Lobby Concert
Hoshino Resorts proudly announces the grand reopening of KAI Matsumoto (Asama Onsen, Nagano Prefecture) following an extensive property-wide transformation under the new concept "A Ryokan Immersed in Matsumoto Elegante" on August 4, 2026. Redefining the small-luxury hot spring experience, the refreshed retreat seamlessly weaves together regional wellness, Shinshu wines, music, and local craftsmanship. The renovation debuts an inventive culinary pivot from traditional Kaiseki to fine Italian cuisine paired with local wines, which guests can enjoy in yukata alongside vinyl record melodies. Further enhancing the guest experience, the redesigned lobby now features a wine bar and cozy lounge area for nightly live performances, while all accommodations have been upgraded to "GAKU no Ma" Regional Suites—highlighted by an exclusive flagship GAKU Suite featuring its own private sauna and open-air bath.
About KAI Matsumoto
Located in Asama Onsen, Nagano Prefecture, KAI Matsumoto sits in an area with a rich history that flourished since ancient times as the inner parlor of the castle town of Matsumoto. Furthermore, Matsumoto City is known as a "City of Music" where the spirit of the folk craft movement remains and classical music resonates through the streets. KAI Matsumoto aims to be an onsen ryokan that respects the rich craft culture and musical history alive in this land, passing them down to the future. The property’s concept is "A Ryokan Immersed in Matsumoto Elegante," evolving further through this renovation. "Elegante" is an Italian word meaning luxury or elegance, expressing the harmonious resonance between architecture, music, and wine. Set in a lobby featuring prominent sculptural beauty reminiscent of a music hall, the ryokan steps beyond traditional Kaiseki cuisine to offer a dining experience that marks the KAI brand's first-ever full Italian course. Within the property, after unwinding mind and body with 8 types and 13 variations of bathing experiences and saunas, guests are enveloped in music flowing from vinyl record players provided in all guest rooms and Matsumoto Keisei-nuri lacquerware art, proposing a luxurious holiday where architecture, music, wine, and famous hot springs resonate together.
Feature 1: Redefining Onsen Dining with Italian Cuisine and Nagano Wines
Breaking away from standard industry norms—where traditional onsen ryokan almost exclusively serve multi-course Japanese Kaiseki for dinner—the newly reimagined dining experience highlights refined Italian cuisine crafted with Nagano’s signature local ingredients. Guests can savor their meals in semi-private dining spaces thoughtfully designed with warm, brick-style tiles. The menu is masterfully paired with a selection from over 50 curated Nagano wines, chosen to elevate the distinct flavors of each dish—a testament to the region’s ideal cool-climate viticulture. The journey begins with a Stuzzichini appetizer served on a custom plate inspired by a piano keyboard, paired with SanSan Winery’s Brut Blanc. Crafted using Champagne-style secondary bottle fermentation, this sparkling wine’s delicate bubbles and crisp acidity harmonize effortlessly across all six appetizers. Relaxing in a yukata after a soothing soak, guests can indulge in this seamless blend of local climate, gastronomy, and wine—a refreshing, modern evolution of luxury ryokan hospitality. 
"Stuzzichini" and sparkling wine
Feature 2: The 130 sqm "GAKU Suite": Indulge in Private Onsen, Sauna, and Sound
Every guest room at KAI Matsumoto has been transformed into a "GAKU no Ma" signature guestroom, themed around Matsumoto’s rich musical heritage (gaku). Each room features custom Matsumoto Keisei-nuri artwork—a local lacquerware craft enhanced by advanced guitar-finishing techniques—alongside a vinyl record player and high-fidelity speakers. At the pinnacle of the property is the exclusive GAKU Suite, an expansive 130m² sanctuary anchored by a private room-dedicated piano for a truly immersive acoustic experience. Outside, the suite features a private open-air hot spring bath, an exclusive sauna, and a dedicated cold plunge pool. The private terrace is complete with outdoor speakers and a plush daybed, allowing guests to cool off to their favorite tunes and enjoy ultimate day-and-night relaxation in total privacy.
