We look at why KAI Poroto, on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, is the ultimate escape for the overworked urbanite.
If the boardroom battles, endless Zoom calls, and corporate chaos have you on the verge of burnout, it’s time to hit pause. Enter KAI Poroto, a modern ryokan on Hokkaido’s east coast, where nature, tradition, and design converge to help you forget about quarterly reports and email notifications.
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Here, you’ll trade your tailored suit for a yukata, your inbox for the infinity of Lake Poroto, and your stress for steam.
The Onsen: Your New Office
Forget your gym’s so-called “steam room”. KAI Poroto is built around Shiraoi Onsen, a legendary hot spring with mineral-rich, skin-rejuvenating waters. The showstopper? Sankaku-no-yu, a pair of cone-roofed, lake-facing baths designed by architect Hiroshi Nakamura, where you can soak as the sun rises over the Poroto Natural Recreation Forest or stargaze while steeping in warm, amber-hued spring water. Prefer an indoor sanctuary? Maru-no-yu, housed within the main building beneath a dramatic dome, offers a cocoon-like escape.
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And if it’s your first time onsening, the resort hosts an onsen primer daily—because there’s etiquette to this, gents.
A Room with a View (and Maybe a Private Bath)
Rooms at KAI Poroto are an exercise in disciplined luxury—minimalist yet deeply comfortable, all with panoramic lake views. Western-style suites (Shikaku-no-ma) offer plush beds on a raised platform, a U-shaped sofa for late-night sake contemplation, and a flatscreen (though we recommend forgetting it exists).
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Ainu-inspired textiles and handcrafted accents give each space a distinct sense of place. Want to soak solo? Book ahead for one of the rooms with a private semi-outdoor bath—because why share when you can have your own personal retreat?
Dinner Like a Daimyo
This isn’t your rushed midweek power dinner. KAI Poroto takes its food seriously, with all meals presented in kaiseki style—multi-course, immaculately plated, and deeply rooted in Japanese culinary tradition. Expect refined dishes like duck-wrapped Japanese pepper, grilled conger eel, and marinated tilefish, each paired with local sake or beer.
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The dining room, a minimalist timber labyrinth of private booths, reinforces the ethos here: slow down, savour, and let the world wait.
Beyond the Bath: Ainu Culture and Local Spirits
Between soaks, there’s more to explore. Early risers can stretch out with morning calisthenics, while the creatively inclined can try their hand at kotan gathering, crafting traditional Ainu amulets from fresh herbs.
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In the evening, head to the fireplace in the resort’s lobby for a “happy hour” featuring local spirits. But the real must-visit? The Upopoy National Ainu Museum, just a short stroll away, showcases the history, art, and resilience of Japan’s Indigenous Ainu people.
The Verdict
KAI Poroto isn’t for those who need a nightlife fix or a digital detox that lasts under an hour. But if you’re looking to disconnect, reflect, and emerge sharper than before, this is the reset button you’ve been searching for. So, power down the laptop, pack light, and let the hot springs do the heavy lifting.
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