Abstract

Yamashiroya, a small, old, family-run, small-scale ryokan, ranked 3rd in the nation for satisfaction in the "Japan Travel Category 2017" and 10th in "Ryokan Popular with Foreigners 2016" on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel review site!!!! Achieved 100% occupancy rate through inbound efforts with 80% foreign guests!
While improving customer satisfaction through various innovations, how was it possible to achieve a "2-day weekend" and "closed on Bon, year-end, and New Year's holidays" for a hot spring ryokan in a tourist resort?
Learn the secrets of ryokan management from their success in preparation for the 40 million foreign tourists expected in 2020.

Author’s Information

Born in Oita Prefecture in 1961. After graduating from Oita Prefectural Oita Commercial High School, worked for Oita Credit Union. Currently, he is the representative of Yamashiroya Ltd.
In 2003, he proposed the "Ishidatami Roman Project," a regional revitalization conference, and worked on a project to improve the landscape of Yudaira Onsen by addressing vacant storefronts and unifying the townscape.
In 2004, he planned the "Yudaira Onsen Bonnet Bus," a town revitalization event, and revived the bus service between Yufuin and Yudaira.
In 2007, he planned the "Tour de Yudaira Cycling Tournament" and, as the chairperson of the organizing committee, conducted international exchanges with South Korea and Taiwan through cycling competitions. Yamashiroya, which he manages, has been accepting foreign guests and has achieved a guest room occupancy rate of almost 100%. He introduced a 2-day workweek and realized Bon, year-end, and New Year's holidays, and received the Judges' Special Encouragement Award at the "Kyushu Future Award" in 2003. Ranked 3rd in Japan (1st in Kyushu) for satisfaction in TripAdvisor's "Japanese Ryokan Category 2017".