Hoshino Resorts has opened a new resort in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture in Japan. Beppu Onsen is an area famous for its hot springs, a place that has the greatest number of hot spring sources and amount of hot spring water in Japan. KAI Beppu is located in the Kitahama district, which overlooks Beppu bay.
Designed by architect, Kuma Kengo, the interior has a cobblestone alleyway and an arcade area, which will be reminiscent of a lively hot spring town. Moreover, all guest rooms are KAI Signature Rooms, where local culture and characteristics of the region are reflected, and to support local Bungo tie-dyeing techniques and artists, their works are incorporated in the rooms.
Once you step inside the building, there is an open terrace overlooking the Beppu bay, which is connected to the lobby. A hand bath and footbath are located near the terrace, where one can relax as the sea breeze passes by. At the back of the lobby, there is a cobblestone alleyway, illuminated by Japanese paper lanterns, shops with specialty products of Beppu, and an arcade with traditional games, creating a festive environment. Further along the alleyway, there will be a bathhouse where the baths are separated by gender. The famous Beppu hot spring water can be enjoyed in the baths for pure relaxation.
All guest rooms at KAI Beppu have an ocean view. One of the characteristics of the room is that it features a “picture window”, where the view of the sea is “cut out” as if it is a painting. In order to enhance the color of the sea, the walls, shoji doors (paper screen doors), and glass in the bathroom all incorporate a pink-brown color called “Kakishibu” (directly translates to bitter persimmon). This kakishibu color is inspired by the red color of the “Chinoike Jigoku” (Bloody Pond Hell) in Beppu, and the earthiness of the lava plateau, where the hot spring is found.
In addition, all 70 guest rooms are KAI Signature Rooms. One feature of the KAI brand is its inclusion of regional culture and handcrafts in the rooms. Bungo tie-dye fabrics are used for the headboards and foot throws, giving the room its uniqueness that can only be found at KAI Beppu.
What is Bungo tie-dyeing technique?
Bungo tie-dyeing technique originates in Oita Prefecture. In the present day, tie-dyeing techniques are separated into two main groups, the silk tie-dye of Kyoto and the cotton tie-dye in Nagoya (Arimatsu and Narumi area). It is said that the Bungo area, an old name for Oita, brought the cotton tie-dye technique to Nagoya. Although there are records of mass production of the tie-dye fabrics during the Edo period, production decreased since the Meiji period and so, efforts have been made to restore it in recent years.
Spa
A view of a Japanese garden can be enjoyed from the public hot springs and there is an outdoor and indoor bath. There are two indoor baths, the “Atsuyu” (hot water), which flows directly from the source, and the “Nuruyu” (warm water). It is a hydrogen carbonate spring so it has properties of baking soda, where it can soften and smoothen the skin. In addition, it is high in sodium, so it allows the body to retain heat.
Dining
Guests can enjoy Kaiseki-style course meals presented on Oita’s traditional handmade plates and bowl at the semi-private dining rooms for dinner. There are dishes using noodles with Oita’s specialty, Kabosu citrus, similar to lime, and its presentation is also a key component of the course, where some use bamboo ware to serve the dish. The main dish for the special Kaiseki-style course meal is the “Bungo Nabe” (hot pot).
Name: Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu
Location: 2-817-71 Kitahama, Beppu, Oita
Number of floors: 11
Number of Guest Rooms: 70
Facilities: Lobby, dining, library, shop, public hot springs
Price: Starting from 31,000 JPY per night (per person for a 2 person room, includes tax, service charge, breakfast, and dinner)
Accessibility: 10 minutes by walk from JR Beppu Station, 60 minutes by car from Oita Airport