A hot spring ryokan with a sculpted landscape painted with nature’s brush
Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin will be the 20th property operated by Hoshino Resorts under the hot spring ryokan brand, KAI, and is scheduled to open on 3 August 2022. It will be the fourth property in Kyushu, following KAI Aso and KAI Beppu in Oita Prefecture and KAI Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture. Its concept is a hot spring ryokan with a sculpted landscape painted with nature’s brush, where the cascading rice terraces with Mount Yufu as a dramatic backdrop can be captured. Relax at this hot spring ryokan where the change in season can be felt through the change in the appearance of the views of the rice terraces.
About KAI Yufuin
Nestled in a quiet location surrounded by the nature of Mt. Yufu, this is a hot spring ryokan where the seasonal scenery of cascading rice terraces can be enjoyed. For example, the reflection of the clear blue sky on the water before planting rice, the fresh green leaves just after planting, the golden color of the ear of rice that spreads, and the rice straw in late autumn, etc. KAI Yufuin, built around the rice terraces was designed by Kengo Kuma, following KAI Beppu. A relaxing hot spring stay can be enjoyed as one feels the charms of Yufuin such as its rich nature and rural village landscapes.
Characteristics of KAI Yufuin
Characteristic 1) Views of cascading rice terraces with the change in season
Before the rice planting in spring, the rice terraces are filled with water, where the clear blue sky and the surrounding landscape are reflected on its surface. After rice planting, the fresh green of young plants spreads, and in the summer, the grown rice moves with the wind, producing a refreshing tone. In autumn, the ears of rice grow in abundance, turning rice terraces into gold. The landscape of rice terraces with rice straws after harvest is a familiar scene of Yufuin in winter. Guests can also enjoy a mystical landscape view of the rice terrace surrounded by the morning mist from autumn through winter. There is a terrace within the premise where guests look out into the rice terraces and feel the change in season.
Characteristic 2) KAI Signature Rooms
KAI signature rooms are unique to the KAI brand, where regional culture can be appreciated from within the guest rooms. KAI Yufuin will have 6 room types, where all are signature rooms. One characteristic is the inclusion of a ceiling light that was inspired by firefly baskets, which were once used as sources of light by keeping fireflies in straw baskets. The lighting in the room uses rare shichito matgrass which is grown in the Kunisaki Peninsula of Oita Prefecture, and its unique texture and light aroma can be enjoyed in the rooms. Moreover, Oita Prefecture produces the largest amount of giant timber bamboo in Japan, and bamboo crafts made from these bamboo materials are famous as traditional crafts. The bamboo is used for the headboards and sofa in the rooms for guests to be in close proximity to the traditional crafts and culture of this region.
Characteristic 3) KAI Local flavors – Kaiseki course to enjoy nature’s blessing from the mountains
Kaiseki dinner course that incorporates local food culture is served in a semi-private dining room. The meal makes use of nature’s blessings from the mountains such that for starters, wild boar meat and shitake mushroom pate sandwiched in monaka wafer is served along with watercress salad with a dressing of kabosu citrus, a signature agricultural product of Oita Prefecture. For the special kaiseki course, shabu-shabu style hot pot of thinly sliced beef, wild boar meat, deer meat, and bear meat using can be enjoyed. Dipping sauce for each type of meat is prepared so that different flavors can be savored.
Details of KAI Yufuin
Property Name: Hoshino Resorts KAI Yufuin
Address: 398 Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu, Oita
Price: Starts from 35,000 JPY per night (per person in a 2 person room, includes tax and service charge, breakfast, and dinner)
Number of Rooms: 45
Facilities: lobby, dining area, travel library, shop, public hot springs, yuagari lounge, rice terrace
Directions: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, approximately 60 mins by car from Oita Airport
Opening date: August 3, 2022
Details of the project
Floors: Public building with 2 floors, Guest room building with 3 floors, and an annex
Main design and supervision: Kengo Kuma and Associates
Construction: Fujita and Kensei Kensetsu
Completion of construction: April 28, 2022 (tentative)
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.
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