Wake up to the serenity of a mountain hot spring and relax in a traditional Hida-designed inn
KAI Okuhida is an onsen ryokan nestled in Okuhida Onsengo (Gifu Prefecture), a hot spring region surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Northern Alps that boasts one of the highest water yields in Japan. This area is blessed with abundant forest resources and a long-standing tradition of advanced woodworking techniques. Inspired by this heritage, the property was designed around the concept of "Wake up to the serenity of a mountain hot spring and relax in a traditional Hida-designed inn". It blends the unique joys of mountain hot springs with modern interpretations of local traditional crafts. We invite guests to enjoy a relaxing stay filled with crisp mountain air, refreshing breezes, and firsthand encounters with the rich traditions and craftsmanship of the Hida region.
Key Features
- The Courtyard: A Central Commuting Space with a Footbath
KAI Okuhida features a central courtyard enclosed by four structures: the East and West Guestroom Wings, the Bathhouse Wing, and an independent Annex. Drawing inspiration from the historical scenery of local hot spring towns, where residents and travelers would stroll through the streets to visit public bathhouses, the layout encourages guests to walk outside and explore.
Following the natural slope of the mountainous terrain, stone walls rise in terraced layers, guiding the gaze toward Mount Akandana, a prominent active volcano towering in the distance. A gentle hot spring stream flows through the courtyard, sending up delicate plumes of steam, while the surrounding walking paths are lined with broadleaf trees and native plant species. In one corner, guests will find a footbath where they can sit and take in the changing seasons: fresh blossoms in spring, vibrant greenery and blue skies in summer, rich autumn foliage, and pristine snowscapes in winter.
- Spring Quality: Sodium-calcium bicarbonate/chloride spring
- Specifications: Footbath (Free-flowing from the source, with water added to regulate temperature)
- KAI Signature Rooms: "Hida MOKU Room"
Every "KAI" property offers "KAI Signature Rooms" that allow guests to immerse themselves in local culture. All 49 guestrooms at KAI Okuhida are designated as "Hida MOKU Rooms," designed to showcase the gentle warmth of natural wood and the unique charms of Hida.
- Local Craftsmanship & Decor: The decor highlights Hida Shunkei, a traditional local lacquerware technique, featured in the wall art and room signage, complemented by vibrant original cushions dyed using Hida-zome techniques.
- Artistic Furnishings: The headboards feature a curved wood motif adorned with a color gradation representing iconic local broadleaf trees—such as beech, Japanese ash, cherry, and oak—gently wrapping around the sleeping area. Additionally, every room is furnished with a bentwood chair crafted by Hida Sangyo, a local furniture manufacturer, using broadleaf wood sourced directly from Hida City. Soft illumination is provided by paper lanterns made from Sanchu Washi paper, a traditional craft with an 800-year history.
- Private Open-Air Baths: Out of the 49 rooms, 28 feature a private open-air hot spring bath alongside a specially designed sofa area where guests can sit down comfortably even while wet from their bath.
- Public Baths: Open-Air Baths Inspired by a "Snow Corridor"
The design of the public open-air bath is inspired by the "snow corridors" frequently seen in the heavy snowfall zones of the Okuhida region. The structure features a unique overhead opening, enclosing the bather within smooth, rounded, snow-like walls so that only the sky and the white walls are visible. Guests can fully unwind to the soothing sound of bubbling hot spring water while gazing at the framed sky above or looking up at the brilliant starlit sky at night.
- Indoor Baths: The indoor bath house offers two separate pools: an "Atsuyu" (hot bath) supplied directly by a free-flowing hot spring source, and a "Nuruyu" (warm bath) designed for deep physical and mental relaxation.
- Spring Characteristics: The water is neutral and rich in metasilicic acid and metaboric acid, making it exceptionally gentle on the skin.
- Specifications: Indoor Hot Bath, Indoor Warm Bath, and Open-Air Bath.
- Dining: Kaiseki Cuisine Expressing Local Tradition
Dinner is served in semi-private dining spaces, featuring a signature multi-course Kaiseki menu named the "Hida Beef Genbu-yaki Kaiseki," which highlights local culinary traditions. The centerpiece dish, "Hida Beef Genbu-yaki," allows guests to enjoy premium Hida beef prepared using two distinct methods: lava stone grilling and cooking over Hoba (magnolia leaves). This dining experience engages all five senses, from the sound of the meat sizzling on the hot lava stone to the rich, aromatic fragrance drifting from the magnolia leaves. The dishes are presented on tableware inspired by traditional Japanese hearths (Irori) made from reclaimed antique wood, adding an authentic rustic charm to the meal.
- KAI Cultural Discovery: "The Hida Craftsman Experience"
As part of the signature hospitality of the KAI brand, each property offers a KAI Cultural Discovery activity designed to introduce guests to local culture. KAI Okuhida presents "The Hida Craftsman Experience," a program that explores the illustrious history of Hida's master carpenters spanning over 1,300 years.
During the workshop, guests can try their hand at bending wood to create a custom bentwood handle, which is then wrapped and tied with an original KAI furoshiki cloth for practical use. The workshop space features a beautifully designed accent wall reminiscent of a Hida forest, alongside displays of time-honored woodworking tools like antique chisels and planes.
KAI Okuhida - Overview
Address: 138 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama-shi, Gifu
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Total Rooms: 49 rooms (including 28 rooms with private open-air baths)
Access: Approximately a 4-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal; approximately a 3-minute drive from the Hirayu Interchange on the Chubu-Jukan Expressway
Rates: Starting from 31,000 JPY per night (Per person based on 2 guests sharing 1 room, includes dinner and breakfast, tax and service charges included)
Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaiokuhida/
About KAI Brand
Onsen Ryokan loved by local and overseas travelers
KAI is a leading brand of onsen 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 70 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," mountain hotel brand “LUCY,” or other unique lodgings.
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