News

Press Release: Ryokan with Over 360 Years of History Completes Completes Room Renovations – –Experience a Blend of Tradition and Modern Comfort

Sep.13.24

To enhance the value of our historic ryokan, Matsuzakaya Honten, which has been around for over 360 years, we have renovated two buildings with strong ties to the Imperial Family as of September 2024. These are ‘Hanare,’ a former Imperial villa, and ‘Shunpuso,’ a building originally from the Taisho period that was relocated from the Iwasaki family's former villa.

｜Reasons for the Renovation
Founded in 1662, Matsuzakaya Honten has a rich history and has hosted notable figures like Kido Takayoshi and Saigo Takamori during the Meiji period, as well as Kaishu Katsu, Tesshu Yamaoka, and Tanetomi Soejima. The 'Hanare' and 'Shunpuso' buildings, closely linked to the Imperial Family, are especially meaningful to us. However, due to their age, we noticed issues like structural warping and poor insulation. To preserve the traditional Japanese architecture, including the original floor plans, transoms, and garden views from the verandas, while ensuring modern comfort for our guests, we decided to move forward with the renovation.

｜Creating a Space that Fuses Tradition and Modern Convenience
To blend the 360-year history of the building with modern comfort, we preserved the core design of the guest rooms, including transoms and alcoves, while adding contemporary amenities. These features include beds, rain showers, and unique dual-sink washbasins, all within a ryokan setting. While this approach took longer than a complete rebuild, we are now able to provide a space where guests can enjoy both historical charm and modern luxury, resulting in a deeper sense of relaxation.

｜Renovated Guest Rooms
“Hanare” (Senshintei & Gyokoso) – View Details →
‘Hanare,’ a building with deep ties to the Imperial Family, has been revitalized through corridor renovations, creating an even more secluded space true to its name. In addition to an open-air onsen , we have added an indoor onsen where guests can enjoy therapeutic soaks.

“Shunpuso” (Wakamatsu, Tokiwagi, Kozue, Kumoi, Akebono) – View Details →
Originally the villa of the Iwasaki family from the Mitsubishi zaibatsu, ‘Shunpuso’ was relocated in 1925. The name ‘Shunpu’ is derived from ‘Shunpukan,’ the dojo established by Yamaoka Tesshu (1836–1888), a renowned swordsman and loyal retainer of the Tokugawa shogunate, behind his residence. During the renovation, we reduced the number of rooms from six to five, introducing a new maisonette-style guest room.

Reserve Matsuzakaya Honten →

｜Future Vision from the Okami of Matsuzakaya Honten, Makino
Our goal is for Matsuzakaya Honten to become a true “destination” for our guests. With this renewal, we aim to create memorable experiences through our guest rooms, rich onsen, traditional Japanese cuisine, and the heartfelt hospitality unique to Japan. Additionally, our experiential service ‘Ryocance,’ launched this year, has been well-received by both domestic and international guests. This program offers activities such as tea ceremonies, armor dressing, yukata dressing, and calligraphy, allowing guests to immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture. We will continue to adapt our hospitality to the times, ensuring that a stay at Matsuzakaya Honten becomes a highlight of our guests’ travels, featuring a unique blend of history, onsen, and cultural experiences.

Visit the official Ryocance website →

｜About Matsuzakaya Honten
Founded over 360 years ago in the Hakone Ashinoyu Onsen area, Matsuzakaya Honten adopts a rare “All-Inclusive” service model. The 100% natural hot springs, flowing at 200 liters per minute, contain all three of Japan’s famed “beauty-enhancing” spring qualities (sulfur, sulfate, and bicarbonate springs). In September 2024, we earned the “Beautiful Skin Hot Spring Certification” from the POLA ORBIS Group’s skin science research. The ryokan features five private open-air baths, “Baemon-no-Yu,” which can be used as many times as you like, free of charge. The ryokan offers 21 rooms across six buildings, each with its own unique style, and 11 of these rooms feature open-air baths.

▼ Matsuzakaya Honten
[Official Website]https://kinnotake-resorts.com/matsuzakayahonten/en/
[Address] 57 Ashinoyu, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture