A hot spring ryokan offering the best of Shimane culture, from seafood to sake, tea ceremonies, and dips in baths—available both in the rooms and in the bath halls—fed by historic Tamatsukuri Onsen. This hot spring destination is known to be a place with Japan’s oldest “spring of beauty.” Since the Nara period, the spring water in this area has been known for beautifying the skin as it was once described in an ancient report “You will look beautiful when you take a bath once and after the second time, you will recover from any disease.” Soak in the “spring of beauty” with a cup of Japanese sake in a land said to be the birthplace of sake.
KAI Local flavors – Kaiseki course to enjoy local delicacies of Shimane
The dinner offered at KAI is a multi-course kaiseki meal, where the essence of the local area and season is reflected in each dish. The food culture of Shimane can be enjoyed in the semi-private rooms of the dining area. In spring and summer, beef shabu-shabu (hot pot) of a flavorful clam broth can be savored as part of the special kaiseki course menu. Fresh vegetables can be rolled in thin slices of beef and enjoyed with this umami-full soup. During the winter season, when crab fishing opens, a special kaiseki course using the seasonal delicacy, Matsuba crab will be served in a variety of dishes. In particular, the crab suki-nabe or crab rice porridge is a must-have for the winter season.
KAI Cultural Discovery – Theatrical Dance Iwami Kagura, Dance of the Deities
One way of hospitality by the KAI properties is the KAI Cultural Discovery program, which shares insight into regional culture through art and entertainment. Iwami Kagura is a traditional performing art of Shimane Prefecture that is based on mythology, where performers dance to the sounds of drums and flutes in gorgeous costumes and masks. At KAI Tamatsukuri, in association with the region being the birthplace of sake, a performance that depicts the battle of Susano Onomikoto, one of the gods, against a giant snake by getting it drunk will be performed. Enjoy a moment to experience the traditional performing arts that are rooted in Shimane to feel the history and culture of the area.
KAI Signature Rooms
KAI Signature Rooms are unique to the KAI brand, where regional culture can be appreciated from within the guest rooms. At KAI Tamatsukuri, after its renovation in late 2022, all 24 guest rooms were transformed into signature rooms with private hot spring baths made of cypress or Shigaraki pottery. Guests can soak in the Tamatsukuri hot spring water, which is said to be the oldest hot spring water for beautiful skin in Japan. Room amenities include a bed throw of traditional indigo dye, a table with a Japanese sake barrel motif, and special tea utensils that make it possible to enjoy a comfortable stay while feeling the charm of Shimane. An experience of the culture, crafts, and hot springs of Tamatsukuri, which have been around since ancient times.
Special Features
Public hot springs
Since the Nara period, the spring water in Tamatsukuri Onsen has been known for beautifying the skin as it was once described in an ancient report as “you will look beautiful when you take a bath once and after the second time, you will recover from any disease.” Its smooth hot water helps the skin become lustrous and full of moisture. The public bath is surrounded by nature and the spring water for supple skin that has sprung since ancient times can be enjoyed.
Classification of spring water: Sodium, Calcium, Sulfate, Chloride Spring
Health benefits include: nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, motor paralysis, aches
Japanese Sake Bar
There are many sake breweries in Shimane Prefecture, which is said to be the birthplace of sake, and these breweries make distinctive sake. At the Sake Bar, local sake that has been carefully selected by staff members can be enjoyed. Sake from almost all of the sake breweries in the prefecture is gathered at the bar, where the history and characteristics of each brewery can be learned to get insight into the world of sake. 
Tearoom
The culture of tea ceremony thrived in the Matsue area during the Edo period, and it is still known today as one of the three major areas for tea. Spend a relaxing time with matcha and Japanese confectionary in a tearoom facing a Japanese garden.
Overview of KAI Tamatsukuri
Address: 1237 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue, Shimane
Number of floors: 24
Number of Rooms: 70
Facilities: Dining area, Travel Library, Shop, “Yuagari lounge,” Public hot spring, Tearoom, Sake Bar
Starting Room Rate: Starting from 38,000 JPY per night (per person for a 2 person room, includes tax, service charge, breakfast, and dinner)
Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out:12:00 PM
Directions: 5 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri Onsen Station
About KAI Brand
"Japanese Auberge" in classic hot spring regions
KAI is a leading brand of hot spring ryokan where every establishment offers a contemporary take on traditional Japanese inn whilst keeping Western comforts. KAI invites one to discover the multifaceted aspects of Japan through natural hot springs, exploration of local arts and entertainment, and classic Kaiseki-style course meals using local and seasonal flavors. Experience Washoku, Japanese cuisine, presented on carefully selected ceramics for full exposure to culinary sensations.
About Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.
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