Onsen, Kagoshima Prefecture)
Perched on the mid-slope of Mount Takachiho, where myths are said to reside, all guest rooms offer expansive views overlooking Sakurajima. A bathhouse is nestled in the grassland, accessible by a slope car, offering a liberating hot spring experience while gazing at the Kirishima plateau.
Location: 2583-21 Kirishimayama, Taguchi, Kirishima-shi, Kagoshima 899-4201
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Number of Rooms: 49
Price: From 31,000 JPY per person per night (based on double occupancy, includes tax, service charge, dinner, and breakfast)
Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Kirishima-Jingu Station; approximately 45 minutes by car from Kagoshima Airport
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaikirishima/
Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso (Senomoto Onsen, Oita Prefecture)
Located within Aso-Kuju National Park, this hot spring ryokan features only 12 detached villas spread across an 8,000 tsubo (approx. 6.6 acres) property. Guest rooms boast open-air baths, embracing the abundant nature nurtured by the world-renowned Aso caldera. Guests can also enjoy caldera exercises on the terrace overlooking the Aso Five Peaks and horseback riding experiences on the vast grasslands.
Location: 628-6 Yutsubo Senomoto, Kokonoe-machi, Kusu-gun, Oita 879-4912
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Number of Rooms: 12
Price: From 55,000 JPY per person per night (based on double occupancy, includes tax, service charge, dinner, and breakfast)
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Hohi Line Miyaji Station; approximately 60 minutes from Oita Expressway Kuju IC
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaiaso/
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