Discover Japanese Countryside Traditions at KAI Alps

At KAI Alps, guests can experience a nostalgic atmosphere in a hot spring ryokan located near Hakuba, which once hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. The architecture here is designed to withstand heavy winter snowfalls, featuring gangi to create a wintery corridor along the eaves facing the road.

During the summer, visitors can immerse themselves in the charm of the Japanese countryside with festivals and traditional games, while winter brings the excitement of snow games in Kamakura igloos. The resort offers a glimpse of the past, allowing guests to connect with the beauty and nostalgia of traditional Japanese villages while enjoying the soothing hot spring waters that pamper both body and soul.

At mealtime, KAI delights guests with a multi-course kaiseki meal that reflects the essence of the local area and season. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and presented, making the dining experience a journey of discovery and delight.  In addition to the tasteful cuisine, KAI Alps stands out with its visually pleasing Japanese multi-course meals, using ingredients sourced from the fields and clear streams of the Shinshu region. A highlight of the winter and spring special kaiseki is the “Yuki-Nabe” or snow hot pot, where soft cotton candy mimics falling snow, and savory sauce completes the sukiyaki dish.

During summer and autumn, guests can savor the “Kuwayaki Meal,” a teppanyaki-style preparation of grilled beef, chicken, mushrooms, and other local ingredients cooked on a heated hoe. This special meal provides an authentic experience of the rural Shinshu region’s culinary traditions.

For those interested in cultural immersion, KAI Cultural Discovery offers a daily activity that introduces guests to regional customs and traditions. Gathered around an irori fireplace, visitors can enjoy grilled snacks, local sakes, and traditional games, providing an authentic taste of rural Japanese life. In winter, guests can even borrow traditional snowshoes for strolls in the serene courtyard.

The charm of KAI Signature Rooms lies in their incorporation of local history and regional craft cultures in their design. Every room is a type of KAI Signature Room, furnished with lighting made from “Matsuzaki washi,” a unique Japanese paper known for its handcrafted delicacy. Local artists contribute to the ambiance with their paper-cutting art, featuring motifs inspired by the nature of Nagano. There are various room types, including annexes with a private feel, Japanese-style rooms with lofts, and Japanese-style rooms with indoor baths.

The heartwarming “Matsuzaki washi” is a time-honored paper made using a special process of treating leaves, a tradition that dates back to around 1000 AD. Its production originated from a local festival, and though the area once boasted a thriving paper-making craft, it’s now a rarity, carried on by just a few artisans. KAI Alps preserves this heritage by featuring Matsuzaki washi lighting at the entrance and bedside of each room, casting a soothing, natural light that calms the soul.

Unique paper-cutting art adorns every room, created from three sheets of handmade Japanese paper dyed with persimmon juice. These designs, inspired by the region’s natural wonders, depict water, flowers, trees, birds, and the sky.

Nestled at the foot of the Northern Alps, KAI Alps enjoys access to 400-year-old spring water. The main bath boasts an outdoor granite bath with stunning mountain views and an indoor bath made from fragrant hinoki wood. The ever-changing larch trees surrounding the bath add to the appeal, transforming with the seasons, from vibrant blooms in spring to golden hues in autumn, and a winter blanket of snow. This gentle water also helps soothe fatigue after activities like mountain climbing and skiing.

The location of KAI Alps near the Hakuba area provides a gateway to awe-inspiring landscapes and more than ten exceptional ski resorts. This region, famous for its high-quality powder snow, garnered significant attention during the 1998 Nagano Olympics and continues to attract ski enthusiasts from all over the world. To cater to ski guests, the resort offers a range of services designed to enhance their skiing experience.

Only a short 15-minute car ride away lies the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, starting from Ogisawa. This scenic route offers sightseers stunning views of the Northern Alps, with cable cars providing striking panoramic vistas at an elevation of 3,000 meters.