Hoshino Resorts Announces Top 5 Coolcation Destinations Based on 2025 Summer Temperature Data

Hoshino Resorts (Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture; CEO: Yoshiro Hoshino), which operates 79 properties worldwide under the theme of 'making travel fun,' is promoting 'Coolcation' (＊1)—a travel trend focused on escaping the summer heat by enjoying comfortable vacations in cool locations. This year, in cooperation with Weathernews Inc. (Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture; President & CEO: Tomohiro Ishibashi), the company surveyed temperatures around its resorts nationwide during August of the previous year. Based on average maximum temperatures across regions, Hoshino Resorts announces its top 5 recommended facilities for a refreshing coolcation.

＊1 A summer travel trend originating in the West, combining 'cool' (coolness) and 'vacation.'

Background

In recent years, average summer temperatures across Japan have been rising, with the number of extremely hot days increasing annually. According to Weathernews Inc., this summer will see many hot, sunny days nationwide due to phenomena such as El Niño. In particular, when the 'Pacific High' and 'Tibetan High' overlap in the upper atmosphere, there is a risk of temperatures exceeding 40°C, leading to severe heatwaves (＊2). Against this backdrop, interest in the travel trend 'Coolcation'—seeking relief from the heat by vacationing in cooler areas—is growing stronger. In response, Hoshino Resorts has carefully selected five facilities ideal for enjoying a refreshing summer, based on temperature data provided by Weathernews Inc. (＊3).

＊2 From Weathernews' '2026 Heat Outlook' https://jp.weathernews.com/news/56432/

＊3 Average monthly maximum temperatures around Hoshino Resorts' domestic facilities, measured from August 1 to August 31, 2025

Proven by last year’s temperature data! Top 5 Hoshino Resorts for an ideal Coolcation

【Rank 1】Katashina Village, Gunma Prefecture — Average Maximum Temperature: 22.4°C

LUCY Oze Hatomachi by Hoshino Resorts

Topping the list as the coolest location in this survey is 'LUCY Oze Hatomachi by Hoshino Resorts,' located at the entrance to Oze National Park. Oze, Japan’s largest highland marshland, is surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high and offers a comfortably cool climate even during midsummer. The resort offers a wide range of programs perfect for a coolcation, including hiking in refreshing temperatures and stargazing under a brilliant night sky.

LUCY Oze Hatomachi by Hoshino Resorts

Address: 898-14 Nakaharayama, Oaza Tokura, Katashina-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma 378-0411

Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/lucyozehatomachi/

【Rank 2】Shimukappu Village, Hokkaido — Average Maximum Temperature: 23.7°C

Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

Ranked second is 'Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU,' Hokkaido’s largest resort destination, surrounded by approximately 1,000 hectares of pristine nature. At the 'Sea of Clouds Terrace,' expected to welcome its 2 millionth visitor this summer, guests can witness spectacular cloud seas up close when atmospheric conditions align. The Sea of Clouds Terrace, where temperatures can drop below 10°C even in midsummer, is a quintessential ultra-cool spot representing Hoshino Resorts. The resort features two accommodation options—'Risonare Tomamu' and 'Tomamu The Tower'—allowing guests to choose based on their travel purpose.

Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU 'Sea of Clouds Terrace'

Address: Nakatomamu, Shimukappu-cho, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido 079-2204

Official Websites:

Risonare Tomamu: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/risonaretomamu/

Tomamu The Tower by Hoshino Resorts: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/tomamuthetower/

【Rank 3】Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture — Average Maximum Temperature: 25.7°C

KAI Okuhida

Ranked third is 'KAI Okuhida,' located in the Okuhida Onsen Village, renowned for its abundant hot spring flow and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Northern Alps. This hot spring ryokan blends local traditional crafts with modern design, offering guests the unique pleasures of mountain hot springs at an elevation of about 1,200 meters. The stay invites relaxation through fresh mountain air, soothing温泉 baths, and cultural experiences highlighting the traditions and craftsmanship of the Hida region.

KAI Okuhida

Address: 138 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsen-kyo, Takayama City, Gifu 506-1433

Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaiokuhida/

【Rank 4】Kusatsu Town, Gunma Prefecture — Average Maximum Temperature: 25.8°C

KAI Kusatsu

Ranked fourth is 'KAI Kusatsu,' which opened in June this year. Its standout feature is a private tunnel connecting guests to both the lively 'onsen town' atmosphere and a serene hot spring inn, enabling seamless transitions between two distinct worlds and offering a new style of stay to experience the essence of Kusatsu Onsen.

KAI Kusatsu

Address: 464-690 Shirane, Oaza Kusatsu, Kusatsu-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma 377-1711

Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaikusatsu/

【Rank 5】Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido — Average Maximum Temperature: 26.2°C

KAI Poroto

Ranked fifth is 'KAI Poroto,' a hot spring inn located on the shores of Lake Poroto in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, with all rooms offering lake views. Its distinctive feature is the pointed-roof bathhouse designed to extend over the lake. The hot spring is a rare 'Moor Bath' containing organic matter derived from ancient plants, found only in a few places worldwide. The resort boldly incorporates Lake Poroto into its grounds, allowing guests to feel close to the lake from anywhere on the premises.

KAI Poroto

Address: 1-1018-94 Wakabamachi, Shiraoi-cho, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido 059-0902

Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaiporoto/

Travel Meets Meteorology! Special Hoshino Resorts Program to Air on 'Weathernews LiVE,' with 1.6 Million Subscribers

In collaboration with Weathernews Inc., Hoshino Resorts will launch a special series titled 'Seasonal Journeys with Hoshino Resorts' on Weathernews’ official YouTube channel 'Weathernews LiVE,' which has 1.6 million subscribers. The first episode focuses on 'Coolcation,' featuring commentary by Weathernews casters. Subsequent episodes will be released sequentially on the channel.

https://www.youtube.com/live/S_mznlZus34

About Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts operates 79 properties worldwide (74 in Japan, 5 overseas) under the theme of 'making travel fun,' offering stays tailored to travelers’ purposes and preferences. Centered on six brands—'Hoshinoya' (unparalleled, theme-driven escapes), 'KAI' (hot spring inns showcasing local charm), 'Risonare' (resort hotels overflowing with imaginative experiences), 'OMO' ('urban' hotels that energize), 'BEB' (hotels for relaxed group stays), and 'LUCY' (mountain hotels that stir the soul)—the company will celebrate its 112th anniversary in 2026. https://hoshinoresorts.com/jp/