Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara on Postcard

"Why we love it: A modern, art-focused take on the ryokan experience The Highlights: - Traditional kaiseki dinners crafted from local ingredients - A private, mineral water–filled outdoor tub in each room - Art classes and other creative activities The Review: About a two-hour drive fromTokyo, some 2,300 feet up in the mountains of the hot springs-rich Hakone region, sits this modern take on the ryokan bathhouse experience. Opened in 2018, Kai Sengokuhara is part of the Kai group of luxury ryokans throughoutJapan, each of which has been designed to reflect its location and celebrate local craftsmanship. Here, art is the focus, with the property doubling as an evolving gallery for works by local and international artists. Also on offer is a roster of creativity-stimulating activities, including nightly classes in hand-painting traditional tenugui handkerchiefs. The two room categories—one for up to two guests, the other for up to three—also feature original artwork inspired by the surrounding region, along with private terraces with outdoor tubs fed by spring water from the valley. Other touches include elegant flax kimonos, custom mattresses, and free Wi-Fi. Rates are typically half-board, so all guests are able to savor traditional Japanese breakfasts (centered around the use of a local yam) and flavorful, multi-course kaiseki dinners, crafted with local proteins (from beef to abalone) and elegantly presented on handpicked tableware. And then there’s the soaking: two bath halls (male and female) are each equipped with indoor and outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich Owakudani volcanic valley waters, in which you can soak away the world while gazing out at the lush green forest."

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"The KAI Sengokuhara, an upscale ryokan from Hoshino Resorts, often sells out year-round, perhaps because it has just 16 guest rooms, and each comes complete with its own private outdoor onsen, which is a luxurious rarity in Japan."

11 Gorgeous Hotel Rooms With Private Hot Tubs

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Anthony S

Google

Amazing room and hotel. Very close to the bus stop that allows for easy access to the Hakone free pass route (15 minutes away to the ropeway).||Meals were delicious (and massive!) and the staff went out their way to make us comfortable. The hot bath on the terrace was very relaxing but you also get the access to the main onsen with it's three baths. Well worth the trip!

Ronald Lau

Google

Outstanding service in all areas of the resort. Each meal included a bewildering array of items, all deliciously appealing! The special kaiseki dinner was “out of this world” in variety, flavors and presentation! The rooms are spacious and the private onsen with spectacular views of the surrounding forests and mountains was marvelous.

Ben N

Google

A great stay here at Kai Sengokuhara. Unfortunately it was cut short due to confusion between our agents and the hotel. That being said, the hotel were very friendly about it and apologetic.||They moved us to their sister hotel Kai Hakone for our 2nd night.||The staff, despite the lack of English did everything they could to make it up to us and I have to praise them for that! ||The hotel itself is stunning, the room was beautiful with incredible views and a lovely in room onsen. ||The communal onsen is nice, however not the best I’ve been to in Japan! ||I think we were unprepared for the food. It’s a very Japanese hotel, whereby what you eat is fully Japanese in a small personal booth which is very bizzare. A great experience, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best meal I’ve ever had! ||A great stay nonetheless. Wish it could’ve been the full 2 nights!

Erik Peterson

Google

We recently stayed here for one night and honestly I came away a little disappointed, particularly for the price point. I wouldn’t recommend it to friends and expected a better experience. The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous and has a fantastic view, the rooms are beautiful, as is the private onsen. However, a few issues held back the experience: The front desk staff, upon greeting us, tried to guilt us into moving our dinner reservation to an earlier time—despite taking our dinner time reservation months earlier. They said it would be very busy and not relaxing at this time. We declined and kept our dinner reservation and it was actually fine. I don’t understand why they did this, and it made us feel uncomfortable. Next, before we had even gotten to our room, they also pressured us not to try to take a taxi the next morning and pushed us toward taking the bus. We are fine taking the bus and ended up doing just that, but it was very odd how they pressured us. This also made us feel uncomfortable. The waitstaff at the restaurant were excellent and very good at their jobs, but honestly, while the food looked superb and had great presentation it was not very flavorful. It was a disappointment. Finally, I don’t think the location is actually very good. There is very little to walk to and no nearby activities. It is difficult to walk anywhere in this area and there’s nothing interesting nearby. While it’s pretty, I wouldn’t return. Not recommended, particularly for the high price point.

Blue S

Google

The ugly hotel is the worst! Their staff is nice but the manager is terrible rude and offensive! He only looks at money he is a Japanese owner stingy guy. This hotel has bed bugs and urine smell in room!!!! This is terrible and we’re forced to stay

Qiang ZHU

Google

very relaxing place with lots of attention to details. Food is top tier while keeping the Japanese tradition. View is also great. And service is best of the best.

