Hoshino Resorts makes its Hiroshima debut with an infinity hot spring facing Itsukushima Shrine, bringing back Kamakura-era “stone steam baths”
Soak in the stunning scenery of the Seto Inland Sea
Summary
- Hoshino Resorts’ onsen ryokan brand Kai is entering Hiroshima for the first time, with Kai Miyajima set to open on July 23, 2026.
- The property features 54 “Sea Mist” guestrooms inspired by the early-summer sea mist of Miyajima, incorporating local crafts such as Fukuyama denim and Aji glass.
- Located at Miyajima-guchi, it offers distant views of the World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine and the Seto Inland Sea, and recreates the traditional stone steam bath experience of the Kamakura period in the Seto Inland Sea region.
Hoshino Resorts’ hot spring ryokan brand, KAI, is making its first foray into Hiroshima with the opening of KAI Miyajima at Miyajimaguchi Onsen on July 23, 2026. Centered on the concept of “soaking in hot springs while taking in beautiful views and quietly enjoying Setouchi’s warm hospitality,” the property looks out over the Seto Inland Sea and the World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine. Through its architecture, local crafts, traditional culture, and hot spring experiences, it reinterprets Hiroshima’s distinctive natural and cultural appeal.
Take in sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea and Itsukushima Shrine from an infinity hot spring
Images from / kaimiyajima
The large public bath on the ryokan’s top floor is designed as two bath halls that take in mountain and sea views. The south-side open-air bath features an infinity design, making it feel as though you are one with the Seto Inland Sea as you soak. The north-side indoor bath faces the mountains and includes a hot bath and a lukewarm bath supplied directly from the spring, allowing guests to enjoy distinctly different bathing atmospheres amid different scenery. A lounge area beside the baths offers panoramic views of Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea, along with a quiet moment after a soak.
Reviving the Kamakura-period “stone steam bath” to bring back a lost hot spring tradition
Images from / kaimiyajima
Beyond the hot springs themselves, one of KAI Miyajima’s main features is a recreation of the “stone steam bath,” which dates back to the Kamakura period. Once popular across the Setouchi region, this traditional sauna uses radiant heat from stone to envelop the body in a gentle temperature of around 50°C. There were once nearly 80 such facilities, though they have now almost disappeared. Drawing on historical documents and site surveys, KAI Miyajima has recreated a modern version of the stone steam bath, allowing travelers to experience this precious local tradition again.
Images from / kaimiyajima
“Sea Mist Rooms” recreate Miyajima’s early-summer scenery and bring local crafts into the guest rooms
Images from / kaimiyajima
The property has 54 guest rooms, all inspired by Miyajima’s famous “early-summer sea mist” and named “Sea Mist Rooms.” Details such as gradient curtains and plaster walls evoke the sea mist across the different room types, while Setouchi crafts including Fukuyama denim from Hiroshima’s Bingo region and Aji glass from Kagawa are woven into the design. There are also four open-air hot spring suites, each about 100 square meters, where guests can take in views of the Seto Inland Sea from a private open-air bath.
Shirabyoshi dance and creative kaiseki offer a deeper look at Miyajima culture through your stay
Images from / kaimiyajima
Continuing the KAI series’ signature “Local Delight” experience, KAI Miyajima stages a nightly performance of the traditional shirabyoshi dance, “Itsukushima Monogatari.” Staff members take on the roles of Heian-period dancers and storytellers, guiding guests through roughly 850 years of history and the cultural stories of Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine. On the dining side, the property offers the “Aki Sea Excursion Kaiseki,” inspired by Hiroshima specialties such as lemons, oysters, okonomiyaki, and suigun nabe. Trompe-l’oeil touches and refined plating create a dining experience with visual interest and local character.
Images from / kaimiyajima
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