Hoshino Resorts will open “KAI Kusatsu” on June 7 in Kusatsu Onsen, Japan.
The concept is “A forest hot spring inn and hot spring town connected by a tunnel.” The property has 94 guest rooms in total, 18 of which feature open-air baths. In the local-themed guest room type “Silk Art Room,” guests can enjoy textile art expressing the mountain range and steam of Kusatsu, an open-air bath in the room with views of the surrounding mountains, and lampshades made using silk thread and cocoons.
The large communal baths draw two types of acidic hot springs: the “Bandaiko Spring Source,” known within Kusatsu Onsen for its exceptional volume of hot water, high temperature, and strong acidity, and the “Nishi-no-Kawara Spring Source,” a milder acidic spring that only a limited number of facilities are allowed to pipe in. The indoor baths contain three tubs, allowing guests to enjoy different water qualities at varying temperatures.
On the premises, facilities include a fireplace lounge, a local activity wing where guests can experience Joshu-style silk reeling, a courtyard, a dog run, and ski lockers. For dining, guests can choose from options such as the “Joshu Hoden Kaiseki” featuring Joshu Joya Nabe (a traditional hot pot from the Joshu region) as the main dish, and a set course of soba noodles made from locally milled buckwheat flour at “Soba Kappo SAI,” which is also open to day-trip visitors.
Access: approximately 60 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station, and about 20 minutes by car from Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station.
