[Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido: Noboribetsu Grand Hotel] Announcement of the Venue Decision for the 67th 'Oi Match'

The 'Celebration Inn Noboribetsu Grand Hotel' located in Noboribetsu Onsen, Hokkaido, has been decided as the venue for the 'Ito En Oi Ocha Cup 67th Oi Match Best-of-Seven Series, Game 3' to be held on July 29 (Wed) and 30 (Thu), 2026.

'Noboribetsu Grand Hotel' is an established hotel celebrating its 88th anniversary, where you can enjoy the abundant hot water of the famous Noboribetsu Onsen and the talked-about Oni Sauna (Demon Sauna).

■ Match Overview

[Ito En Oi Ocha Cup 67th Oi Match Best-of-Seven Series, Game 3]

Venue: Celebration Inn Noboribetsu Grand Hotel

Date: July 29 (Wed) and 30 (Thu), 2026

Sponsors: Japan Shogi Association, Hokkaido Shimbun Press

■ What is the Title Match 'Oi Match'?

The Oi Match is one of the eight major titles in the Shogi world, and is a historic title match established in 1960. Sponsored by the Hokkaido Shimbun Press and the Japan Shogi Association, it has produced many great matches over the years.

The main tournament, in which the shogi player who wins through the challenger determination league fights a best-of-seven series with the current Oi, is held every year from summer to autumn, and one of its features is that it takes place at famous spots and hot spring resorts nationwide.

The match is a two-day system, where deliberate reading and tactics unfold, attracting a lot of attention not only from Shogi fans but also from many others.

The current Oi is Sota Fujii Oi, who leads the Shogi world and has achieved 6 consecutive Oi titles. Following successive great shogi players such as the late 15th Lifetime Meijin Yasuharu Oyama, the 16th Lifetime Meijin Makoto Nakahara, and 9-dan Yoshiharu Habu, he has obtained the qualification as the 4th Lifetime Oi. Further leaps are expected.

Details of this game will be announced on the NEWS (new arrival page) of our hotel's official website as soon as they are decided.

Noboribetsu Onsen was chosen as the stage for the Oi match, and the game will unfold in a tranquil space enveloped in the hot springs gushing from Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Please look forward to the fierce and intense battle.

▲ Modern style dome-shaped Roman bath from the time of establishment　　▲ Hozuki-no-yu, open-air scenery in front of the 110-degree high-temperature 'Oni Sauna'

■ About Noboribetsu Grand Hotel

Noboribetsu Grand Hotel is an established hotel with a history of 88 years, opened in 1938 (Showa 13) and hailed as the 'Guest House of Noboribetsu,' where many celebrities have stayed.

Inside the large public bath, there is a Roman bath that spreads out in a spacious and open space, and you can enjoy three qualities of hot springs: salt spring, sulfur spring, and iron spring.

In addition, the open-air bath attached to the large public bath offers a space where you can relax while viewing a Japanese garden that reflects the expressions of the four seasons and a waterfall.

Furthermore, under the theme of 'double leading roles of hot spring and sauna,' we are deploying sauna facilities including the 'Oni Sauna' boasting a high temperature of 110 degrees. Produced by Dai Matsuo, also known as TTNE 'Totonoe Oyakata,' we offer a variety of sauna experiences that can only be tasted here.

With hot springs of abundant quality unique to Noboribetsu and saunas, you can spend a healing time both physically and mentally.

■ Facility Overview

Hotel Name: Celebration Inn Noboribetsu Grand Hotel

Address: 154 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido 059-0592

Official HP: https://www.nobogura.co.jp

Official Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viN5kGOsg7g&t=19s

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noboribetsu_grandhotel/

■ Contact Information

Noboribetsu Grand Hotel, Public Relations, Tomoyuki Nakata, Emiko Sakano

TEL: 0143-84-2101 Email: e.sakano@nobogura.co.jp