The KAI brand of hotels aim very much for a 鈥榤odern ryokan鈥� feel, keeping elements of traditional Japanese properties such as lower beds, hot spring bathing, Kaiseki cuisine, and presenting them all in a very slick new setting utilising modern Japanese minimalism.
In an area where hot spring resorts aim for a higher standard of quality than the larger resort hotels further on down the mountain, the KAI Sengokuhara stands out as a very good option. The property puts quite a focus on art with every room featuring pieces of art by local artists, as well as daily demonstrations and workshops focused on local craft industries.
OUR OPINION:
While the location is slightly removed from the main Hakone circuit, this doesn't detract too much from this excellent property. Tranquil hot spring baths looking out over nature are the first thing we think about when it comes to Hakone and KAI Sengokuhara certainly delivers on that front.
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Photos of KAI Sengokuhara
Rooms
One great advantage of the property is that every room has its own private hot spring bath with water drawn from the nearby and very well regarded Owakudani source. The rooms themselves are in the subtle and minimalistic style typical of more contemporary ryokan, and each room is adorned with numerous examples of local artwork.
Location
The Hakone National Park has a well established tourist circuit which can be extremely busy at times, and a real benefit of the KAI鈥檚 location is that it鈥檚 slightly off this congested route, tucked up in a quieter area alongside similarly sized properties. This makes for a much quieter stay, meaning it鈥檚 all the better to enjoy some fantastic views of the valley.
Food and drink
Japanese properties take great pride in their menus, with the food being very much a major driver in how domestic Japanese tourists decide on where to stay. With the properties themselves considering food to be such an integral part of the experience, meals are always a real highlight, and we know the KAI group of properties to be one that keeps to an extremely high standard of quality. Kaiseki itself is a multi-course meal involving numerous smaller dishes brought out in a very specific order, usually served with sake (although of course other drinks are available). These dishes will usually be quite specific to where you are in Japan, and as such you can expect lots of very local ingredients and usually some dishes that you will struggle to find elsewhere in Japan. The menus will also be very seasonal because of this. Breakfast will also be served in a set and traditional way making for an all-encompassing cultural experience.
Families
Rooms can fit up to three people since this property uses low, fixed, beds rather than the more old fashioned futons and tatami mats, so larger families may need multiple rooms. The hotel offers great access to the rest of the Hakone National Park which is a great part of Japan for families.
Facilities and activities
- Indoor and outdoor public hot spring baths.
- Private hot spring baths in each room.
- Nightly handkerchief decoration workshop.
- Access to the major tourist attractions in Hakone National Park.
Tour ideas in Hakone & Mount Fuji
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at KAI Sengokuhara as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Gora Kadan, Hakone]()
Gora Kadan
Hakone & Mount Fuji -
![Entrance of the Gora Sounkaku, Hakone]()
Gora Sounkaku
Hakone & Mount Fuji -
![Hakone Ginyu Spa Resort]()
Hakone Ginyu Spa Resort
Hakone & Mount Fuji
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Hakone National Park ![Hakone Open Air Museum]()
Hakone National Park
Hakone National Park
The full day Hakone Free Pass allows you unlimited access to the local scenic train line, the bus network, a funicular train up Mt Kami which leads on to a gondola rope-way, and a cruise boat on Lake Ashi. Mt Fuji can be sighted from various points around the park, weather permitting.
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Hakone & Mount Fuji and nearby places
- Izu Peninsula 26 miles away
- Kamakura 30 miles away
- Tokyo 52 miles away
- Tsumago 83 miles away
- Matsumoto 90 miles away
- Kamikochi 103 miles away
- The Japanese Alps 104 miles away
- Yudanaka 108 miles away
- Nikko 109 miles away
- Takayama 116 miles away