Hoshino Resorts introduces “KAI Okuhida,” the newest addition to its nationwide hot spring ryokan brand, KAI. Set to open on September 5, 2024, in Okuhida-Onsengo, Gifu Prefecture, KAI Okuhida marks the 24th property under the KAI brand and Hoshino Resorts’ inaugural venture in Gifu Prefecture. The resort’s concept revolves around awakening to breathtaking mountain hot springs and unwinding in a traditional Hida-designed inn.
Located amidst the renowned peaks of the Northern Alps, Okuhida-Onsengo boasts abundant hot springs and stunning landscapes. Positioned at an altitude of approximately 1200 meters, including the Okuhida Hot Spring and Hirayu Hot Spring where KAI Okuhida is situated, the area offers a picturesque setting where visitors can truly sense the changing seasons. Despite its scenic allure and proximity to popular mountain attractions like Kamikochi, Norikura, and Shinhotaka, Okuhida-Onsengo remains relatively undiscovered, especially among younger travelers.
With its unique concept, KAI Okuhida aims to introduce guests to the scenic beauty of Okuhida’s mountain hot springs and immerse them in the culture of the Hida region. The resort seamlessly blends modern architecture with the exquisite craftsmanship of local Hida artisans. Guests can stroll along pathways leading to courtyard foot baths, explore alleyways and streets, and experience the authentic ambiance of a hot spring village.
KAI Okuhida’s Special Features
KAI Signature Rooms: Experience the soothing touch of natural wood. KAI Signature Rooms blend modern decor with local craftsmanship for an authentic regional stay. Inspired by the gentle allure of natural wood, these rooms feature contemporary furnishings, including a striking headboard crafted using Hida’s renowned wood bending technique known as “mageki.” Guests are greeted with breathtaking views of the Hida Mountains from their windows and terraces, offering seasonal vistas of lush greenery, vibrant autumn foliage, and glistening snow. All 49 guest rooms are designed as KAI Signature Rooms, with 28 boasting outdoor hot spring baths on their terraces, allowing guests to soak in the mountain scenery while indulging in the hot springs.
Hida-shunkei Lacquerware: Adorning the walls of each room is an original “Hida-shunkei” lacquerware artwork, showcasing the unique craft technique of Takayama City. This distinctive lacquerware, known for its simple yet elegant finish, highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain through a process called “Suki-urushi” (rub-in lacquer). Each piece is meticulously crafted using raw lacquer, extracted from the sap of the lacquer tree, and finished with a translucent coating to enhance the wood’s natural patterns.
Hida-zome Dyeing: KAI Okuhida collaborates with Hida-zome Yuhara Senko, a renowned dye shop with over 150 years of history, to create original cushions for guest room sofas. These cushions feature intricate patterns inspired by traditional Hida-zome dyeing techniques, depicting motifs such as dragons using a special inlay method. Each design is meticulously crafted, with outlines marked using rice glue before colors are applied stroke by stroke.
Hida Sangyo Furniture: Guests can relax in chairs crafted by Hida Sangyo, a local furniture manufacturer renowned for its expertise in wood furniture. Using the “mageki” technique, which involves bending wood through steaming and molding, Hida Sangyo creates chairs with curved wood, offering both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Crafted from native Hida region woods such as chestnut and oak, these chairs showcase the skill and artistry of Hida’s craftsmen, providing guests with a true gift from the region’s forests.
Dining
KAI Okuhida presents an authentic Kaiseki-style dining affair for dinner, rich with local flavors and culinary heritage, served within a semi-private setting. The focal point of the Special Kaiseki course is the renowned Hida Beef, a cherished delicacy of the region, grilled on magnolia leaves with a unique twist. Hida Beef, esteemed as one of Japan’s finest Wagyu brands, stands as a culinary symbol of Gifu Prefecture, prized for its tender texture and intricate marbling.
In a departure from tradition, the Hida beef is gently ensconced in a “tsuto” wrapper crafted from straw. Before serving, the meat’s surface undergoes a light cooking, granting guests the opportunity to tailor its final grilling to their liking at the table. Following the enjoyment of the meat in its pure form, diners are invited to experiment with an array of condiments, including salt, wasabi, soy sauce, or Japanese pepper, to further elevate its flavors. Enhancing the dining ambiance, the serving tables are fashioned from aged wood, evoking the rustic allure of an “irori” fireplace, emblematic of traditional Okuhida residences. In Japanese culinary culture, “tsuto” denotes a wrapping or bract fashioned from materials like reeds, bamboo skins, or straw, intricately woven to enfold and transport food items.
KAI Okuhida consists of two lodging buildings, a bathhouse, and an annex building. These structures are interconnected by a courtyard, a crossroad, and an alley space. The hot spring boasts a robust flow rate of 440 liters per minute and a high temperature, ideal for both public and private baths. Guests can also indulge in a relaxing hot foot bath. Steaming hot water paths adorn the terrace and courtyard, allowing guests to bask in the mountain air while wearing traditional Japanese “Geta” sandals. In the evening, softly lit lanterns illuminate the alley space, creating an outdoor ambiance that truly captures the essence of the changing seasons, far from the urban hustle and bustle. Through its thoughtful design, the inn aims to unveil the allure of a mountain hot spring village, offering a ryokan experience filled with delightful surprises.
Address: 138 Hirayu, Okuhida-Onsengo, Takayama City, Gifu
Number of Guest Rooms: 49 (including 28 rooms with outdoor hot springs)
Room Types: 2 suite rooms (2-person capacity), 26 Western-style rooms with outdoor hot springs (3-person capacity), 19 Japanese-style rooms (1 to 4-person capacity), 2 dog-friendly rooms (3-person capacity)
Price: Starting from 31,000 JPY per night (per person based on double occupancy, inclusive of tax and service charge, with breakfast and dinner)
Facilities: Front desk, Shop, Annexes (Travel Library, foot bath), Dining area, Public baths (outdoor and indoor), Yuagari Lounge, Yuagari Terrace, Courtyard
Access: A 4-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal, a 3-minute drive from Chubu Jukan Expressway Hirayu IC
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaiokuhida/
Reservation Start Date: April 17, 2024
Official Opening Date: September 5, 2024