A Place You Can Drop By Casually, Where Your Heart Unwinds.

Introduction: The Difference Between Hotels and Ryokan

According to Ms. Kimura, the biggest difference lies in "the process of hospitality".
Hotels mainly provide services when requested, while ryokan are built on noticing needs before being asked and offering a helping hand.
True to her words, at Tsuruya Ryokan, thoughtful anticipation quietly eases the fatigue of travel.

This time, we spoke with Narumi Kimura, the young proprietress and president of the long-established Tsuruya Ryokan in Kotohira, about her work and the present and future of the inn.
When you hear "long-established ryokan," you might imagine something a bit formal, but here, a gentle and relaxing atmosphere flows naturally.
Think of it as a small detour along your journey—feel free to open the door and step inside.

About Tsuruya Ryokan

Founded around 180 years ago, the exterior carries the dignity of history.
Step inside, and you are welcomed by warm lighting and calm, refined furnishings.
The location is ideal: an 8-minute walk from JR Kotohira Station and a 5-minute walk from Kotoden Kotohira Station, making it a perfect base for exploring the shrine approach and town.

What do you think is the greatest appeal of this ryokan?

"That it is an inn with an okami, and that hospitality itself is its charm."

From guiding guests around the building to explaining the cuisine, the okami and young okami attend to guests directly.
Not "service," but "hospitality." Not manuals, but responses tailored to the person in front of you—that is the Tsuruya way.

"We value carefully observing each guest, understanding what consideration is needed, and responding flexibly."

Dining as an Experience Unique to This Place

Kaiseki meals made with local ingredients are both visually beautiful and deeply nourishing.
You may encounter a dish that stays with you long after the trip — "a taste from a ryokan you'll never forget".

What do you find most appealing about Kotohira?

The strong sense of connection in the town. Relationships where faces are known continue across generations.
Even visitors coming for the first time are welcomed with a warmth that somehow feels familiar, as if it weren't their first visit.

What are the current challenges facing the ryokan?

With a long history comes unavoidable aging of buildings and facilities.
Protecting valuable ‘oldness' while updating what needs to change—that balance is difficult.
That's why we also place importance on careful communication and choosing our words so guests can feel the charm of age.

What gives you a sense of fulfillment in your work?

The moment guests leave with a smile.
Seeing not only myself but also our staff appreciated feels like the entire team of the ryokan has been recognized, and it motivates me even more.

As a young proprietress, what do you keep in mind when serving guests?

Not standing out too much myself.
Like a stagehand, I focus on creating an atmosphere where guests can truly relax.
I want to be someone who quietly stays close and adds gentle color to their travel memories.

A Shift in Branding: 'Not Relying on Titles'

Tsuruya Ryokan was once known as a former official lodging of Kotohira Shrine.
However, observing changes in travel styles and how people explore the town, Ms. Kimura chose to shift the brand — not relying on past titles, but presenting the okami's hospitality itself as the core value.

"More people now enjoy just the shrine approach. So instead of leaning on old prestige, I wanted to honestly convey the value of what can be experienced here and now."

What kind of inn do you aim to be going forward?

We want to be a place that supports Kotohira, both visibly and behind the scenes.
Through hospitality, connecting guests' journeys so far with the journeys ahead, and becoming a central hub for enjoying Kotohira.

Writer's Recommendation: A Small Detour

Enjoy a drink at the small bar "President" on the first floor.
An evening of travel, gently savoring lingering impressions and sharing the day's memories — this quiet luxury awaits you here.

Conclusion

Carrying history while remaining flexible for today's travelers, Tsuruya Ryokan is a place that unwinds journeys through thoughtful anticipation.
No stiffness — just the ease of dropping by, and the satisfied smiles when it's time to leave.
For your next trip, be sure to plan a "small detour".