Approximately 2 hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area and a 5-minute drive from Kinugawa-Onsen Station. This hot spring ryokan stands atop a small hill overlooking the Kinugawa mountain stream. In the entrance hall, reached via a slope car, the soft, clear sounds of a suikinkutsu water drop made of Mashiko ware echo throughout. Tochigi’s traditional crafts—"Mashiko Ware," "Kurobane Indigo Dyeing," and "Oya Stone"—are utilized throughout the property, reflecting a dedication to hospitality unique to a land deeply tied to folk art (Mingei). Surrounded by trees, the guest rooms and open-air baths are built to encircle the courtyard, offering views of beautiful, distinct seasonal landscapes—including cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes—allowing guests to savor the transition of the seasons throughout the year.
Onsen: Bathing in the Famous Waters of Kinugawa Onsen Overlooking a Row of Cherry Blossom Trees
Kinugawa Onsen is a famous hot spring praised in the old saying, "Kawaji for cuts, Taki (Kinugawa) for burns." Discovered during the Edo period, it is a historic hot spring resort where once only Buddhist monks on pilgrimage to Nikko and feudal lords were permitted to bathe. The alkaline simple spring is gentle on the body, making it hard to feel fatigued even after a long soak, so you can enjoy the hot springs time and time again. Characterized by its large glass-paned architecture, the bathhouse reflects the changing seasonal scenery of Kinugawa, allowing guests to feel a sense of unity with nature even from the indoor bath. Looking beyond the open-air bath, a row of cherry blossom trees comes into view, offering a flower-viewing bath experience in spring season.
■ Public Baths: Both indoor and outdoor baths for men and women
■ Spring Quality: Alkaline simple spring
Dining: Kaiseki Cuisine Savoring the Blessings of the Mountains and Rivers
The Kinugawa River, which flows near KAI Kinugawa, is a clear stream sourced from the rich mountain ranges of Mount Nikko-Shirane, Mount Nantai, and Mount Nasu. This pure current nurtures river fish, which have been cherished since ancient times as a precious source of protein in landlocked Tochigi. Because hunting was also highly active in the mountainous areas, wild fowl, wild plants, and river fish caught in mountain streams historically added color to the local food culture. Inspired by this regional culinary heritage, the "U-Kamo Nabe" (Eel and Duck Hot Pot) was born. Guests can enjoy in a single pot a combination of plump, fragrant shirayaki unagi—a blessing from the river—and high-quality duck, inspired by the hunting culture, which stands out for the sweetness of its premium fat. This dish allows you to enjoy the deep, natural flavors of each ingredient interwoven with the profound taste of the dashi broth. The menu also features an appetizer utilizing strawberries, and dishes beautifully adorned by tableware made of Mashiko ware and Kanuma kumiko woodwork.
Rooms
Guest Rooms Filled with Regional Tradition, "Tochigi Mingei Room"
All 48 guest rooms are "Tochigi Mingei Rooms." Equipped with low beds and sofas, they incorporate Tochigi folk arts such as Mashiko ware, Kurobane indigo dyeing, and Oya stone throughout. "Mingei," which means 'folk crafts,' describes everyday objects created for practical use. The concept was proposed and spread nationwide by figures such as Soetsu Yanagi and Kanjiro Kawai, who discovered beauty in everyday tools. Tochigi’s Mashiko ware and Kurobane indigo dyeing also inherit the flow of this philosophy and movement. Among the 48 rooms, 20 are equipped with private open-air hot spring baths.
■ Mashiko Ware Characterized by its profound color tones and thick, plump texture, it is popular for its rustic yet timeless warmth. The guest rooms feature unique ceramic panel art and cleverly designed vases made of Mashiko ware.
■ Kurobane Indigo Dyeing An indigo dyeing tradition with a history of over 200 years in Kurobane—a place of scenic beauty with clear streams that was also loved by Matsuo Basho. Elegant bed runners give the guest rooms a dignified and refined atmosphere.
■ Oya Stone A stone material formed by ancient volcanic ash and gravel settling under the sea. Long used as an architectural material in Tochigi and popular for its unique texture, Oya stone is utilized on the terraces.
KAI Cultural Discovery
Every KAI establishment offers a selection of free activities designed to introduce guests to Japan's regional cultures. KAI Kinugawa is located in Tochigi, a region of numerous crafts that have long been staples in the locals’ lives. The ryokan is full of contemporary artworks created using these techniques, and guests are encouraged to take these objects in their hands to feel their subtle textures. 
Courtyard: Enjoying the Scenery of the Four Seasons
Across a vast 36,000 m² property along the Kinugawa mountain stream, a lush, green forest extends, with the accommodation buildings standing as if blending seamlessly into nature. At the center of the facility lies a spacious courtyard designed to preserve the natural trees, where guests can spend a relaxing, slow-moving time while gazing at the seasonal scenery, including the fresh greenery of spring and the autumn leaves.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kinugawa
・Address: 308 Kinugawa Onsen Taki, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-2526
・TEL: +81-(0)50-3134-8092(Reservation Center)
・from 35,000 yen / person for 1 night’s stay inclusive of 2 meals (Tax and service charges included)
・No. of Rooms: 48
・Check-in at 14:30, Check-out at 11:00
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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