Hoshino Resorts Kai Kawaji

“Superb. The Epitome of Japanese Style and Elegance”

The ryokan/onsen experience fulfilled to perfection. Kawaji is a lovely little town with some great walks along the river and through scenic woodlands, and the train ride to get there is a delight in itself. Hotel shuttle service to the station, or a ten minute walk. (NOT Kawaji Onsen station, b… more

The ryokan/onsen experience fulfilled to perfection. Kawaji is a lovely little town with some great walks along the river and through scenic woodlands, and the train ride to get there is a delight in itself. Hotel shuttle service to the station, or a ten minute walk. (NOT Kawaji Onsen station, but the next station north up the line. Kawaji 'something' - sorry, forgot name). Bus to Kinugawa Onsen stops right outside the hotel. Hotel KAI is not inexpensive, but worth every ¥!

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“A Traditional yet modern in with a beautiful outdoor bath”

The setting, the rooms, the service, and the food are all top-notch at this beautiful little Japanese in. Every area is tastefully decorated and the room sizes are very large. When eating your meals, you were in a slightly separated area from other families so there is a sense of intimacy and priva… more

The setting, the rooms, the service, and the food are all top-notch at this beautiful little Japanese in. Every area is tastefully decorated and the room sizes are very large. When eating your meals, you were in a slightly separated area from other families so there is a sense of intimacy and privacy. If you come with family, there are also activities for your children to engage in that are culturally tasteful and from the local area. There are also areas around the hotel where you can hike. All rooms face the mountain and so during Cherryblossom or autumnal leaves seasons, it is beautiful. I would strongly recommend a stay at this hotel where the service is outstanding.

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“Relaxing stay! ”

Lovely and spacious room where you can relax while watching the greenery! Dinner is very delicious in all local ingredients! The hot springs is very nice too! Also, the COVID-19 precaution is very good - the check-in service at your room, individual room for dinner/breakfast and social distancing… more

Lovely and spacious room where you can relax while watching the greenery! Dinner is very delicious in all local ingredients! The hot springs is very nice too! Also, the COVID-19 precaution is very good - the check-in service at your room, individual room for dinner/breakfast and social distancing for all cultural trial sessions!

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“Great location and views. Some issues that need to be resolved”

Overall, good location, gorgeous drive in & out. Spacious and decent room (was in 708) on the top floor, with river and mountain views, would be stunning during autumn. I wanted to like this place, but there’s room for improvement: ~wifi was so pathetic that my cell phone loaded faster using ro… more

Overall, good location, gorgeous drive in & out. Spacious and decent room (was in 708) on the top floor, with river and mountain views, would be stunning during autumn. I wanted to like this place, but there’s room for improvement: ~wifi was so pathetic that my cell phone loaded faster using roaming. ~Bathroom is ancient (I could have been in the Toto museum). Hotel door and safety deposit boxes require actual keys. ~mediocre dinner, carb heavy and cheap ingredients. You can cook good food with simple ingredients but it wasn’t the case here. For example, my beef appetizer was overcooked, the fried dishes were really oily. I wasn’t able to “upgrade” my meal as ended booking my room only the night before (had fo cancel my original hotel due to winter storm issues near Niigata). ~ this place was overpriced. I paid only 10% more for a ryokan 2 hour drive away that had much better food and room (ie wooden bathtubs with real hot spring H2O vs plastic bathtub) and 3 private onsens that you can book to have a private soak. ~Room literally came with one tea bag only, no toothbrush available in room. I know Kai is not Hoshinoya, but, it would take very little to enhance the overall experience. This was my first Kai and I still hope to try the other ones, just hope this Kai was an exception to the rest.

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