An open-air bath overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and Miyajima
KAI, a onsen ryokan brand operated nationwide by Hoshino Resorts, will open KAI Miyajima in Miyajimaguchi Onsen, Hiroshima Prefecture, on July 23, 2026. This marks Hoshino Resorts' first entry into Hiroshima Prefecture. Under the concept of "A Sacred Sanctuary at Hiroshima’s Under Discovered Onsen," this ryokan aims to respect and carry forward the rich nature and deep history-born culture of this region into the future. Situated in a spectacular location overlooking the World Heritage site "Itsukushima Shrine" with the tranquil Seto Inland Sea spreading right before your eyes, the fully tatami-matted ryokan offers an open feeling where guests can spend time barefoot, healing themselves in hot springs while gazing at the calm, peaceful sea.
About KAI Miyajima
Located in Miyajimaguchi Onsen, Hiroshima Prefecture, KAI Miyajima sits directly on the opposite shore of Miyajima—the sacred island home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine. Overlooking the mystical, archipelago beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, the hot spring ryokan offers guests a front-row seat to the region's gentle, rich culture, where floating oyster rafts and passing fishing boats paint a vivid picture of local life.
With a commitment to honoring and preserving the land's deep history and vibrant nature for the future, KAI Miyajima’s philosophy is anchored by the Japanese concepts of itsukushimu—meaning to deeply cherish, love, and show respect to precious things—and nagi, the soothing coastal calm that brings peace to the mind. Through immersive stays and curated local experiences, the ryokan invites guests to connect deeply with Hiroshima’s heritage, touch upon the daily lives woven into this coastal landscape, and rediscover their true, timeless value.
Approach to the ryokan
The Archipelago Beauty
Feature 1: A Scenic Infinity Onsen Bath
On the top floor, the public bath area features two bathhouses where guests can immerse themselves in the sea and mountains of Seto. The open-air bath on the south side is an infinity hot spring where the hot spring water merges seamlessly with the Seto Inland Sea stretching right in front. Guests can enjoy an overwhelming sense of openness, as if relinquishing their bodies directly to the sea. The indoor bath on the north side, looking out over the mountain ranges, is fully equipped with both an "Atsuyu" (hot bath) and an "Asuyu" (warm bath) supplied directly by a free-flowing hot spring source. The in-house hot spring source is characterized by high osmotic pressure, allowing hot spring components to easily penetrate the body. Rich sodium and chloride ions gently envelope the skin, forming a powerful protective veil that keeps guests warm long after bathing. It also contains radon, offering rare therapeutic benefits for hyperuricemia (gout) and rheumatoid arthritis. The adjoining post-bath lounge also overlooks a magnificent panoramic view of Miyajima, offering a mind-clearing moment alongside spectacular views.
Spring Quality: Weakly radioactive-sodium-chloride strong salt cold mineral spring
Specifications: Indoor baths ("Atsuyu", "Asuyu" (free-flowing from source with heating)), open-air bathPublic bath (open-air bath)
Public bath (indoor bath)
Yuagari Lounge(Terrace)
Feature 2: Setouchi Ancient Sauna, “Ishiburo"
Set at the property's most prominent waterfront location is the "Ishiburo," a modern revival of Setouchi region’s ancient stone sauna. Originating in the Kamakura period, the ishiburo is a historic stone sauna native to the Seto Inland region. Because the area's natural hot springs have a lower source temperature, local communities historically developed this unique thermal culture to thoroughly warm the body. While nearly 80 of these traditional baths operated along the Seto Inland Sea at their peak, they have virtually disappeared today.
Drawing from archaeological excavations and historical literature, KAI Miyajima has meticulously recreated this heritage wellness experience. Utilizing radiant heat from natural stones, the ishiburo gently envelops the body at a highly comfortable, low-strain temperature of approximately 50°C. After a restorative session guided by the ryokan’s dedicated hot spring masters, guests can transition to the adjoining "Danran-dokoro" lounge. Named after the traditional gathering spaces where local communities once socialized, this seaside lounge serves specially crafted gelato, inviting guests to enjoy lively conversation against the backdrop of the calm sea while experiencing a rare, deeply rooted hot spring culture.
*Radiant heat is heat transferred directly to an object, such as by infrared rays.
Details:
Resevations only
Time: 14:55–, 16:20–, 17:45–, 20:30–, 22:00–, 7:15– (next morning), 8:45– (next morning) *75 minutes per session
Capacity: 6 people per session
Price: 2,500 JPY per person (tax included)
Setouchi Ancient Sauna, “Ishiburo" 
Inside Setouchi Ancient Sauna, “Ishiburo"
Feature 3: KAI Cultural Discovery: Traditional Shirabyoshi Dance
As part of the KAI brand's signature hospitality, each property features a "KAI Cultural Discovery" program designed to immerse guests in local traditions. At KAI Miyajima, this is brought to life through a nightly performance of the Traditional Shirabyoshi Dance. Ryokan staff transform into both historical storytellers and shirabyoshi—the iconic female dancers clad in male court attire who brought vibrant artistry to the Heian period—delivering an elegant performance of song and dance. The performance is deeply tied to the region's heritage: approximately 850 years ago, the warrior-noble Taira no Kiyomori rebuilt the nearby Itsukushima Shrine, establishing it as the pinnacle of Heian-era aesthetic beauty. Preserving its ancient grandeur into the modern era, the shrine's timeless beauty continues to move visitors today. The captivating story performed each evening brings the legendary origins of Itsukushima Shrine to life, transporting guests back to the Heian period. KAI Miyajima invites guests to experience this enchanting performance, offering an evening to quietly reflect on eternal history while deeply cherishing the present moment.
