{"id":206832,"date":"2026-04-22T13:03:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:03:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cp-global-admin.hoshinoresorts.com\/?p=206832"},"modified":"2026-04-22T18:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T09:08:00","slug":"30-onsen-ryokans-30-onsen-cultures-kai-accelerates-expansion-to-30-properties-by-2030","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/news\/04\/2026\/206832\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201c30 Onsen Ryokans, 30 Onsen Cultures\u201d – KAI Accelerates Expansion to 30 Properties by 2030."},"content":{"rendered":"

Hoshino Resorts\u2019 onsen ryokan brand \u201cKAI\u201d will mark its 15th anniversary in 2026. In conjunction with this milestone, the brand will accelerate its expansion toward a total of 30 properties by 2030, while continuing to bring Japan\u2019s unique onsen (hot spring) culture to a modern global audience. In 2026, new openings are planned for KAI Kusatsu (Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture), KAI Miyajima (Miyajimaguchi Onsen, Hiroshima Prefecture), and KAI Zao (Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture). In addition, KAI Matsumoto (Asama Onsen, Nagano Prefecture) is scheduled to undergo a full-scale renovation and reopen, followed by KAI\u2019s expansion into Ureshino Onsen in Saga Prefecture in 2027 with the opening of KAI Ureshino.\"\"

New Project: \u201c30 Onsen Ryokans, 30 Onsen Cultures\u201d
<\/strong>
The Evolution of the KAI Brand<\/strong>
Since its launch in 2011, KAI has continued to explore new possibilities for onsen ryokans while respecting Japan\u2019s traditional onsen culture. Through initiatives such as \u201cModern Onsen Toji<\/em>,\u201d the brand has continuously redefined the role of the onsen ryokan. By offering Japanese-inspired spaces designed for contemporary comfort, alongside hospitality that reflects the distinct character of each destination and the beauty of the four seasons, KAI delivers experiences that remain rooted in tradition while embracing a modern sensibility.

Project Background<\/strong>
Marking 15 years of evolution, the new initiative \u201c30 Onsen Ryokans, 30 Onsen Cultures\u201d aims to present the depth of onsen culture\u2014rooted in long-standing Japanese social traditions\u2014as a refined and fulfilling experience for modern travelers. The project embodies the message: 30 onsen destinations across Japan, 30 KAI ryokans, and 30 distinct onsen cultures to celebrate. With its nationwide presence, KAI is uniquely positioned to highlight the cultural diversity of each onsen destination. Looking toward 2030, KAI aims to serve as a bridge between traditions cultivated over generations and the modern world, contributing to the continued vitality and global appreciation of onsen culture.
Note: In anticipation of 30 locations by 2030, information will be released sequentially starting with properties opening by 2026.

<\/em>What is \u201cOnsen Culture\u201d?
<\/strong>Japan is one of the world\u2019s leading hot spring nations, blessed with abundant geothermal resources. Since ancient times, hot springs have been used in various forms\u2014such as steam baths, sand baths, and therapeutic bathing (toji<\/em>)\u2014and have become deeply integrated into daily life as a tradition that supports both physical and mental well-being. Onsen have also functioned as centers of local communities, fostering unique cultural identities passed down through generations. Today, the National Council for the Promotion of \u201cOnsen Culture\u201d as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage defines onsen culture as a social practice rooted in the Japanese way of life\u2014soaking in hot springs to restore both body and mind. Efforts are currently underway to have this culture recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Phase 1: Enhanced \u201cABCs of Onsen Culture\u201d Across All Properties
<\/strong>The educational program \u201cABCs of Hot Springs,\u201d previously offered at all KAI properties, will be evolved into \u201cABCs of Onsen Culture.\u201d Building on the knowledge cultivated through modern onsen healing practices, the program will deepen into an experience that conveys the cultural traditions of wellness rooted in each region. Designed as an accessible introduction to local onsen culture, it offers experiences that are both approachable and enriching. At KAI Beppu, in Japan\u2019s leading hot spring destination, guests can learn about its skin-beautifying waters and create an onsen mist as a finishing touch to their bathhouse-hopping experience. At KAI Unzen, located near Unzen Jigoku\u2014a geothermal area known for its dramatic steam vents and volcanic activity\u2014guests can learn about the long history of coexistence between local people and this powerful natural landscape. They can also observe the traditional \u201ckantsuke\u201d (sake warming) system, which uses natural high-temperature steam, offering a firsthand experience of the area\u2019s geothermal energy.
\"\" \"\"
\u201cABCs of Onsen Culture\u201d Overview<\/strong>
\u25a0 Period: June 1, 2026 \u2013 year-round
\u25a0 Price: Free of charge *Some experiences may require a fee
\u25a0 Reservation: Not required *Some experiences may require advance reservation

