KAI Hotel Brand Accelerates Growth, Expanding to 30 Onsen Ryokans by 2030

This week, Hoshino Resorts announced the accelerated expansion of its KAI onsen ryokan brand, targeting 30 properties by 2030. The initiative coincides with KAI's 15th anniversary in 2026, a milestone year that will see new openings in Kusatsu Onsen (KAI Kusatsu), Miyajimaguchi Onsen (KAI Miyajima), and Zao Onsen (KAI Zao).

Further cementing its footprint, KAI Matsumoto in Asama Onsen, Nagano Prefecture, is slated for a full-scale renovation and reopening. Looking ahead, 2027 will mark KAI's debut in Ureshino Onsen, Saga Prefecture, with the opening of KAI Ureshino.

Since its 2011 inception, KAI has consistently refined the traditional onsen ryokan experience. The brand seamlessly integrates contemporary comfort with Japan's deep-rooted hot spring traditions. Offerings like "Modern Onsen Toji" exemplify this approach, pairing Japanese-inspired minimalist design with hospitality tailored to seasonal nuances and local character. As Hoshino Resorts notes, this strategy aims to provide an authentic yet modern onsen journey.

Our take: KAI's ambitious expansion underscores the enduring global appeal of Japan's onsen culture, even as the brand navigates a fine line between tradition and modernity. Doubling its portfolio in less than a decade is a significant move, positioning KAI as a dominant player in the luxury ryokan sector and a gateway to diverse regional onsen experiences across Japan.