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NAGANO, JAPAN – December 21, 2017 – Hoshino Resorts is reopening KAI Alps, its hot spring ryokan in Omachi, Nagano, after extensive renovations and the addition of new buildings. KAI, Japan’s leading brand of luxury boutique hot spring ryokans, provides guests with an authentic Japanese setting, characterized by rich traditional culture and local cuisine. The theme at the renovated KAI Alps is “Shinano hospitality” which is a focus on Nagano’s local culture and hospitality.

The newly renovated KAI Alps will feature two buildings with 48 rooms between them, and brand new facilities designed to let guests experience the luxurious hot springs of the Shinshu countryside. Guest rooms and hot spring areas are lined up under arcade walkways known as “Gangi,” and have a spectacular view of the Alps and the snow melting into the river.

Designs vary depending on the room, but guests can find warm paper lanterns at the entrance and bedside, transoms modeled after the mountains and Kurobe Dam, and bed headboards made from Japanese arborvitae wood. 8 Japanese-style rooms have their own indoor hot spring baths, while all rooms have kotatsu or traditional Japanese wooden tables in the living room and KAI’s signature mattresses, made especially for the brand, delivering the ultimate nighttime comfort.

Other features of the ryokan include:

• Hot springs – The large baths are a source of secluded comfort and set amidst a verdant larch forest area. Men and women have their own separate indoor and outdoor bath areas. Larch are native deciduous trees that exhibit vibrant transitions with the seasons: sprouting buds in the spring, verdant green in the summer, gold in the autumn and a blanket of snow in the winter. Guests can enjoy the fresh air and take in the view of the trees and mountains while relaxing in their outdoor bath. Wintertime features baths with local Shinshu apples floating in the water. Afterwards, while overlooking the brook, guests can cool off with water from the mountain stream, or finish the night by warming up with some tea in the courtyard which is decorated with cherry blossoms and greens in warmer seasons, and with traditional snow domes known as “Kamakuras” in the winter.
• Sunken hearth bar – KAI Alps’ front building features an authentic sunken hearth fireplace with Shinshu apples, dumplings, veggies, sake, and other seasonal treats. The fragrant aroma of food cooking and the warm, inviting fire will draw visitors in delivering a fun gathering area for interaction between guests.
• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Hakuba Skiing – Numerous sightseeing opportunities dot the landscape around KAI Alps. The entrance to the popular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Ogizawa, is 20 minutes by car. Guests can see the impressive Kurobe Dam and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the large snowbanks and breathtaking views from the ropeway. In the winter, skiers are just a half-hour’s drive away from the famous Hakuba area, which features courses for beginners, families, and experts alike.
• Private Lounge in Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort – In Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort, there is a private lounge for guests staying at KAI Alps. Guests can take a rest from skiing at the comfortable lounge that includes amenities such as: Television, DVD music player, sofa, coffee machine, and an electric kettle.

Room rates start at 23,000 Japanese Yen/night (approximately 200USD) which include 2 meals per day, tax and service charges. For more information please contact +81-50-3786-1144 or visit http://kai-ryokan.jp/en/alps/. 

About KAI

KAI is a collection of ryokan traditional Japanese inns founded in 2011 by Hoshino Resorts, all with fewer than 50 rooms. KAI properties feature design centered on their location, authentic onsen or natural hot spring baths, traditional experiences, and kaiseki dining derived from indigenous ingredients.

KAI resorts are located in Aso, Atami, Kaga, Hakone, Itō, Izumo, Matsumoto, Tsugaru, and the Kai Alps near the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.