"GAKU Suite" interior
"GAKU Suite" outdoor bath
Feature 3: A Soaring 10-Meter Space Hosting the Acoustic Elegance of the "Sonority Concert"
At KAI Matsumoto, the daily KAI Cultural Discovery "Sonority Concert" is held every evening in a lobby with acoustic effects utilizing a 10-meter-high atrium structure. Through this renovation, the lobby architecture has evolved into a design where guests can experience the rich culture of Matsumoto from every 360-degree angle. Paying tribute to Matsumoto City's thriving guitar production, the space displays unprocessed timber, craftsman tools, and instruments in their production process, alongside two featured guitars. At the beginning of the concert, staff explain the tonal characteristics depending on the wood types used. The guitar melodies elegantly enhance the travel evening. As the instruments played vary depending on the day, guests can also experience the diverse resonances of string instruments. Set in modern architecture, Western sensibilities resonate together to luxuriously conclude a day of travel.
KAI Cultural Discovery "Sonority Concert" performer
Lobby guitar display
Feature 4: Unveiling the KAI Brand's First "NAGANO WINE BAR" for an Elevated Nighttime Wine Experience
A stylish new wine bar debuts in the lobby, featuring a gently curved semi-circular counter positioned right next to the performance stage so every guest enjoys an intimate, front-row view of the live music. The bar highlights curated Shinshu vintages with a focus on the Kikyogahara Wine Valley—a pioneering region located in Matsumoto’s regional partnership area, where winemaking history spans roughly 130 years. To showcase the distinct terroir and cool-climate complexity of vineyards grown at 700 meters above sea level, five exceptional Nagano wines are offered by the glass each evening. As rich wine flavors harmonize with string melodies echoing through the soaring atrium lobby, guests can linger long after dinner, savoring an unforgettable evening of fine wine and live music.
NAGANO WINE BAR 
Wine bottles at NAGANO WINE BAR
Feature 5: Experience 13 Variations Across 8 Distinct Onsen Styles Ranging from Lie-Down Baths to Hinoki Sawdust Treatments
Asama Onsen holds a rich history as the site of the Lord of Matsumoto Castle's Goten-yu (palace bath). Drawing from famous hot springs, KAI Matsumoto proposes a luxurious bathing tour spanning 8 types and 13 variations within the property, including spacious indoor and open-air baths, a radiant bath that gently warms the body, a Hinoki sawdust bath filled with aromatic Hinoki wood, and a lie-down bath to relax by surrendering to buoyancy. After bathing in the public baths where ceiling architectural beauty and small courtyard gardens showcase seasonal expressions, guests can slowly rest their bodies in the newly installed post-bath lounge while hydrating with original apple vinegar made from Shinshu apples. Guests can enjoy the historic famous hot spring in diverse styles, luxuriously enjoying spaces comfortably designed down to the post-bath moments.
Public bath "Kiten" indoor bath 
Public bath "Kiten" open-air bath
Property Overview
Property Name: Hoshino Resorts KAI Matsumoto
Phone: +81-50-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)
Location: 1-31-1 Asama Onsen, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0303
Guest Rooms: 29 rooms (including 19 rooms with private outdoor baths)
Facilities: Lobby, Travel Library, Wine Bar, Shop, Dining area, Public hot spring baths (separated by gender), Post-bath lounge, Terrace
Rates: Starting from 41,000 JPY per night (per person for 2 people sharing 1 room; includes tax, service charge, breakfast, and dinner)
Access: Approx. 15 minutes by car from JR Matsumoto Station
Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaimatsumoto/
Renovation Opening Date: August 4, 2026
Project Specifications
Building Area: 1,585.83 m²
Total Floor Area: 4,203.61 m²
Site Area: 3,489.87 m²
Design / Basic Design: NOMURA Co., Ltd.
Detailed Design: S.T. Planning Co., Ltd.
Construction: NOMURA Co., Ltd.
About KAI Brand
Onsen Ryokan loved by local and overseas traveler
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 65 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
