Discover Kyushu! 7 Reasons To Stay At Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso - A Dream Lodging in the Heart of Kyushu

Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

Kyushu is one of the most nature-rich regions in Japan, offering innumerable destinations that will leave you astonished by the majestic beauty of our planet. The stunning natural features of the region are determined in great part by Mt. Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, and the Aso Caldera.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso is located in the heart of the northern half of Kyushu facing the Aso Caldera. The facility offers excellent access to hot springs towns such as Kurokawa Onsen, Yufuin, and Beppu. Kumamoto Castle and even the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki are also accessible.

Room Availability and Booking on the Hoshino Resorts Booking Page

KAI Aso is the ideal accommodation during your Kyushu explorations. We introduce the features of the facility and seven reasons to consider staying here when visiting Oita or Kumamoto.

1. Staying in the Aso Caldera - An Amazing Experience!

The Aso Caldera, one of the largest calderas in the world, formed through a series of volcanic eruptions, with the most recent being about 90,000 years ago. It is so immense and ancient that the five peaks of Mt. Aso have formed within the caldera! The fabulous hot springs in Kyushu exist thanks to this geographical feature of the region.

KAI Aso is located on the northeastern edge of the Aso Caldera, offering great views of the entire region. The Aso Caldera and its surroundings are part of the Aso-Kuju National Park, a global geopark home to rare species and natural habitats.

Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

Guests can learn more about the features and formation of the Aso Caldera, as well as its importance for the Kyushu Region, through the complimentary activity called Caldera Bar. You'll be hearing the story of Mt. Aso while sipping on delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. The activity includes a hands-on experience that lets you see how the earth's surface here collapsed and created the caldera.

To learn more about the activities available at KAI Aso, please visit the official website.

2. Rooms Decorated with Regional Crafts

Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

Guests at KAI Aso stay in spacious private villas equipped with terraces and outdoor hot springs baths. The villas are either Western-style Suites or Western-style Rooms and are surrounded by a lush forest.

All the rooms at KAI Aso are Signature Rooms, and are decorated with artisanal crafts that are representative of Oita and Kumamoto. Plant-dyed cushion covers, teacups finished with lava glaze, fine woodwork decorating the ceiling, as well as geta footwear made in Hita - these are some of the elements that allow an experience of Kyushu culture while staying at KAI Aso.

Learn more about the rooms at KAI Aso by visiting the official website.

3. Kyushu Specialties! Taste Exquisite Food

One of the highlights of staying at any Hoshino Resorts facility is the cuisine. At KAI Aso, the dinner course allows guests to enjoy the bounty of the mountains and the sea through a series of jewellike, fine dishes.

One of the most impressive items is the horakumori, an assortment of small Japanese dishes. The items are gracefully arranged on a plate inspired by the chinowa, a New Year shrine decoration believed to help ward off misfortune.

The tomato sukiyaki made with delicious Wagyu beef and vegetables is a truly exquisite dish prepared by the staff at the guests' tables. This dish allows guests to enjoy the aromatic, juicy tomatoes that Kumamoto is famous for.

Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

The Japanese-style breakfast at KAI Aso is a treat for the eyes and taste buds. The menu may vary by season, but it includes grilled fish, local miso soup, pickles, and a delicious soft-boiled egg served in an original way inspired by Mt. Aso.

The restaurant at KAI Aso offers a wonderful view of the forest and the central cones with the Aso Caldera. For details on the cuisine served at KAI Aso, please check the dining section on the official webpage.

4. Bliss! Private Hot Spring Baths

Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

KAI Aso is a dream destination for hot spring lovers! Every villa is equipped with outdoor baths where guests can enjoy the excellent hot springs of Kyushu, a blessing courtesy of Mt. Aso. The grove surrounding the outdoor baths is lit up in the evening, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.

Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

The charming outdoor baths allow you to admire the changing of the seasons. Spacious indoor baths with a jacuzzi are also available in each room. This makes KAI Aso the ideal place to enjoy various types of bathing for deep relaxation.

Learn more about the hot springs at KAI Aso by visiting their official website.

5. Invigorating Caldera Exercises in the Morning

KAI Aso guests are invited to start the day with Caldera Exercises, a light morning practise held on the terrace of the facility. The routine includes deep breathing and stretching exercises that can be easily performed regardless of age.

The greatest charm of this activity is that you have the entire Aso Caldera before your eyes! The sight of the five Aso peaks in the distance, the fresh morning breeze, the chirping of the birds, the greenery, and the wide blue sky - all these elements have an incredibly invigorating effect.

6. An Inspiring Travel Library - Discover Oita and Kumamoto

Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

The Travel Library, located in the lobby of KAI Aso, is a cozy place open to all guests. Complimentary coffee, tea, and refreshments are available for everyone who wishes to unwind by the fire or browsing through the wonderful travel book collection.

There are plenty of bilingual books, as well as picture books and photo albums. In addition to getting precious tips for your future travels, you can learn more the fascinating culture and scenery of Oita and Kumamoto, about Kyushu, as well as about Japanese culture in general.

One corner of the lounge is the souvenir shop. Specialty foods from Oita and Kumamoto, snacks, artisanal craft items, as well as original Hoshino Resorts brand items are available for purchase and would make wonderful keepsakes of your visit.

7. Major Kyushu Destinations Nearby

Picture from Kuju Flower Park in Taketa City, Oita: A World of Fragrant Flowers!

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso is located in Kokonoe, Oita Prefecture, offering excellent access to the most beautiful places in Kyushu. The fabulous Kuju Flower Park, which boasts wide fields of flowers all throughout the year, can be reached in just twelve minutes by car.

The picturesque Kurokawa Onsen are a 15-minute car ride away from here. Oita's famous hot spring towns of Yufuin and Beppu, ideal as your next destination, can be reached in about one hour by car.

Picture from The Wonderful View at Nabegataki Falls in Oguni, Kumamoto

The breathtaking Nabegataki Falls in Oguni is a 25-minute drive away. The beautiful city of Hita, with its charming traditional streetscapes, or the stunning Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki can be reached in about one hour by car.

In other words, KAI Aso is the ideal base for your explorations of Kyushu, a region that never fails to astonish visitors with its beauty. Please check the official website of the facility to find other recommended destinations nearby.

How to Reach KAI Aso

KAI Aso can be easily reached from Aso-Kumamoto Airport. Take a Kyushu Odan Bus highway bus to Kurokawa Onsen. Bus tickets can be purchased online here.

From Kurokawa Onsen bus stop, you'll have to take a taxi for about 15 minutes. Please ask the KAI Aso staff to arrange in advance for a taxi to pick you up at the bus stop. For directions from other departure points, please check the KAI Aso official website.

Enjoy the Scenic Nature of Kyushu at KAI Aso

A stay at Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso is a precious chance to discover and be amazed at the immensely rich nature of Kyushu. The impressive Aso Caldera has given birth to a hot spring culture that encompasses cuisine and relaxation in the great outdoors.

If you travel to Kyushu, do consider staying at KAI Aso, near some of the most beautiful places in the region.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso Official Website: https://kai-ryokan.jp/en/aso/

Check room availability on the Hoshino Resorts Booking Page

Kai Aso

Main image courtesy of Hoshino Resorts
Written by Ramona Taranu
Sponsored by Hoshino Resorts