Ultimate hot spring getaway to revitalize through nature’s energy
Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen is the 22nd property operated by Hoshino Resorts under the hot spring ryokan brand, KAI, and is opening on 25 November 2022 in Unzen Onsen, Nagasaki Prefecture. KAI Unzen is also the brand’s first in Nagasaki Prefecture and fifth facility in Kyushu, following KAI Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture and KAI Aso, KAI Beppu, and KAI Yufuin in Oita Prefecture. KAI Unzen stands in a hot spring area notable for Unzen Jigoku or Unzen hell (*1) and features an interior evoking the Nagasaki culture, a mixture of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences. A relaxing time at this hot spring inn can be enjoyed where the culture of Nagasaki resides.
(*1) A fumarolic area that emits white smoke containing water vapor.
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About KAI Unzen
Unzen Onsen in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, Nagasaki Prefecture is a hot spring area filled with fumes and steam. KAI Unzen is notable for directly facing Unzen Jigoku, providing a stay experience in close proximity to the earth’s energy. After the grand opening of this ryokan, activities that utilize Unzen Jigoku will be proposed, allowing guests to feel the power of the hot spring hell and the earth’s energy. In addition, Unzen Onsen has historical ties to foreign countries, and it is said that Dutch trading doctors Kembel and Siebold visited through Dejima during sakoku (period of national isolation). The interior design incorporates elements of Nagasaki culture, a mixture of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch cultures that have developed as various people and cultures came and went. KAI Unzen is a hot spring ryokan where guests can immerse in Nagasaki’s exotic and glamorous culture while experiencing the earth’s energy
Characteristics of KAI Unzen
1. Guest Rooms: KAI Signature Rooms
KAI signature rooms are unique to the KAI brand, where regional culture can be appreciated from within the guest rooms. All 51 guest rooms at this ryokan are KAI Signature Rooms with elements of Nagasaki culture. For example, the standing light was inspired by stained glass introduced from Holland where the vivid red and blue hues are expressed by Japan’s traditional washi paper.
Out of the 51 guest rooms, 16 of them have private outdoor baths. In these room types, more than half of the rooms’ space is the open-air bath and in the hopes of a full hot spring experience, the living room space was intentionally removed and replaced with an after-bath area between the bath and bedroom. Guests can enjoy alternating between bathing and resting at all times. After a heavenly soak in the bath, guests can relax and gaze into the outside views from the after-bath area.
2. Hot springs: A large bath decorated with stained glass
The public hot springs are decorated with stained glass, a glass craft from Holland. When the morning sun enters, the colorful and vivid light reflects onto the water and the entire indoor bath glistens. There are two indoor baths, the “Atsuyu” (hot water), which flows directly from the source, and the “Nuruyu” (warm water), which calms the mind and body with its gentle warmth. Loosen the mind and body as one is enveloped by sulfur-scented steam
3. KAI Local Flavors – Kaiseki course meal using local ingredients
Enjoy a full-course kaiseki dinner that takes full advantage of the local food culture in a semi-private dining room. Dinner at KAI Unzen starts with an appetizer of Japanese braised pork belly rillettes, a staple in Shippoku cuisine (*3). Together with the rillettes, relish in Unzen Onsen’s specialty yusenpei (*4) baked with hot spring water. Next, indulge in an assortment of vinegared vegetables, appetizers, and sashimi served in a bright vermilion bowl reminiscent of the round table of Shippoku cuisine.
The main dish for the Special kaiseki course is shabu-shabu (hot pot) of dashi broth from flying fish. Flying fish is a beloved ingredient in Nagasaki Prefecture. Savor this shabu-shabu by passing thinly sliced beef and pork into hot, umami-filled dashi. Adding yubeshi, a seasoning made by boiling yuzu citrus peel with soy sauce, sugar, and pepper, halfway through shabu-shabu is highly recommended to give it a different taste to the dish. Not a drop of the broth would want to be wasted after one bite so to finish it off, local noodles will be served. The abundant ingredients of Nagasaki are prepared and served on beautiful and vivid dishes for both the appetite and the visual to be satisfied.
(*3) Banquet cuisine originating from Nagasaki that reflects influences of Japanese, Chinese and Dutch cultures. Course dishes are served on a large platter and placed on a round table.
(*4) One of Uzen’s most famous baked goods. It is made by kneading flour, eggs, sugar, and hot spring water into dough and baking it.
About Unzen Jigoku
Unzen Jigoku (or Unzen Hell) is in Unzen Onsen, Shimabara Peninsula, Nagasaki Prefecture. The Unzen area was designated as Japan’s first national park in 1934, and in 2019, the national park was recognized as Japan’s first UNESCO World Geopark. Unzen Jigoku is a fumarolic area filled with white smoke and volcanic gases containing water vapor. The scent of sulfur wafts through its surrounding areas. Aside from being used as a hot spring source and fumarole since long ago, it has also acted as a kanzuke, a hot water supply system utilizing natural geothermal heat. It is a hot spring hell closely connected to people’s lives and continues to be active today.
About KAI Unzen
Property name: Hoshino Resorts KAI Unzen
Location: 321 Unzen, Kohama-cho, Unzen, Nagasaki
Number of Rooms: 51
Facilities: Lobby, dining, travel library, shop, “Yuagari lounge,” Public bath
Price: Starting from 25,000 JPY per night per person in a 2 person room (includes tax and service charge, breakfast and dinner)
Direction: 1 hour by car from Nagasaki Airport
Opening: November 25th, 2022
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