Forget the crowded streets of Kyoto. Skip the Tokyo rush hour. If you are looking for the absolute "ceiling" of Japanese luxury travel right now, you need to look towards the Japan Alps—specifically, Gifu Prefecture.
On September 5, 2024, Hoshino Resorts finally planted its flag here with the grand opening of "KAI Okuhida".
Nestled deep in the mountains, this isn't just a hotel; it is a hideaway surrounded by Japan's most prolific hot springs. Here are 4 reasons why this spot needs to be top of your bucket list this winter.
1. SLEEP INSIDE A MASTERPIECE OF "HIDA" CRAFTSMANSHIP 🪵
Walking into KAI Okuhida feels less like checking into a hotel and more like entering a living museum. Each of the 49 rooms is a "Signature Room," dedicated to the 1,300-year-old tradition of Hida woodworking.
Pro Tip 💡
Don't miss the courtyard Foot Bath. Sitting there with your feet in thermal water, a drink in hand, looking up at the Japanese Alps? That is the definition of "zen."
2. BATHE BETWEEN WALLS OF SNOW ❄️
You come to Okuhida for the water. You stay for the "Snow Corridor."
This is the property's crown jewel. The open-air bath isn't just outdoors; it is designed with a massive opening in the roof, mimicking the region's famous snow walls.
Privacy Seekers 🛁
Want the view without the audience? Most rooms come equipped with their own private open-air baths, so you can soak in the mountain views completely undisturbed.
3. HIDA BEEF: A MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MIRACLE 🥩
If you know Hoshino Resorts, you know their Kaiseki (multi-course) dinners are legendary. But at Okuhida, the protagonist is the Hida Beef.
As one of Japan's top black-haired Wagyu breeds, this meat is famous for its intricate marbling.
4. TOUCH 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY 🔨
KAI resorts are famous for their "local charms" (activities), and here, it's hands-on.
You can join a "Hida Wood Bending Experience." Under the guidance of masters, you'll learn how to bend raw wood into elegant curves, crafting your own handle or charm. It's a rare chance to connect with the artisans who built the region's reputation—and you get the ultimate souvenir to take home.
THE LOGISTICS: HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN 🗺️
📍 Where: Okuhida Onsengo Hirayu, Takayama City, Gifu.
🚄 Getting There:
📅 Best Time to Go:
📸 While You're There:
FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
Since this property just opened in late 2024, it is currently the hottest ticket in Central Japan.
My advice? If you are eyeing a winter trip to see the snow walls, book via Klook now. The secret is out, and rooms are disappearing fast.
Tell me in the comments: Are you more of a "soak in the snow" person or a "eat all the Wagyu" person? 🍶🥩