Kitoki Inn Brings the Authentic Japanese Onsen Experience to British Columbia

As guests ascend the stone steps towards the cabins of Kitoki Inn, they are welcomed by the gentle rustle of grasses and the swaying of tall cedar and fir trees. Perched on a bluff overlooking the lush temperate rainforest canopy of Crippen Park on Bowen Island, British Columbia, the inn’s cabins and bathhouse are thoughtfully placed in a serene natural setting, allowing visitors to unplug and fully enjoy the tranquility of their environment.

Opened in June 2021, Kitoki Inn is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver’s Lower Mainland. This delightful marine journey sheds the stresses of city life with every nautical mile. Upon entering the forested realm of Kitoki Inn, guests are enveloped in natural elements—wind, water, wood, and fire—embodied in the three cabins, the onsen-style bathhouse, and its cozy wood-burning fireplace and Japanese garden. A small shop on-site offers snacks for purchase along with specialty bath and kitchenware sourced from the Vancouver-based Japanese lifestyle store Itsumo.

The meticulous attention to detail reflects the passion of Kitoki’s owners, Mitsumi Kawai and her husband Rob Leadley, to create a welcoming home in the forest. They have been thrilled with the positive reception of their inn. "Many visitors have been to Japan, and I love hearing how it reminds them of their experiences there," says Kawai. After successful ventures as the owner of Tofino’s Kuma Restaurant and Bowen’s Shika Provisions, this marks Kawai and her partner’s inaugural foray into the hospitality accommodations sector.

The Cabins

Kitoki Inn features three contact-free cabins that blend a Japanese-inspired minimalist design with modern materials such as aromatic cedar. Each cabin is designed for two guests and includes a queen-size bed. At the foot of each bed, there’s a cozy loveseat, ideal for curling up with a book and a cup of coffee from the local Vancouver roastery Modus, or enjoying loose-leaf tea selected from the cabin’s well-stocked kitchenette.

Breakfast is complimentary, with options available for gluten-free and vegan diets. A built-in nook maximizes the snug wood-paneled interior, providing an intimate seating area to savor meals or afternoon tea while taking in the forest view through the expansive floor-to-ceiling window. The bathroom is equipped with Japanese-made linens and body care products from Bowen Island’s Sangre de Fruta organic botanical line.

A spacious sliding glass door leads to a private deck featuring two bean bag loungers, perfect for enjoying the forest in the fresh air or indulging in a night of stargazing.

The Bathhouse

Kitoki’s stunning onsen-style bathhouse is situated on a small hill just a few steps from the cabins, ensuring utmost privacy. The covered bathhouse is open to the elements, offering a distinctive outdoor spa experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of the weather. The open-air hot tub faces southwest, overlooking a traditional Japanese garden and fountain, and extending views into the surrounding forest.

The bathhouse is reserved exclusively for inn guests. Each cabin is allotted two 90-minute sessions daily to enjoy the onsen, and in keeping with Japanese tradition, bathing suits are optional. After soaking in the UV-treated water sourced from the inn’s own well, guests can rinse in the hydrotherapy shower before wrapping themselves in plush Japanese-made bathrobes and relaxing by the wood-burning outdoor fireplace, sheltered from the elements by the bathhouse’s overhanging roof.

Discovering Bowen Island Beyond the Inn

Amidst bathhouse visits and snuggling in the cozy cabins, guests can take full advantage of Kitoki’s prime location adjacent to Crippen Park. They can venture off-property for forest strolls in search of Bowen’s Opa tree, a majestic 1,000-year-old old-growth Douglas fir. Snug Cove, affectionately known as “the Cove” by locals, is just a 15-minute walk away and features a charming assortment of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries showcasing local talent. Bowen Island boasts one of the highest densities of artists in Canada, with individual studios open for visits by appointment.

Prepare in Advance and Secure Your Stay

The inn’s forest and bathhouse offerings have become quite popular, with bookings filling up well into next year. To stay updated on reservation openings for 2023 and last-minute availability, Kawai suggests subscribing to the inn’s newsletter. Rates begin at $415–$485 (US$326–$381) per night during the spring and summer months, and $365–$485 (US$286–$381) in the fall and winter. A minimum stay of two nights is required.