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.
