Hoshino Resorts will open “KAI Zao” on October 15.
The concept is “Hot Spring Spiral for Well-being at Okama Crater Lake,” combining architecture inspired by the Okama crater lake in Zao, Miyagi/Yamagata, with highly acidic hot springs. All 49 guest rooms are local-style rooms called “Kurenai Modern no Ma” (Crimson Modern Rooms). The rooms feature safflower washi paper from Yamagata, Yamagata dantsu rugs, custom-made furniture by Tendo Mokko (a renowned furniture maker in Yamagata Prefecture), and panoramic windows, allowing guests to enjoy views of Zao’s seasonal scenery from their rooms.
Inside the property, there is a large communal bath where guests can enjoy the highly acidic hot springs in bathtubs with different concentrations, and a circulation-style wellness area that combines a sauna, cold bath, indoor air-bathing space, and lounge. There is also a rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi inspired by the Okama crater lake.
For meals, the ryokan will serve a kaiseki course called “Benibana Sansai Kaiseki,” themed around the hospitality of safflower merchants from Yamagata. Dishes will include “houraku-mori” platters using traditional local vegetables, Gassan hot pot featuring duck and five kinds of mushrooms, and panna cotta with safflower and pear.
Rates start from 31,000 yen per person, based on two guests per room, including two meals (dinner and breakfast), tax, and service charge. Reservations are already being accepted.
