On the old Tokaido road in Hakone Yumoto Onsen, beside the quiet voice of the Sukumo River, KAI Hakone practises what Japanese ryokan culture has always understood: that healing is not a programme but a rhythm. Mineral waters from Mt. Yusaka fill thirteen hinoki cypress baths, kaiseki follows the season, and the unhurried pace of the house does what it has always done for those who travel this ancient road. The tradition is older than any wellness philosophy.
Assessed by HealingGuide
A hot spring ryokan with views of Mt. Yusaka and echoes of the babbling nearby Sukumo River
KAI Hakone is a hot spring ryokan with rooms offering river views. There is much here that reflects the culture and nature of Hakone, from parquet furnishings to hot spring baths that open out onto vibrant natural scenery, as well as exclusive activities that give a taste of this traditional hot spring town’s history.
Hakone is home to twenty hot springs that are known for their therapeutic effects. Yumoto, which supplies our semi-open baths, is particularly famous. Each bath hall offers a view of Mt. Yusaka and echoes with the babbling of the nearby Sukumo River. Bath halls are semi-open to provide guests with a more naturalistic bathing experience.
At KAI Hakone, activities revolve around a style of parquetry that has traditionally been practiced in Hakone. The craft is known for its colorful patterns that make use of the area’s diverse tree population. Activities include tea sessions, storytelling, and even crafting workshops.
Travelers in the past would stop at teahouses known as chaya to rest and exchange information. Parquetry chaya activity recreates that scene with refreshments served on or in Hakone parquetry. Secrets of parquetry is a pictorial storytelling session is held everyday to offer guests an enjoyable introduction to Hakone parquetry.
KAI Hakone, the rooms feature contemporary furnishings made by master artisans who practice a style of parquetry traditional to Hakone.
Guests are served kaiseki course meals that use plenty of seasonal land and sea ingredients. Some dishes feature Japanese ingredients prepared with Western culinary techniques—a style that developed from the West's long love affair with Hakone's hot springs. The Yuagari Lounge located between the men's and women's bath halls, allows guests to cool off after a bath while sipping on a refreshing beverage inspired by the local culture.
Immerse in a naturalistic bathing experience
Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone
Hot spring ryokan Japan
230 Yumotochaya, Hakonemachi,
Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa 250-0312,
Japan
Asia
Where Healing Begins
This property has been independently assessed and selected by HealingGuide as part of a curated global collection of healing sanctuaries, retreat centres, and wellness hotels chosen for the quality of the inner states they make possible.
We earn no commission.
All links lead directly to the property, and we encourage you to book there whenever you can.
