Getting back to nature and experiencing onsen culture
Located 2 hours by train from Tokyo, KAI Kinugawa is a hot spring ryokan with baths fed by the famous Kinugawa Hot Spring. It overlooks Kinugawa River from a high hilltop, which guests reach via monorail. Inside the premises is a wide courtyard that boasts beautiful seasonal colors and interiors decorated with stunning local craft artworks.
Three Unique Aspects of KAI Kinugawa
Rooms
Rooms are designed to allow guests to enjoy the surrounding nature fully. Terraces constructed from local Oya stone extend over lavish forest scenery. At the same time, soothing breezes add an exquisite touch to the private outdoor hot spring baths featured in some of our special rooms.
KAI Local Flavors
KAI Kinugawa is located in Tochigi, a region of rich mountain soil and beautiful rivers that produce plenty of high-quality vegetables, fruit, and fish. These ingredients are arranged into feasts for the eye and palate. The Dragon God of Ryuohkyo is a legendary figure, whose dynamic nature is reflected in the main dish of the restaurant. During spring and summer, they serve "Ryujin Steam," where hot water is poured over a baked stone, and the steam is used to cook the ingredients. During fall and winter, the restaurant offers "Ryujin Nabe," where the baked stone is placed in a pot and gently simmered. The dish also includes typical regional ingredients like Kanpyo (dried gourd) and makiyuba (rolled yuba), which add to its overall enjoyment.
Hot Spring
The indoor and outdoor baths offer expansive views of forests and gardens that sport different colors throughout the year, from pink cherry blossoms in the spring to vivid greens in the summer, vibrant colors in the fall, and snowscapes in the winter.
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.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kinugawa
・Address: 308 Kinugawa Onsen Taki, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-2526 TEL: +81-(0)50-3786-1144 (Reservation Center)
・Official Website: https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/resortsandhotels/kai/kinugawa.html
・from 31,000 yen / person for 1 night’s stay inclusive of 2 meals (Tax and service charges separate)
・No. of Rooms: 48 (28 Japanese-style Rooms / 19 Japanese-style Rooms with outdoor bath / 1 Japanese-style Pet-friendly Room)
・Check-in at 15:00, Check-out at 12:00
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.