KAI Hakone

If you sometimes feel that Western society is becoming increasingly homogeneous then a trip to the KAI Hakone hot springs ryokan just one hour from Tokyo is an otherworld experience that will take you so far outside your comfort zone that you might never want to get back. The modern building is situated at the bottom of a valley through which a river roars in full flood, although that may have had something to do with the recent departure of typhoon Hagibis from the area. You fall asleep with the noise of the river in your ears and you wake up to the same, soporific background rumble. There are western styled rooms but you should opt for an airy and spacious Japanese suite which boasts everything you could wish for. The ryokan itself resembles an English midland’s university, only the bricks are white rather than red, although the building boasts huge glass windows which flood it with light. The place is awash with staff who are unfailingly helpful and polite; some even speak English which is a blessing. The main business of the KAI Hakone is the “onsen” (baths) powered by the natural hot springs that pepper the surrounding area. Japanese communal bathing is utterly alien to western sensibilities. Sexes are separated but all bathing, hot and cold baths, sauna, is undertaken in your birthday suit. Incidentally, they strongly advise you to place a towel on top of your head to prevent headaches. The experience is a little daunting at first but you soon adjust. Copy the locals, which means scrubbing yourself like Lady Macbeth, before plunging into anything communal. Once you overcome the initial stage fright, it is almost impossible not to relax in the large hot bath which opens onto the natural wilderness outside. In keeping with the puritan streak that permeates Japanese society, the ryokan has no communal bar although individual room fridges are stocked with beer and water. After dinner you can participate in an arts/crafts lesson using locally sourced materials to make a miniature wreath. Almost everyone did. The food at the KAI Hakone was a thing of wonder, so beautifully presented that you don’t know whether you should tuck in or simply hang it on the wall alongside the other art. The seven course traditional Japanese dinner was accompanied by sake served in inverted miniature pewter ‘Mount Fujis’ (they would sell like hotcakes if anyone thought to stock them in the little shop on the ground floor). Just one of those seven courses consisted of eight separate amuse bouches. And even if the fermented intestines of a squid might not be to everyone’s taste, remember that this is Japan. They do things differently here, thank goodness.

 

Written by Iain Morrison

• Views
• The property enjoys stunning views from all rooms and the onsen
• Onsen
• A semi open-air hot spring bath, limited opening hours
• Swimming Pool
• Large indoor hot spring
• Massage
• Shops

• Parking
• Free wifi
• Wifi
• Child friendly
• Restaurant

• Sights nearby
• Visit the Hakone Shrine set on Ashinoko Lake. It looks particularly magical at night when it is all lit up by lanterns
• Other Activities
• Join in with the handicraft workshop after dinner and learn all about traditional parquetry

• Sailing
• Take a relaxing boat trip across Lake Ashinoko
• Great walks

Why do people love staying in your hotel? KAI Hakone provides the authentic Japanese experience and modern comfort for the guests at the same time. What is there to do in the area or on site? KAI Hakone provides KAI Cultural Discovery, a daily activity introducing Hakone history and Hakone Parquetry background with craft workshop. Hakone itself is a treasure trove of art museums and the famous Hakone-Yumoto area with many Japanese souvenir shops and onsen.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Japanese-style breakfast

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Accommodating the traditional Japanese ryokan style, KAI Hakone provides breakfast and dinner.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? KAI Signature Room is the most popular room type. KAI Signature Room includes the local Hakone Parquetry art works and modern comfort.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We have children amenities and kids amenities such as children toothbrush set, baby washing basin, diaper bin, small size pyjamas, baby chair and etc… KAI properties have futons like traditional Japanese ryokans. Additional futons are available with additional charge.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? KAI is a leading brand of upscale boutique hot spring ryokans. At KAI ryokans we provide the authentic Japanese experience with modern comfort for our guests. We welcome guests who are looking for their first ryokan experience or guests who are looking for a short break from their daily busy lives.