Seclusion, hot springs, and spectacular views in Kyushu
Located 2 hours by train from Fukuoka Airport, the hot spring ryokan exists in Aso-Kuju National Park, a Global Geopark in southern Japan at 1000 meters above sea level. There are only 12 villa types of rooms, each with its own private hot spring baths, dotted throughout the ryokan's 27,000 m² premises. A stunning forest will be surrounding the ryokan created through past volcanic activity.
KAI Local Flavors
The dinner offered at KAI is a multi-course kaiseki meal, where the essence of the local area and season is reflected in each dish. Each is uniquely prepared and presented for moments of discovery and delight throughout the meal.
At KAI Aso, the Japanese multi-course kaiseki cuisine incorporates creativity and ingenuity, using seasonal delicacies from the mountains. For the appetizer and sashimi, guests can enjoy horse meat, a specialty of Kumamoto. The appetizer is "Mustard lotus root and horse meat tartar". It is a combination of the local delicacy "mustard lotus root" and horse meat grown in the magnificent grassland, both famous of Aso. Also, the main dish, the dainomono, is a "steak of beef fillet" cooked on a lava plate. The plate, made from lava rocks that flowed from the eruption of Mt. Aso, has a far-infrared effect that enhances the flavor of the meat, making it juicy. To simply enjoy the meat, freshly grated wasabi (Japanese horseradish), kabosu (a typical Oita citrus), sweet soy sauce unique to Kyushu, and yuzu kosho (Japanese citrus pepper) are used as seasonings. This dish is a reminder of the earth of Aso that has been passed down.
KAI Cultural Discovery - Caldera Learn & Drink
KAI Cultural Discovery is a free daily activity designed to introduce guests to the regional culture and traditions. The "Caldera Learn & Drink," a hands-on program in which staff members act as bartenders to explain the charms of the Aso Caldera, is held daily. While enjoying local cocktails such as the "Shochu Mojito" made with Aso's natural water and red beef jerky, guests can learn the origins of the caldera and try making their own "My Caldera," which shows how the caldera was formed. Flour and balloons will be used as the example of the earth and magma of Aso.
KAI Signature Rooms
The Aso Caldera is one of the largest calderas in the world. The guest rooms, KAI Signature Rooms are decorated with natural materials from the caldera, such as tea ceremony utensils made of lava and tables made of Oguni cedar. Other items include grass-dyed cushions and igusa mattress, and Oguni cedar tables with temperatures and textures close to human skin, all of which give guests a sense of the charm of the caldera.
Special Features
Private hot spring baths
The terraces of all guest rooms are equipped with private open-air hot spring baths that extend out into the forest, allowing guests to enjoy the hot spring baths whenever. The hot spring water, drawn from two sources on the property, is slightly white and thick, and it keeps the body temperature warm and the skin moist. The sunlight streaming through the trees and the breeze blowing through the forest of oak trees can be enjoyed.
Overview of KAI Aso
Address: 628-6 Senomoto, Yutsubo, Kokonoe-cho, Kusu-gun, Oita
Number of Rooms: 12
Facilities: Dining area, Travel Library lounge, lobby, terrace
Check-in: 3:00 pm / Check-out: 12:00 pm
Starting Room Rate: 55,000 JPY per night (per person in a 2-person stay) with breakfast and dinner included
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.
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 60 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,” or other unique lodgings.
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