Japan's Latest Dream Hot Spring Ryokan! Hoshino Resorts KAI Zao Opens, 360-Degree Mountain Views Look Unreal
The 14-sided building is so unique
Summary
- Hoshino Resorts' new hot spring ryokan, KAI Zao, officially opens on October 15, 2026.
- Featuring a unique tetradecagonal tower design, the building offers sweeping views of Zao's majestic mountain scenery.
- The resort boasts natural hot springs with three different concentrations, alongside a sky jacuzzi with 360-degree mountain views.
- Guests can enjoy the Benibana Yamairo Kaiseki, a dinner course featuring local Yamagata ingredients that highlights the region's refined culinary culture.
Japan travelers, you have another dream stay to add to your list! Hoshino Resorts’ hot spring ryokan brand KAI officially opens its newest location, KAI Zao, on October 15, 2026, marking the brand’s debut in Yamagata Prefecture. Featuring a striking 14-sided tower structure, the property weaves sweeping mountain vistas, natural hot springs, and local heritage into the experience. Just looking at the photos makes you want to pack your bags right now.
Stay inside an architectural work of art in the mountains, complete with 360-degree views of Zao
Images from / Hoshino Resorts
At first glance, KAI Zao looks like an art museum! Designed as a 14-sided polygon inspired by local mountain worship traditions, the hotel reveals different forest views as you move between floors and angles. The unique architecture gives guest rooms a distinct trapezoid layout, furnished with local Yamagata craft pieces so travelers can enjoy a healing time surrounded by nature right from their room.
From natural hot springs to sky baths, enjoy the most healing soak
Images from / Hoshino Resorts
You can’t visit Zao without experiencing its famous natural hot springs! The property specially offers baths named 0-no-Yu, 50-no-Yu, and 100-no-Yu, designed to help guests gradually ease into the strongly acidic sulfur waters. Afterward, you can unwind in the sauna before heading up to the rooftop sky Jacuzzi, modeled after Zao’s famous crater lake Okama, to take in the spectacular 360-degree mountain scenery.
Images from / Hoshino Resorts
From safflower-infused cuisine to handwritten haiku, experience the local romance of Yamagata
Images from / Hoshino Resorts
Beyond the hot springs and architecture, KAI Zao weaves Yamagata culture into the details of the stay. Taking inspiration from the region’s historic safflower trade, the resort serves a Safflower Kaiseki meal featuring a signature Gassan hot pot made with duck, mushrooms, and water dropwort. Guests can also sip safflower tea while writing haiku with colorful glass dip pens, creating a unique memory from this healing trip.
Images from / Hoshino Resorts
Images from / Hoshino Resorts
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