New Information on Four Properties Opening Sequentially Through 2026

<\/strong>[KAI Kusatsu] Opening June 7, 2026 \u2014 A New Retreat Bridging the Lively Hot Spring Town and a Serene Ryokan through a Private Tunnel
<\/strong>KAI Kusatsu introduces a new style of stay that seamlessly connects the vibrant hot spring town with a tranquil ryokan setting via a private tunnel. Guest rooms feature the locally inspired \u201cSilk Art Rooms,\u201d reflecting Gunma\u2019s rich heritage as a center of silk and textile production. The property\u2019s large onsen baths offer two types of highly acidic hot spring waters, characteristic of Kusatsu\u2019s renowned springs. From its opening, KAI Kusatsu will also present the \u201cABCs of Onsen Culture,\u201d an original program designed to deepen guests\u2019 understanding of the area\u2019s abundant thermal waters, the historical evolution of the town since the Edo period, and more enriching ways to experience the hot spring district.
Press release available here: https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/presscenter\/10\/2025\/191245\/<\/a>
\"\"

<\/em>[KAI Miyajima] Opening July 23, 2026 \u2014 Discover the Evolving Charms of Hiroshima through All Ocean-View Rooms and Creative Kaiseki Cuisine
<\/strong>KAI Miyajima features all ocean-view guest rooms, including the signature \u201cUmigiri (Sea Mist) Rooms\u201d inspired by the ethereal sea mist that symbolizes the Setouchi region. Guests can enjoy kaiseki cuisine that highlights the rich food culture of Hiroshima and the Setouchi area, presented with a refined sense of creativity and thoughtful interpretation. The property also revives the traditional \u201cSetouchi Ancient Sauna,\u201d offering a modern reinterpretation of a bathing culture that dates back to the Kamakura period and was once deeply rooted in local daily life. Reimagined for contemporary comfort, this experience invites guests to immerse themselves in the region\u2019s history and cultural heritage.
Press release available here: https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/news\/08\/2025\/182531\/<\/a>
\"\"

<\/em>[KAI Matsumoto] Reopening August 4, 2026 \u2014 The First KAI Property to Introduce Italian Dining, Offering a \u201cMatsumoto Elegante\u201d Stay Immersed in Music, Wine, and Hot Spring Serenity
<\/strong>KAI Matsumoto is located in Matsumoto City, renowned as a center of art and culture. The property features eight types of onsen baths and five saunas, offering a richly varied bathing experience. Each guest room is equipped with a record player, allowing guests to immerse themselves in music within the privacy of their own space. For dinner, KAI Matsumoto introduces its first-ever Italian-inspired cuisine, thoughtfully paired with NAGANO WINE and music-inspired culinary expressions. After dinner, guests are invited to enjoy a lobby concert while savoring a glass of wine, creating a refined and memorable conclusion to their stay.
Press release available here: https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/news\/04\/2026\/207251\/<\/a><\/em><\/span>
\"\"<\/p>

[KAI Zao]<\/span> Opening October 15, 2026 \u2014 A Spiral Journey to Wellness Experience Centered on Onsen, Sauna, and an Observatory Lounge
<\/strong>KAI Zao is set within the dramatic natural landscape of the Zao mountain range. A defining feature of the property is its 360-degree panoramic rooftop terrace, inspired by \u201cOkama,\u201d the iconic crater lake of Zao. Guests are invited to embark on an immersive wellness journey that unfolds in a circular sequence of experiences\u2014from highly acidic hot spring baths and sauna sessions to indoor cooling and relaxation spaces\u2014culminating in a sky jacuzzi, reached on foot as the final destination of this curated flow. This unique experience encourages guests to move seamlessly through each stage while taking in the surrounding natural beauty. Drawing on the powerful energy of the region and the restorative qualities of its hot springs, KAI Zao offers a stay designed to foster a deeper connection with onsen culture and inspire a profound sense of renewal.
Press release available here: https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/news\/04\/2026\/207703\/<\/a><\/span>
\"\"
<\/em>New Initiative & Latest News<\/strong>
KAI Ureshino, scheduled to open in the summer of 2027, will mark KAI\u2019s first entry into Saga Prefecture. The property will offer a stay that fully embraces the distinctive appeal of Ureshino Onsen, widely renowned as one of Japan\u2019s three most celebrated \u201cskin-beautifying\u201d hot springs.<\/p>

About KAI Brand<\/strong>
Onsen Ryokan loved by local and overseas travelers<\/em>
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.<\/p>

About Hoshino Resorts<\/strong>
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 65 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.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hoshino Resorts\u2019 onsen ryokan brand \u201cKAI\u201d will mark its 15th anniversary in 2026. In conjunction with this milestone, the brand will accelerate its expansion toward a total of 30 properties by 2030, while continuing to bring Japan\u2019s unique onsen (hot spring) culture to a modern global audience. In 2026, new openings are planned for KAI Kusatsu (Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture), KAI Miyajima (Miyajimaguchi Onsen, Hiroshima Prefecture), and KAI Zao (Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture). In addition, KAI Matsumoto (Asama Onsen, Nagano Prefecture) is scheduled to undergo a full-scale renovation and reopen, followed by KAI\u2019s expansion into Ureshino Onsen in Saga Prefecture in 2027 with the opening of KAI Ureshino.New Project: \u201c30 […]","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1,6],"tags":[12],"brand":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206832\/"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post\/"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1\/"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments\/?post=206832"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206832\/revisions\/"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":208909,"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206832\/revisions\/208909\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/?parent=206832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories\/?post=206832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags\/?post=206832"},{"taxonomy":"brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoshinoresorts.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/brand\/?post=206832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}