TRAVEL | Saga's Furu-yu Onsen 'ONCRI' Celebrates First Anniversary with Special Event
TRAVEL | A Touch of Luxury for Your Relaxation
Saga's Koyu Onsen "ONCRI" Celebrates First Anniversary with Special Events
Opened in 2012, "ONCRI" in Koyu Onsen, Saga City, Saga Prefecture, embraces the concept of a "hot spring resort in a mountain valley where you can forget time while soaking in lukewarm waters." This summer, as it marks its first anniversary, a variety of events will be held.
Text by OKADA Kazuyuki (OPENERS)
A Luxurious Retreat Near the City
Do you wish to escape the bustling everyday world and enjoy a tranquil space? Or perhaps indulge in a slightly more luxurious weekend getaway for a change of pace? Your wish can be granted at a location just about 60 minutes by car from the heart of Fukuoka City.
It's "ONCRI" in Koyu Onsen, Saga Prefecture. Koyu Onsen, also known as "Bijin-yu" (Beauty Hot Spring), has been cherished since ancient times. Its lukewarm waters, around 38°C, are gentle on the body and considered ideal for therapeutic bathing. Over a ton of water gushes daily from five different hot spring sources. The resort offers 15 distinct natural hot spring baths, including an open-air bath overlooking Mt. Tenzan, catering to both men and women.
SHIORI: 15 Distinct Natural Hot Spring Baths
ONCRI Floor: Luxury Room
Savoring Local, Seasonal Ingredients
Within the resort, the natural Italian restaurant "SEBRI" serves fresh seafood from the Genkai Sea and seasonal ingredients delivered daily from local contract farmers.
On July 21st (Sunday), a special dinner event will be held to celebrate the first anniversary. Chef Shunya Tanaka of "SEBRI" will collaborate with Silvio Calanante, who cultivates Italian vegetables at "Nuyamayama Farm," to present a special menu. July is a prime season for vegetables, allowing guests to enjoy their rich, natural flavors in a simple yet exquisite way. The menu, a testament to the concept of "farm-to-table" at "SEBRI," expresses gratitude for the environment that nurtures these vegetables, offering dishes that highlight the message embedded within them by the producers.
Natural Italian Restaurant "SEBRI"
Fresh vegetables from "Nuyamayama Farm"
Seeking Art for Suite Tokonoma Alcoves
The "2nd Tokonoma Art Competition," an open call for art to adorn the tokonoma alcoves in guest rooms, returns for its second year. The theme is "About the Tokonoma." The competition invites works that explore the value and significance of the tokonoma, a traditional Japanese space for artistic display, while also expressing the experience and atmosphere of staying at "ONCRI," a hotel that doubles as an art space.
Distinguished judges include architect Yuko Nagayama and sculptor Kohei Nawa. The winning pieces will be displayed for one year in the tokonoma alcoves of five suites on the ONCRI Floor, the hotel's premium accommodation level.
The Grand Prize winner will receive ¥300,000 and a pair of accommodation tickets, while Excellence Award winners will receive accommodation tickets for two, allowing them to stay in the rooms where their art is exhibited. Additionally, a 50% discount on accommodation is offered for preliminary visits made with the intention of submitting a piece.
Grand Prize Winner of the 1st Competition: "STAY TOGETHER - A Relaxed Time -"
The allure of Koyu Onsen "ONCRI" extends beyond its hot springs. It offers a stylish ambiance unlike that of a typical rural hot spring, exquisite cuisine crafted from carefully selected fresh ingredients, and impeccable hospitality. Despite its luxurious nature, the resort also features a kids' room, making it a welcoming destination for families. Why not spend some relaxing time here with friends, family, or a partner?
Nuyamayama Farm x ONCRI Dinner Event
Date | Sunday, July 21, 2013
Dinner Price | ¥12,000 per person (tax and service charge included)
* An accommodation option with breakfast is available for an additional ¥9,000~.
2nd Tokonoma Art Competition
Submission Deadline | Friday, June 7, 2013
First Screening | Friday, June 21, 2013
Public Judging | Friday, July 5, 2013
Judges | Aya Aso, Representative Director and President, Agora Hotel Management Saga Co., Ltd.
Yuko Nagayama, Architect
Kohei Nawa, Sculptor
Hideki Hamakawa, Interior Designer
Hisayoshi Ito, Grand Prize Winner of the 1st Tokonoma Art Competition
http://www.oncri.com/tokonoma/
Koyu Onsen "ONCRI"
Location | 556 Koyu, Fuji-cho, Saga City, Saga Prefecture
Opened | March 2012
Number of Rooms | 38
Parking | 120 spaces
Access by Car | 60 minutes from Tenjin, Fukuoka; 60 minutes from Fukuoka Airport; 30 minutes from JR Saga Station
Tel. 0952-51-8111 (Main)
http://www.oncri.com