[Kinnotake] A long-established inn that has been in business for over 360 years has renewed its guest rooms ~ A new inn experience with a fusion of good old tradition and modernity ~ @Hakone Ryokan Group *Kinnotake*
Press release: September 13, 2024
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A long-established inn that has been in business for over 360 years has renewed its guest rooms ~ A new inn experience with a fusion of good old tradition and modernity ~ @Hakone Ryokan Group
*The Matsuzakaya main store, which is also depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e prints, is a hot spring inn that has been around since the Edo period, when it was founded in 1662.*
Kinnotake Co., Ltd., which operates 5 inns and 3 restaurants in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture (Head office: Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, President and CEO: Kei Kubosawa)
In September 2024, Kinnotake (hereinafter referred to as “Kinnotake”) will open two mansions closely connected to the imperial family at Matsuzakaya Honten, a long-established inn that has been in business for over 360 years, as part of its efforts to increase added value. We have renovated “Shunpuso,” a relocated Iwasaki family villa from the Taisho era.
* ｜Reason for renewal*
Established in 1662, Matsuzakaya Honten is a historic inn that has been loved by many literary figures and artists, including the Meiji period when Takamitsu Kido and Takamori Saigo held press conferences, Kaishu Katsu, Tesshu Yamaoka, and Taneomi Soejima stayed here. Among them, the recently renovated Annex and Shunpuso are deeply connected to the imperial family and are special to us. However, due to its age, the building’s distortion and poor insulation were seen as problems. We have decided to renovate the rooms with the desire to preserve the traditional Japanese architecture and historical heritage, such as the floor plans, transoms, and views of the garden from the wide veranda, while also restoring guest rooms that modern guests can enjoy comfortably.
*｜Creating a space that combines good old tradition and modern convenience*
In order to harmonize this 360-year-old building with modern comfort, we have kept the basic design of the guest rooms, with a pure Japanese feel such as transoms and alcoves, but we have also added beds and rain showers, which are unusual for a ryokan-style hotel. We have incorporated modern conveniences such as a two-port washbasin. For this reason, we ended up spending more time than renovating, which would normally involve demolition, but by introducing the latest equipment and comfort while valuing the historical flavor, we were able to provide our customers with a deeper sense of peace and luxury. We are now able to offer you more time.
*｜Room after renovation*
* “Apart” Senshintei/Kyokoso *
Among the historic Matsuzakaya Main Store, which was visited by Meiji era heroes and numerous literary figures and artists, the “Antenna” is a guest room with deep connections to the imperial family. As the name suggests, by renovating the hallway, we were able to create a structure that feels more special and separate from the rest of the building. In addition to the open-air bath, there is also an indoor bath, where you can enjoy the medicinal bath to your liking.
▼Senshintei
It was built in 1887 as Matsuzakaya’s main store villa, Matsutsuru Sanso, and in 1893, it was the guest room where His Majesty Emperor Taisho during the Togu period visited and rested. The spacious two-room space offers a panoramic view of the rustic garden and the mountains of Hakone.
▼Kyokoso
This guest room was moved in 1933 from a building that was expanded in 1923 to serve as a living room for His Imperial Highness when the family of Prince Kan’innomiya Suhito took a summer vacation at Matsutsuru Sanso. From the open veranda, you can see the lush garden.
* “Shunpuso” Wakamatsu, Tokiwa, Kozue, Kumoi, Akebono*
1925 (Taisho 14)
The Iwasaki family villa of the Mitsubishi Zaibatsu was relocated. The name “Harukaze” originates from the dojo “Shunpukan” that Tesshu Yamaoka (1836-1888), one of the Three Shogunate vassals from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period, opened in the back of his residence. We have increased the number of guest rooms from 6 to 5, and have also added new maisonette-type guest rooms.
Matsuzakaya main store official website
*｜Future outlook from Matsuzakaya main store proprietress Makino*
We have decided to renovate the Matsuzakaya Main Store with the hope that it will become a “travel destination” for our customers. In addition to our guest rooms, we hope to continue to provide many impressions with Matsuzakaya Main Store’s abundant hot springs, traditional Japanese cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality that is unique to Japan. In addition, an experiential service called “Ryokansu” launched this year has been greatly appreciated by domestic and international customers as an event where they can actually experience traditional Japanese culture, such as the tea ceremony, wearing armor, wearing yukata, and calligraphy. With Ryokansu, where you can experience Hakone’s best hot springs, history, and Japanese culture, we plan to continue providing hospitality that is in line with the times, so that your stay at Matsuzakaya Honten becomes the purpose of your trip.
Ryocance official website
* ｜About Matsuzakaya Main Store*
Hakone, founded 360 years ago
A ryokan located in Ashinoyu Onsen. We offer an “all-inclusive” option, which is rare among Japanese inns. The 100% natural hot spring that gushes out at a rate of 200 liters per minute contains all three major skin-beautifying spring qualities (sulfur spring, sulfate spring, and hydrogen carbonate spring), and will be designated as a POLA ORBIS HOLDINGS hot spring in September 2024. We have obtained the “Beautiful Skin Hot Spring Certificate” through skin science research. Manemon no Yu, which has 5 private open-air baths, can be enjoyed as many times as you like for free. There are a total of 21 guest rooms in 6 buildings with different tastes on the 4,000-tsubo site, 11 of which have open-air baths.
Address: 57 Ashinoyu, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
* ｜About Kinnotake Resort *
Founded in 1947, the second generation Kubosawa took over the business in 1999. At that time, Fujiso (predecessor of Kinnotake) was a traditional guest house with eight rooms and annual sales of only 25 million yen. Kubosawa has built new private open-air baths and guest room open-air baths that embody the concept of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, and for about eight years he has been cooking in the kitchen himself, analyzing trends from leftover food left behind by customers. I spent every day working on a menu of dishes that I would enjoy eating. As a result, thanks to the reputation of our private open-air baths and food, we have grown from a “traditional guest house” into a popular inn that is fully booked every day in 6 years. Currently, we operate five inns and three restaurants in Hakone.
Adults who spend their daily lives attracting attention in business. We provide a luxurious space, food, and service for adults who don’t have enough fun to spend their precious time with their loved ones without worrying about being seen.
Kinnotake Resort official website