“This hot spring ryokan is set near Hakone in a beautiful natural setting in the mountains. Elegant guestrooms feature private outdoor baths fed by waters from the Owakudani volcanic valley & views over Sengokuhara. Sample kaiseki meals with an emphasis on locally sourced seafood. Romantic luxury.”

Hotel review

Nestled in the forested mountains just outside of Hakone, this beautiful ryokan - or, Japanese-style inn - offers guests an authentic hot springs experience in a spectacular natural setting. With an artist residency supplying the hotel décor, an excellent chef onsite preparing contemporary kaiseki cuisine and onsen baths fed by mountain spring water, this hotel combines the best of Japanese culture for an unforgettable experience.

Guest suites are bright and airy, with futon-style beds, traditional tatami mats and washi paper screens. There are four categories to choose from, each with an outdoor bath and breathtaking views of the natural landscape. 100 per cent flax yukata (a type of kimono) are available for guests, in addition to traditional wrapping cloths for carrying your things around with you in the hotel.

Head down to the hotel lounge in the evenings for nightly Tenugui towel art, a workshop where you can learn to decorate a traditional Japanese handkerchief. Staff are on hand to assist guests with painting their designs. The workshops are great for the whole family, and children's menus and pyjamas are another excellent addition to this family-friendly hotel.

HG Staff
HG Staff Review published: 07/03/2024

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • Foodies are spoiled for choice at this hotel, with a mouthwatering menu of contemporary kaiseki cuisine and traditional drinks
  • Art Classes

    • Participate in the hotel's free nightly tenugui workshops, a traditional Japanese art of painted handkerchiefs
  • Romantic Break

    • With romantic hot spring baths in every room, book this hotel for a relaxing couples' escape
  • Trekking

    • Go trekking up Mount Fuji; enquire at the hotel for assistance with booking a tour package
  • Onsen

    • Indoor and outdoor bathing is available as well as a lukewarm spring bath for those who prefer cooler temperatures
  • Museums

    • Visit the impressive collection at the Pola Museum of Art, just a few minutes by car from the hotel
  • Sights nearby

    • Discover the Hakone Shrine, dedicated to the gods who protect eastern Japan
  • Child friendly

    • Kids' menus and games are available
  • Romantic

  • Mountain biking

  • Views

  • Secluded setting

  • Remote

  • Eco

  • Quiet

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Birdwatching

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Outstanding location

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Private Hot Tub

  • Kayaking

  • Hills & mountains

  • Restaurant

  • Great walks

  • Fishing

  • Boutique

  • Golf

  • Chic

  • Inn

  • 5* Luxury

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Contemporary

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Intimate

Facilities

  • Rooms

    16 rooms in this hotel
  • Onsen

    Indoor and outdoor bathing is available as well as a lukewarm spring bath for those who prefer cooler temperatures
  • Child friendly

    Kids' menus and games are available
  • Views

  • Bath robes

  • Wifi

  • Parking

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Private Hot Tub

  • Laundry

  • Restaurant

  • Sitting Room

  • Suites

  • Hot Tub

  • Concierge

  • Air conditioning

Activities

  • Art Classes

    • Participate in the hotel's free nightly tenugui workshops, a traditional Japanese art of painted handkerchiefs
  • Trekking

    • Go trekking up Mount Fuji; enquire at the hotel for assistance with booking a tour package
  • Museums

    • Visit the impressive collection at the Pola Museum of Art, just a few minutes by car from the hotel
  • Sights nearby

    • Discover the Hakone Shrine, dedicated to the gods who protect eastern Japan
  • Mountain biking

  • Kayaking

  • Great walks

  • Fishing

  • Golf

  • Birdwatching

Map & Location

Other reviews

KAI Sengokuhara

It’s all about art at KAI Sengokuhara, Japan’s first art-themed hot spring onsen hotel, a sleek, modern take on a traditional ryokan inn set in the forested mountains of Hakone – complete with artworks created from artist residencies, an art atelier and a raft of creative pursuits for guests.

Originally published by The Telegraph

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.