KAI Hakone, a hot spring ryokan by Hoshino Resorts will reopen on August 1, 2025 after closing in September last year to undertake extensive renovations. 

Located in Hakone Yumoto, a hot spring town with a 1200-year history, KAI Hakone has welcomed numerous travellers since 2012 with guest rooms offering picturesque views of Mount Yusaka and Sukumo River. 

The property is adorned with Yosegi-zaiku, a traditional type of mosaic woodwork that developed in Hakone during the Edo period. 

With its rich history, Hakone Yumoto flourished as a hot spring resort along the Tokaido Road, one of the five main routes during the Edo period, by soothing the fatigue of travellers. 

The Hakone route, known for its steep and challenging terrain, was lined with teahouses where weary travellers could rest. Located between Odawara and Hakone, Hatajuku is known as the birthplace of Yosegi-Zaiku mosaic woodwork where items made using a variety of woods from Hakone's mountains became popular souvenirs for travellers. 

Furthermore, the concept of "A Hakone-style Inn Immersed in the History of the Tokaido Road" was chosen for KAI Hakone, which recognises Hakone's history, including its hot springs, teahouses, and Yosegi-zaiku, along with the Tokaido Road's development. 

The renovation will introduce a relaxing space centred around a newly constructed teahouse in the courtyard. Located amidst lush greenery, this space will offer a soothing atmosphere alongside the hot springs, where guests can unwind after arrival and spend time with family and friends after dinner. 

New guest rooms will incorporate the culture nurtured by travellers on the Tokaido Road. New KAI Cultural Discovery activities and a dedicated space for these activities will also be introduced, allowing guests to experience the history and traditions of Hakone throughout their stay. 

As part of the KAI brand's hospitality, which focuses on embracing local traditional culture, the "Yosegi CHAYA" event will be held every evening, where staff will share the story of Yosegi-zaiku's origins and the secrets of its crafting process. Guests can also visit the workshop of a Yosegi-zaiku artisan through the local cultural experience program. 

Guests have praised opportunities such as these to engage with Japan's traditional crafts and culture during their stay. Therefore, the renovation will allow guests to experience more of Hakone's charm than ever before.

Facility Overview

Facility Name: Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone

Address: 230 Yumotochaya, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access: 7 minutes by car from Hakone Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Line

Phone: 050-3134-8092 (KAI Reservation Center)

Official Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaihakone/

Reopening Date: August 1, 2025

General Reservation Start Date: Mid-April 2025 (planned)

Remarks: Closed for renovations from September 1, 2024

The reservation start date will soon be confirmed on the official website.

*Details are subject to change.

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*When using any images provided with the release "©︎Hoshino Resorts" must be added.

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Maki Watabe

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0481 796 381

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.