Why you need to stay at KAI by Hoshino Resorts during your next Japan trip!
Discover KAI – Hoshino Resorts’ Luxury Hot Spring Ryokan Brand
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.
Refined Aesthetics & Private Onsen Bliss
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.
Embrace Local Culture Through Signature Experiences
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.
A Culinary Experience That Delights All Senses
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:
6 Must-Visit Hoshino KAI Resorts
1. KAI Poroto – Shiraoi, Hokkaido
Lakeside Calm Meets Ainu-Inspired Elegance
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.
2. KAI Okuhida – Gifu Prefecture
New for 2024: A Stargazer’s Retreat in the Japanese Alps
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.
3. KAI Kaga – Ishikawa Prefecture
A Sanctuary of Japanese Craftsmanship and Zen Tranquility
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.
4. KAI Tsugaru – Aomori Prefecture
A Nostalgic Journey into Tsugaru’s Cultural Heartland
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.
5. KAI Alps – Nagano Prefecture
A Snowy Retreat at the Foot of the Northern Alps
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.
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6. KAI Unzen – Nagasaki Prefecture
Mystical Sulfur Springs & Cross-Cultural Elegance
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.
Explore All 21 KAI Properties by Hoshino Resorts
Hotel Name |
Location |
What Makes It Special |
Book on Klook |
KAI Poroto | Shiraoi, Hokkaido | Ainu-inspired architecture, serene lakeside views, botanical moor hot springs | Book Now |
KAI Tsugaru | Aomori Prefecture | Deep-dive into Tsugaru art & culture | Book Now |
KAI Akiu | Akiu Onsen, Miyagi | Forest‑surrounded and newly opened with scenic open‑air baths | Book Now |
KAI Kinugawa | Tochigi (near Tokyo) | River valley views, traditional pottery workshop, ideal for weekend getaways | Book Now |
KAI Sengokuhara | Kanagawa (Hakone area) | Grassy trails, peaceful modern ryokan infused with art | Book Now |
KAI Ito | Ito, Shizuoka | Garden setting and camellia oil workshop experience | Book Now |
KAI Anjin | Ito, Shizuoka | Maritime-inspired design with modern-traditional fusion | Book Now |
KAI Enshu | Enshu, Shizuoka | Lake Hamana views, local cultural motifs in décor | Book Now |
KAI Alps | Omachi, Nagano | Spectacular Northern Alps backdrop ideal for ski or hiking seasons | Book Now |
KAI Matsumoto | Matsumoto, Nagano | Historic castle-town charm and rich local onsen traditions | Book Now |
KAI Okuhida | Okuhida, Gifu | Mountain views, stargazing baths, and Hida craftsmanship | Book Now |
KAI Kaga | Kaga, Ishikawa | Elegant gold-leaf décor and traditional Kaga craft design | Book Now |
KAI Izumo | Tamatsukuri, Shimane | Izumo mythology-themed décor and spiritually attuned onsens | Book Now |
KAI Nagato | Nagato, Yamaguchi | Oceanside setting with seafood-forward cuisine | Book Now |
KAI Beppu | Beppu, Oita | Japan’s hot spring capital offering multiple spring types and local “Jigoku-mushi” meals | Book Now |
KAI Yufuin | Yufuin, Oita | Rice-field views, bamboo and lantern interiors, mountain-forward cuisine | Book Now |
KAI Aso | Aso, Kumamoto | Volcanic scenery, farm-to-table meals, close-to-nature retreat | Book Now |
KAI Unzen | Unzen, Nagasaki | Dramatic volcanic-steam scenery and "Unzen Hell" walking tours | Book Now |
