Can a traditional ‘ryokan’ inn go global?

In 1948, the Gora Kadan ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) opened in the space of a former imperial villa set in the mountains of Hakone. Last summer, it expanded with a second property located just to the east of Mount Fuji.

Now, the lodging sometimes considered one of Japan’s best examples of ryokan-style omotenashi (hospitality) is wondering if even more of Japan — if not the world — has an appetite for its brand of luxury stays.

“In the ryokan category and small luxury Japanese hotels, many businesses have struggled over the past 30 years,” says Ryutaro Hashimoto, president and CEO of the Gora Kadan ryokan group. “Historically, the market relied primarily on domestic demand. However, the number of inbound foreign tourists has shifted dramatically over the last decade. Ten years ago, the figure was around 8 million, whereas now it’s closer to 42 million — a fourfold increase.”