Searching for an off the beaten path Ryokan experience?

Here are 5 less travelled prefectures to consider

Staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn is a cultural experience that can't be matched anywhere in the world and is often the highlight for many visitors to Japan.

The origins of ryokan date back to the eighth century when Buddhist monks set up lodging to facilitate pilgrims on their journey. This unique style of accommodation is now widely established throughout the country, especially in areas revered for its geothermic hot spring waters and lush, rural scenery.

Only at a ryokan can you don a yukata and relax at a low table on tatami flooring to be served a traditional multi-course meal of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients known as kaiseki-ryōri, Japan's haute cuisine.

Whether you're drinking tea in a quiet, tranquil setting or soaking in the mineral rich waters of an onsen bath, such moments make for an authentic Japanese experience.

KAI is a leading brand of hot spring ryokan by Hoshino Resorts with over 20 establishments across Japan that offers a contemporary take on a traditional Japanese inn whilst keeping Western comforts.

Japan's tourism has significantly increased in recent years with repeat travellers eager to venture beyond the popular tourism routes.

For those keen to further explore the history, nature and diverse food culture of Japan, here are five less frequented prefectures to consider for a unique and unforgettable ryokan stay.

1. Aomori Prefecture

The northernmost prefecture on Japan's main island is known for its abundant natural scenery, summertime Nebuta festival and apple production.

Close to the historic city of Hirosaki is KAI Tsugaru, a hot spring ryokan where you can admire the changing seasons from apple-scented baths fed by Owani Hot Spring and indulge in kaiseki featuring Oma tuna, a local delicacy known as the “black diamond”.

Considered the pinnacle of tuna quality, the secret of Oma tuna's deliciousness lies in the high-quality waters of the Tsugaru Strait, an area where three ocean currents meet, creating an environment rich in sea life.

From this ryokan, you can visit the 17th-century Hirosaki Castle, the beautiful cherry blossom scenery of Hirosaki Park and natural attractions such as Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada and the Shirakami Mountains.

2. Tochigi Prefecture

Encompassing part of the cedar-filled Nikko National Park is Tochigi, a prefecture north of Tokyo that is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nikko Toshogu, an elaborate gold-encrusted shrine honouring the first shogun military dictator.

Whilst you can explore the many natural attractions both in and surrounding Nikko National Park, history lovers will enjoy visiting Edo Wonderland, a Japanese cultural theme park in Nikko that showcases the life and culture of the Edo period.

Near to the scenic Ryuokyo Gorge overlooking Kinugawa River from a high hilltop is KAI Kinugawa, a hot spring ryokan with a wide courtyard and interiors brimming with regional artwork. Here, the kaiseki meals feature mountain and river delicacies such as wild boar and cherry salmon.

3. Shizuoka Prefecture

Sharing Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest peak with neighbouring Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka lines the pacific coast of Japan and is known for its hot springs, scenic trails, and beautiful beaches. It has three KAI properties: KAI Enshu, KAI Ito and KAI Anjin.

A natural attraction that can't be missed in this prefecture is Mount Omuro, a perfect cone-shaped extinct volcano near the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula.

For those seeking a ryokan stay with stunning ocean views, KAI Anjin is a hot spring ryokan that features rooms and artwork with a maritime theme, making guests feel as if they are navigating the high seas in the Age of Discovery.

The ryokan is named after Miura Anjin, better known outside of Japan as William Adams, the English navigator who became a samurai. Here kaiseki meals feature fresh seafood with a touch of British sensibility.

4. Yamaguchi Prefecture

A prefecture in Japan's Chugoku region, Yamaguchi's capital goes by the same name and is known as “The Kyoto of the West” with a history dating back to the 14th century. Yamaguchi is famous not only for its fugu pufferfish cuisine but many historical and natural attractions including Japan's largest limestone cave, Akiyoshido.

Inspired by 17th-century accommodation built to host feudal lords, KAI Nagato is a hot spring ryokan that is perfectly located for riverside walks and excursions around the historical Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

Exotic seafood such as pufferfish and citrus fruit feature prominently in the kaiseki meals here thanks to the ryokan being in a temperate area with the ocean on three sides.

5. Oita Prefecture

In the northeast corner of the island of Kyushu is Oita, a prefecture famous for both the quantity and quality of its natural hot springs so it comes as no surprise that this prefecture is home to three KAI properties: KAI Aso, KAI Beppu and KAI Yufuin.

Located just ten kilometres inland from Beppu is the onsen town of Yufuin, where horse-drawn carriage rides depart from JR Yufuin Station to take passengers for a relaxing tour through the countryside.

Situated amongst a landscape of beautifully terraced rice fields is KAI Yufuin, a restful hot spring ryokan where guests can enjoy the open sky as they relax in the outdoor baths fed by the Yufuin Hot Springs.

Selected for Travel + Leisure ® It List 2023, the annual award for the best new hotels in the world, KAI Yufuin feels like a traditional farmhouse, thanks to its spacious wraparound veranda and kaiseki meals featuring game meat and deeply flavourful vegetables grown throughout the geothermal region.

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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.

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/

About KAI

KAI is a leading brand of hot spring ryokan where every establishment offers a contemporary take on a 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 flavours. Experience Washoku, Japanese cuisine, presented on carefully selected ceramics for full exposure to culinary sensations.