A café that conjures a calm, almost sacred feeling. By night, soft lighting transforms it into an even more serene space.
About 20 minutes by car from central Otaru in Hokkaido, Otaru Ryotei Kuramure sits quietly in the mountain hot spring area of Asarigawa Onsen. The architecture was designed by Makoto Nakayama, known for modern works that harmonize with Hokkaido’s natural landscape. The inn consists of several low, gabled buildings reminiscent of the Otaru Canal’s historic warehouses. Linked by covered walkways, they form a secluded retreat with the charm of a kura-style village (kura are traditional Japanese storehouses, usually with thick walls, gabled or hipped roofs, and a boxy shape). The property is composed of five wings, with two for guestrooms, along with a bathhouse, lobby, and dining hall. These structures connect organically with one another, and together with the lush scenery of the surrounding rural hills, it creates a beautiful sense of space.
This summer, the property’s 20-year legacy enters a new era under the direction of Onko Chishin, a hospitality group that reinterprets Japanese history and culture through a lens of contemporary luxury.
1st image: Kura-style buildings connected by covered walkways, inspired by Otaru’s historic warehouses.
2nd image: A library lined with books and records that tell the story of Otaru’s history.
3rd image: An open-air bath where guests can soak in the beauty of the changing seasons
The modern lobby, bathed in soft natural light, leads to public spaces adorned with art and crafts, and a library where classic charm blends effortlessly with contemporary design. Carefully placed low windows provide gentle, neutral daylight, and every detail, subtle yet deliberate, tells its own quiet story, with captivating qualities at every turn.
1st image: Guestroom hot spring with a forest view, allowing guests to enjoy the gentle sounds of the Asarigawa River [Gensen Forest View]
2nd image: Second-floor guestroom bath with refreshing views of the river [Gensen River View]
All guest rooms are suites, each designed with its own distinct character, offering the comfort and intimacy of a private retreat. From the windows, guests can enjoy the gentle murmur of the Asarigawa River and the rolling mountain ridges. When soaking in the open-air bath while surrounded by swaying trees, the stresses of daily life just gradually slip away.
Meals highlight the finest local ingredients from both mountain and sea, prepared as kaiseki cuisine that subtly showcases the natural flavors of each element. Each dish is also a seasonal story for the eyes, as visually appealing as it is delicious. The inn follows an all-inclusive approach, covering not only restaurant meals but also drinks throughout the property, including the bar and lounge. Thoughtful room service further enhances the time spent in your suite. Guests can savor fine sake as well as wines rooted in the Otaru and Yoichi region, adding depth to a sophisticated, adult experience.
1st image: Bar offering local sake and wines from Otaru and Yoichi
2nd image: Private dining rooms for enjoying dinner and breakfast
3rd image: Room service dish Otaru Chazuke with Herring, inspired by Otaru’s historic herring fishing industry
Wines from Yoichi’s Hirakawa Winery, crafted by vintner and sommelier Atsuo Hirakawa, offer a refined selection for every palate. Elegant whites exude the aromas of ripe yellow peaches and red apples, while sparkling wines delight with delicate fruit notes and crisp, refreshing acidity.
Photo credit : courtesy of Otaru Ryotei Kuramure
Otaru Ryotei Kuramure
Address: 2-685 Asarigawa Onsen, Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan
Phone: +81 134-51-5151
Website: https://otaru.by-onko-chishin.com/en/
