Discover KAI by Hoshino Resorts: Where Culture, Design & Hot Springs Meet

KAI is a leading brand of hot spring ryokan by Hoshino Resorts, offering refined Japanese aesthetics, open-air hot spring baths, immersive local cultural experiences, and seasonal kaiseki cuisine. Each KAI property highlights the charm of its region, delivering a deeply personalized and soothing stay that engages all the senses.

At KAI, every guest room and architectural element is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, blending regional design elements with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The result is a serene, culturally rich environment that offers both comfort and character.

The onsen experiences are just as diverse and immersive. Whether it’s a skin-softening sodium-calcium chloride spring or a healing plant-derived moor spring, each bath offers therapeutic benefits. These hot springs are beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscapes—some tucked deep within forests, others perched beside lakes or nestled in scenic mountain valleys. Picture yourself soaking in a warm bath while gazing at the ever-changing colors of Japan’s four seasons—it’s a moment of peace for both body and mind.

Every KAI property offers its own “Omotenashi Experiences”—a unique gateway to the local lifestyle and culture. From traditional washi papermaking and playful pottery workshops to intimate shamisen performances, these cultural activities invite you to engage deeply with the region’s artistic soul.

Dining at KAI is a multi-sensory experience. The kaiseki meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients sourced from the local area, highlighting regional flavors through elegant presentation. Each dish is served on handcrafted tableware, turning every meal into a celebration of both flavor and craftsmanship.

With all of this to offer, it’s hard not to start dreaming of your next KAI getaway. To inspire your journey, here are six of the most remarkable KAI properties worth visiting:

Located on the tranquil shores of Lake Poroto, KAI Poroto offers uninterrupted views of the lake's seasonal beauty. The architecture and interior design pay homage to the indigenous Ainu culture, with traditional patterns and natural materials used throughout the property.

The moor hot springs provide deep relaxation, while Hokkaido specialties like king crab and scallop soup bring local flavor to life. Guests can also enjoy cultural tours and exhibitions celebrating Ainu heritage, enriching the stay with authenticity and depth.

Nestled at the foot of the Northern Japanese Alps, KAI Okuhida is one of the newest additions to the collection. Designed for those seeking seclusion and nature, the open-air bath—“Starry Sky Onsen”—lets you gaze at constellations as you soak.

Rooms feature local Hida furnishings and natural wood accents, creating a cozy alpine atmosphere. The cuisine highlights premium Hida beef and mountain vegetables, offering elegant simplicity and regional charm.

KAI Kaga masterfully blends tradition with contemporary elegance. From Kutani porcelain to Kaga Yuzen textiles, traditional crafts are artfully woven into the interior design.

Enjoy a serene soak in your private open-air bath, then savor a gourmet kaiseki dinner inspired by the culinary philosophy of famed gastronome Rosanjin Kitaoji. Seasonal seafood and mountain delicacies are served on artisanal ware, celebrating both the local harvest and Japan’s rich design heritage.

KAI Tsugaru combines time-honored hospitality with Aomori’s local charm. Relax in the soothing waters of Ōwani Onsen, made from Aomori cypress, and enjoy rooms adorned with Tsugaru lacquerware and embroidery.

Seasonal dishes highlight the best of the region’s seafood and produce, while the live Tsugaru shamisen performance offers a stirring taste of local musical tradition—passionate, soulful, unforgettable.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Japan’s "roof"—the Northern Alps—KAI Alps is surrounded by forested slopes and snowy peaks. The Kuzu hot spring provides rich, mineral-soaked baths, with panoramic views of larch trees and mountains year-round.

The kaiseki menu features Shinshu ingredients, including the signature “Snow Pot Kaiseki,” a culinary homage to snowmelt and mountain harvests. Try your hand at nostalgic countryside pastimes like roasting apples with warm sake, or don straw snowshoes and explore the wintry terrain in true snow-country style.

Located within Unzen-Amakusa National Park, KAI Unzen is a rare blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences. Surrounded by sulfuric steam, this property offers a dreamlike setting rich in natural and historical intrigue.

Spacious rooms feature semi-open-air baths, while the cuisine combines local ingredients with global techniques in a sophisticated fusion menu. Unique activities like letterpress printing or guided “Unzen Hell” walks give insight into the region’s volcanic past and cultural legacy.