Tina

Google

The staff here go above and beyond! It was the most gorgeous hotel we have ever stayed at. From the lobby to the incredible mountain view from our room. Pricey stay but worth every penny! The kaiseki meals were very cool to experience, even though we didn't love the food itself.

Alexa Bautista

Google

Our stay at Hoshino KAI Sengokuhara was unforgettable! It was our favorite part of our trip to Japan. The service there is perfect. Everyone is so polite and helpful. It was raining and we were greeted with towels to help dry off our jackets when we arrived -- wow! The food is delicious. The private onsen had a spectacular view of the mountains, and it made me feel refreshed after spending busy days in Tokyo. It was also fun to do the art activity they provide in the lobby. I thought the hotel was a very good price for the service and included amenities. Be aware that the hill up to the hotel is a bit steep, so if you have heavy luggage or are weak of heart, it may be easier to take a taxi. :) I would 100% recommend this hotel to all my friends and family. Do not hesitate to book!

Anthony S

Google

Amazing room and hotel. Very close to the bus stop that allows for easy access to the Hakone free pass route (15 minutes away to the ropeway).||Meals were delicious (and massive!) and the staff went out their way to make us comfortable. The hot bath on the terrace was very relaxing but you also get the access to the main onsen with it's three baths. Well worth the trip!

Ronald Lau

Google

Outstanding service in all areas of the resort. Each meal included a bewildering array of items, all deliciously appealing! The special kaiseki dinner was “out of this world” in variety, flavors and presentation! The rooms are spacious and the private onsen with spectacular views of the surrounding forests and mountains was marvelous.

Ben N

Google

A great stay here at Kai Sengokuhara. Unfortunately it was cut short due to confusion between our agents and the hotel. That being said, the hotel were very friendly about it and apologetic.||They moved us to their sister hotel Kai Hakone for our 2nd night.||The staff, despite the lack of English did everything they could to make it up to us and I have to praise them for that! ||The hotel itself is stunning, the room was beautiful with incredible views and a lovely in room onsen. ||The communal onsen is nice, however not the best I’ve been to in Japan! ||I think we were unprepared for the food. It’s a very Japanese hotel, whereby what you eat is fully Japanese in a small personal booth which is very bizzare. A great experience, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best meal I’ve ever had! ||A great stay nonetheless. Wish it could’ve been the full 2 nights!

Erik Peterson

Google

We recently stayed here for one night and honestly I came away a little disappointed, particularly for the price point. I wouldn’t recommend it to friends and expected a better experience. The hotel itself is absolutely gorgeous and has a fantastic view, the rooms are beautiful, as is the private onsen. However, a few issues held back the experience: The front desk staff, upon greeting us, tried to guilt us into moving our dinner reservation to an earlier time—despite taking our dinner time reservation months earlier. They said it would be very busy and not relaxing at this time. We declined and kept our dinner reservation and it was actually fine. I don’t understand why they did this, and it made us feel uncomfortable. Next, before we had even gotten to our room, they also pressured us not to try to take a taxi the next morning and pushed us toward taking the bus. We are fine taking the bus and ended up doing just that, but it was very odd how they pressured us. This also made us feel uncomfortable. The waitstaff at the restaurant were excellent and very good at their jobs, but honestly, while the food looked superb and had great presentation it was not very flavorful. It was a disappointment. Finally, I don’t think the location is actually very good. There is very little to walk to and no nearby activities. It is difficult to walk anywhere in this area and there’s nothing interesting nearby. While it’s pretty, I wouldn’t return. Not recommended, particularly for the high price point.

Blue S

Google

The ugly hotel is the worst! Their staff is nice but the manager is terrible rude and offensive! He only looks at money he is a Japanese owner stingy guy. This hotel has bed bugs and urine smell in room!!!! This is terrible and we’re forced to stay

Qiang ZHU

Google

very relaxing place with lots of attention to details. Food is top tier while keeping the Japanese tradition. View is also great. And service is best of the best.

Tina

Google

The staff here go above and beyond! It was the most gorgeous hotel we have ever stayed at. From the lobby to the incredible mountain view from our room. Pricey stay but worth every penny! The kaiseki meals were very cool to experience, even though we didn't love the food itself.

Alexa Bautista

Google

Our stay at Hoshino KAI Sengokuhara was unforgettable! It was our favorite part of our trip to Japan. The service there is perfect. Everyone is so polite and helpful. It was raining and we were greeted with towels to help dry off our jackets when we arrived -- wow! The food is delicious. The private onsen had a spectacular view of the mountains, and it made me feel refreshed after spending busy days in Tokyo. It was also fun to do the art activity they provide in the lobby. I thought the hotel was a very good price for the service and included amenities. Be aware that the hill up to the hotel is a bit steep, so if you have heavy luggage or are weak of heart, it may be easier to take a taxi. :) I would 100% recommend this hotel to all my friends and family. Do not hesitate to book!

Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara

Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara

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