Sengokuhara, Hakone has long been known as a villa retreat and is now home to numerous museums and art galleries. KAI Sengokuhara, situated in this artistic region, is a Japanese hot spring ryokan inspired by the concept of an “atelier” where guests can immerse themselves in nature. Located 700 meters above sea level in the Sengokuhara Highlands, each room at KAI Sengokuhara features a private outdoor bath, offering a stay designed to stimulate artistic expression. Before its opening, the inn hosted the “Artists in Residence – Hakone-Sengokuhara” program, inviting twelve artists from Japan and abroad. These artists created works inspired by Hakone, which are now displayed in the guest rooms and throughout the inn.
The inn’s menu is carefully curated around the theme of a “hot spring inn atelier,” merging culinary art with traditional Japanese hospitality. For instance, the appetizer features instant smoked salmon paired with seasonal fruits, presented with a dramatic release of smoke reminiscent of the Owakudani volcanic fumes. The assorted delicacies and sashimi assortment on the “Houraku” platter include uniquely designed plates, evoking the imagery of Owakudani’s smoke or resembling a paintbrush box.
In the spring and summer, the special dinner menu includes a “surf and turf on a stone grill,” featuring ingredients from both land and sea. Lava-like stones, heated to 200℃, are used to grill beef and duck meat on one side and shrimp and abalone on the other.
KAI Sengokuhara also offers guests the opportunity to engage with regional culture through daily workshops. Guests can decorate and paint a “tenugui,” a traditional Japanese washcloth, guided by dyer artist Mitsuko Ogura. Six different “tenugui” designs are available, including one depicting the Hakone post town landscape and another inspired by the wild birds and flowers of Sengokuhara.
All guest rooms at KAI Sengokuhara showcase the unique characteristics of the region, decorated with works by the twelve artists from the “Artists in Residence – Hakone-Sengokuhara” program. These artworks offer a dynamic visual experience, changing in appearance from day to night. Additionally, glass lampshades designed by Odawara glass artists Hiroshi Hamadate and Mio Murakami enhance the rooms’ aesthetic.
The rooms are equipped with outdoor baths and feature Ryukyu tatami floors and modern Japanese-Western decor. Guests can enjoy the exceptional Sengokuhara landscape from the large terrace windows or their outdoor baths. The onsen water, drawn from Owakudani, is rich in mineral deposits and known for its skin-smoothing and warming properties. The public baths include a hot acidic bath to warm up and a lukewarm bath to soothe the skin, while the outdoor hot spring offers scenic views of seasonal cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and lush greenery. The water garden, with luminous stones that glow at night, adds to the serene ambiance.
Sengokuhara has historically been a haven for writers and artists seeking inspiration and reflection. Embracing this tradition, KAI Sengokuhara’s Cultural Discovery program emphasizes experiencing art actively. The inn provides a space for guests to express their inspiration drawn from the displayed artworks and the natural surroundings.
The slightly cloudy, sulfate and chloride hot spring water from Owakudani has an acidic pH of 2.0, known for its therapeutic benefits. The public indoor baths feature two types of bathtubs: a hot bath with acidic water for initial warming and a lukewarm bath for soothing the skin. Guests can enjoy the outdoor hot spring while admiring the seasonal scenery and the water garden, where luminous stones shine like stars at night.
Overview of KAI Sengokuhara
- Address: 817-359 Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Number of Rooms: 16
- Facilities: Lobby, Dining, Atelier Library, Shop, Public Hot Springs
- Starting Room Rate: From 55,000 JPY per night (per person for a 2-person room, includes tax, service charge, breakfast, and dinner)
- Directions: 15 minutes by car from Gora Station