Hoshino Resorts announced that the Japanese hotel chain will open Japanese-style ‘onsen ryokan’ in Sharon Spring, New York in 2028 as the first onsen ryokan in U.S, developed by a Japanese hotel operator.
Sharon Spring, about 3.5 hours driving from Manhattan, used to be a popular resort in the middle of 1800, but turned down in 1900 as air travel became common.
Hoshino has not decide which brand it is going to be, but targets wealthy travelers in North America who may drive from New York City or Boston and stay two or three nights .
A major reason to choose Sharon Spring is local climate, which is similar to Japan. Yoshiharu Hoshino, CEO of Hoshino Resorts, explained that they can serve season-oriented hospitalities in the same manner as Japan. Also, the location, 3.5 hours driving from New York City, is appropriate not for a day trip but for staying nights.
The onsen ryokan is expected to have 77 rooms. Hoshino said, “We are going to build a onsen ryokan reflecting Japanese cultures.”
