Add thelocalreport.in As A
Trusted Source
With rustic ryokan guesthouse comfort at a luxury level, KAI Nagato dazzles like the river that flows through the heart of its charmingly peaceful spa town.
Place
Kai Nagato’s picturesque setting overlooking the cherry blossom-lined river Perfect for a zen break In the historical prefecture of Yamaguchi. hotel The riverside, with its cafés and terraces, has soothing, nature-heavy views both inside and out. A short drive from the nearest city, Nagato, the property is in the center of a small spa town, Yumoto Onsen, and three hours from the nearest airport, Hiroshima. Guests can wander through the village to visit Buddhist temples, ceramics studios, a craft brewery, and a specialty coffee shop.
Read more: Japan Is the Beach Vacation You Never Thought About – But Should Be
stretch

The KAI series is a series of luxurious bows from Hoshino Resorts, a brand that has mastered high-end hospitality for decades. This Nagato branch, opened in 2020, stretches along the babbling waters of the Fukawa River, passing through the creative spa town of Yumoto Onsen. Peace, relaxation and harmony with nature are keys to the design of public spaces; The huge windows in the lobby area draw you towards the rows of cherry blossom trees. The property has its own private onsen for guests’ use, but this onsen is located just minutes from the hot spring that has been the heart of this exclusive (once imperial) spa town for centuries.
Service
Being a high-end ryokan means service is everything. The core tenets of ryokan culture: an atmosphere of “wa” (harmony) and therapeutic hot waters as well as dedicated “omotenashi” (personal service) mean you literally float through a stay, where an itinerary of meals, spa visits and wellness activities is agreed upon at check-in and delivered seamlessly by exceptional, multilingual staff.
bed and bath

Earthy colors that reflect the natural surroundings are quintessentially adopted in Japanese rooms, where traditional designs like sliding paper blinds and circular secondary windows are reminiscent of a bygone era. However, it’s not all light tones; Cloud-like futon-style mattresses are supported by a wall of colorful panels made of tokuji washi paper – each vibrant pattern representing a local specialty. The rooms are also decorated with beautiful pieces of local Hagi ware ceramics, Hagi glass and Ouchi lacquerware. Standard rooms have an en-suite shower, while some rooms and suites have outdoor onsen bathrooms.
Food and Drink
.jpeg)
Like the traditional ryokan inns on which the property is modeled, all meals at KAI hotels are a big affair, so it’s very worthwhile going full board to get the full experience. Guests have a private booth within the restaurant where intricate plates of fine dining are presented. Yamaguchi lives in Nagato, Prefecture Kai, a relatively warm southern region surrounded by the sea, famous for its seafood and citrus fruits, both of which appear on seasonal menus. The Japanese-style breakfast is one of the best in the country and absolutely unforgettable.
facilities

The MO here is ensuring relaxation, and with that comes the understanding that guests have different ways to relax. The hotel’s onsen; Two pools of 38C water (one indoor and one outdoor) await, with pajamas and robes provided for each guest. The creative space in the lobby invites you to try calligraphy using ink ground on “Akama inkstone”, Yamaguchi’s traditional craft. The library is littered with books (most are in Japanese, but some photo books are in English), and the riverside Akebono Café is a great place to enjoy dorayaki pancakes after a healthy walk along the river.
Read more: Palace Hotel, Tokyo Review
disability Access
Ground floor rooms have step-free access with slopes between buildings for guests with mobility issues – please contact the property in advance to discuss any adaptation requirements.
pet policy
Pets are allowed but only for bookings made from within Japan, i.e. local pets only.
check in check out
Check in at 3pm, check out at 12pm.
family friendly
Children are welcome.
at a glance

Best thing: Sheer relaxation – and the beginning.
Perfect for: Japanese fans want to get off the beaten track.
Not suitable for: party animals.
from instagram:The bridge outside Akebono Cafe.
Address: 2229-1 Fukawayumoto, Nagato, Yamaguchi 759-4103, Japan
phone: +81 5031348092
Website: hoshinoresorts.com
Read more: best japanese destination swap