Feature 4: Umigiri (Sea Mist) Rooms
All 54 guestrooms at KAI Miyajima are "Umigiri (Sea Mist) Rooms," meticulously designed to immerse guests in local traditional crafts and culture throughout their stay. Every room offers a panoramic view of the archipelago beauty woven by the calm Seto Inland Sea and its islands. Inside, the subtle beauty of sea fog is captured through soft, gradated curtains and unique plastered walls, with different atmospheric scenes expressed across each room type. The rooms also feature custom cushions crafted from premium "Fukuyama Denim"—the pride of Hiroshima's historic Bingo region—and elegant lighting fixtures made with "Aji Glass," which incorporates powder from Kagawa Prefecture's high-grade Aji stone. These traditional crafts representing the Seto Inland region harmonize beautifully to create a refined, upscale space where guests can experience local artistry firsthand.
For the ultimate retreat, the property offers four exclusive Special Rooms. Spanning a spacious 100 square meters, each of these premium suites features a private, open-air bath. Within this completely secluded sanctuary, guests can indulge in an exceptionally luxurious bath experience while taking in the spectacular, unobstructed views stretching right before their eyes
Feature 5: Dinner: Aki no Kaiyu Kaiseki
KAI Miyajima serves the playful Aki no Kaiyu Kaiseki multi-course dinner, which celebrates Hiroshima's famous culinary culture—including lemons, oysters, and okonomiyaki savory pancakes—using the art of trompe-l'œil (culinary disguise).
The dining experience begins with a "Tarte Citron," a savory quiche combining local lemon with shrimp and seafood mousse, beautifully presented to look like a sweet dessert. For the main dish, guests are served "Suigun Nabe" (navy hot pot), an auspicious specialty inspired by the historic Murakami Suigun navy. Centering on octopus—a symbol of good fortune whose eight tentacles represent "defeating enemies from all directions"—the hot pot is luxuriously packed with regional seafood, including kelp, sea bream, and conger eel. The Kaiseki journey concludes with a whimsical Mont Blanc dessert styled to look exactly like Hiroshima's iconic soul food, okonomiyaki. From start to finish, this creative menu promises guests a surprising and delightful dining experience filled with clever culinary artistry.
Comment from Mr. Shinya Kojima and Ms. Ayaka Kojima, KOO Architects:
"When we visited Miyajima, what remained most deeply in our hearts was the scenery of islands floating on the calm Seto Inland Sea, with their silhouettes melting into the sea mist, changing their expressions from moment to moment. We wanted to create an ryokan where guests could feel this fantastical scenery throughout their stay. Therefore, we aimed to design guestrooms that incorporate the soft light and shadows created by the archipelago scenery and sea mist, creating a space where guests can lose track of time simply by looking at the view from the window. We also paid special attention to the 'Ishiburo,' a traditional stone sauna handed down along the Seto coast where hot spring temperatures are low. Stepping into this small, cave-like space that requires crouching down, the gentle heat and humidity radiating from the heated stones envelop your entire body, allowing you to experience the comfort of warming from the core. We hope guests will enjoy a time that can only be spent in this place, while feeling the nature, climate, and culture nurtured in Seto through all five senses."
Property Overview
Property Name: Hoshino Resorts KAI Miyajima
Address: 1-1-6 Miyajimaguchinishi, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0412
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Total Rooms: 54 rooms (including 30 rooms with private open-air baths)
Room Breakdown: 4 Special Rooms (Capacity: 2 guests), 26 Japanese-style Rooms with Open-Air Bath (Capacity: 3–4 guests), 4 Japanese-style Rooms with Terrace (Capacity: 6 guests), 18 Japanese-style Rooms (Capacity: 3 guests), 2 Dog-Friendly Rooms (Capacity: 3 guests)
Price: Starting from 32,000 JPY per night (Per person based on 2 guests sharing 1 room, includes dinner and breakfast, tax and service charges included)
Facilities: Front desk, public baths, Ishiburo stone bath, dining area, shop, etc. (Exclusive to staying guests)
Access: 5 minutes by car from JR Miyajimaguchi Station or Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station; 60 minutes by car from Hiroshima Airport
Opening Date: July 23, 2026
Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaimiyajima/
About KAI
Onsen Ryokan loved by local and overseas travelers
KAI is a leading brand of onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) with an expansive nationwide presence that invites guests to explore Japan’s hidden regional beauty. Each establishment offers a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese ryokan, balancing local heritage with modern comforts. KAI invites one to discover the multifaceted aspects of Japan through natural hot springs, exploration of local arts and entertainment, and regional dining using local and seasonal flavors. While deeply honoring these traditions, KAI elevates the experience with bold ryokanovations—from introducing tattoo-friendly bathing to offering diverse vegetarian and Western culinary options.
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.
Best Rate Guaranteed
