We interviewed Ken Fukai, the head of the accommodation department at Kurashiki Ivy Square, about the key points of the accommodation building renovation and what he keeps in mind during customer service.
Development of a Safe and Comfortable Accommodation Environment in Line with the Needs of the Times
I understand that a large-scale renovation of the accommodation building at Kurashiki Ivy Square took place over three years from 2018 to 2020. Could you tell us about the key points of the renovation?
Fukai (no honorifics)
More than 20 years have passed since the last renovation (1996-1997), and the times have changed significantly. Previously, most of our customers were domestic, but now there has been a substantial increase in foreign tourists visiting Japan.
As a result, the services that customers expect from the facility have naturally changed, so while we value the facility's philosophy and concept, we determined that it was urgent to renovate the facilities to meet the needs of the times.
There are two key points in this renovation: one is to ensure the structural safety of the building, and the other is to implement modern functions required in guest rooms.
Kurashiki Ivy Square has been transformed from a spinning factory into a cultural facility centered around a hotel. As it marks its 50th anniversary since its establishment in 1974, it was necessary to renovate the facility to meet modern seismic standards. We have made significant reinforcements in this renovation, so I believe it has become a facility that can be used with peace of mind.
In terms of facilities in the guest rooms, we incorporated the latest functions such as air conditioning while prioritizing the perspective of the customers in the renovation. The previous guest rooms had a unit bath type where the bath, toilet, and washbasin were combined, but in this renovation, guest rooms of standard type and above now have separate facilities.
Additionally, the bathrooms have adopted a washing area familiar to Japanese customers, so I believe the comfort has greatly improved.
The interior of the guest rooms has been changed from Art Deco style to natural style. All the furniture in the rooms has been replaced with new items.
I heard that the number of guest rooms was reduced to install elevators during the tour of the facility earlier.
Fukai
When we opened in 1974, there were 180 guest rooms, but as of 2024, there are now 145 rooms.
In this renovation, we added family rooms and suites, creating a diverse lineup of guest rooms that were not previously available, while also placing importance on enhancing the facilities in public spaces.
Since the hotel receives a variety of customers, even though the number of guest rooms has decreased, we actively invested in necessary facilities such as the installation of elevators.
Responding to "changes of the times" is also a key point of the 2020 renovation, isn't it?
Fukai
In the early days of our establishment, group customers such as school trips accounted for a significant portion of our revenue, but now, due to declining birth rates and the spread of the internet and smartphones, individualization of travelers has progressed even further.
On the other hand, we are grateful that many foreign tourists are now visiting the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki. Many customers coming from abroad tend to stay for long periods, so their luggage tends to be larger.
To ensure that such customers can enjoy a comfortable stay, transforming the guest rooms and public spaces into spacious environments was an important point in this renovation.
Kurashiki Ivy Square was designed by Shintaro Urabe. Was the 2020 renovation also carried out in collaboration with Urabe Design?
Fukai
That's correct.
Urabe Design has been involved not only with Kurashiki Ivy Square but also with many important buildings that still exist in Kurashiki. Above all, I believe they are the design company that understands the philosophy of this facility, as proposed by Shintaro Urabe, better than anyone else.
We discussed not only the structure and facilities of the building but also the interior and furniture, even down to a single cup, with Urabe Design day and night.
Of course, the staff has changed from the time of establishment to now. However, being able to continue improving this facility together with Urabe Design, no matter the era, is something we find very reassuring.
Proposing Experience-Based Accommodation Plans that Align with Local Attractions
I saw the accommodation page on your website. There are a variety of accommodation plans available.
Fukai
Before the renovation, we only had standard accommodation plans such as breakfast included or one night with two meals. Therefore, along with the renovation of the facility, we planned a variety of experience-based accommodation plans in collaboration with attractive tourist content in the Bikan Historical Area.
In particular, Ohara Museum of Art is a main spot for tourism in Kurashiki, isn't it? Many people must visit it.
The accommodation plan in collaboration with Ohara Museum of Art includes not only admission tickets to the museum but also a special ticket holder exclusive to the plan and original masking tape from Ohara Museum of Art. Especially, the ticket holder and original masking tape are not for sale, so they can only be obtained through this accommodation plan. It has become a very popular plan that allows guests to enjoy the rich art of Kurashiki.
Additionally, we have many intellectually exploratory plans, such as a sake brewery tour plan in collaboration with Morita Sake Brewery, which is the only sake brewery in the Bikan Historical Area, allowing guests to enjoy Kurashiki tourism even more.
What was the motivation behind creating such accommodation plans in collaboration with the local area?
Fukai
What kind of image comes to mind when you hear "Okayama Prefecture"? Momotaro, kibidango, muscat grapes, Korakuen... there may not be many.
Recently, due to the influence of artists and comedians from Okayama, its recognition may have increased somewhat compared to before, but I think many people still find it hard to imagine the prefecture.
However, it is a region rich in nature, surrounded by the sea, mountains, and rivers, with a mild climate. It has many sunny days and good transportation access, making it a very livable and wonderful place. Despite these favorable conditions, I have long felt that the goodness of Okayama Prefecture is not being conveyed to the outside world.
Our hotel has reached its 50th anniversary since its establishment. We are very grateful that, domestically, we have a certain level of recognition as a facility.
That is why, by actively engaging with the local community, we hope that the attractiveness of Kurashiki's tourism content will be conveyed to more people, and by actually experiencing it, those who have not yet visited will spread the word.
We hope that this accumulation will create opportunities for the charm of Kurashiki to spread both domestically and internationally.
Accommodation Experience Unique to a Facility Transformed from a Spinning Factory
While preserving the historical landscape, the comfort of the facility changes with the times. This is important.
Fukai
I think so too.
The philosophy and principles established at the time of founding must be cherished, no matter how much the times change. However, this does not mean we should stop thinking; rather, while keeping important things in mind, it is essential for hotel staff to continue to pursue better accommodation experiences in response to the changing needs of the times.
What do you keep in mind during customer service?
Fukai
There are various departments in a hotel, such as accommodation and food and beverage, and when working in a hotel that receives diverse customers, many things can happen. Of course, there are many good things, but unfortunately, unexpected troubles can also occur.
It is during such difficult times that I have seen many customers leave the hotel with a smile by facing them with integrity.
Generally, what is required of hotel staff includes having a spirit of hospitality, being professional, and showing meticulous care, among other things.
Of course, these are necessary and should always be kept in mind, but the most important thing is to be "sincere." I feel that those who make sincerity their foundation will grow into excellent hotel staff.
What kind of place do you hope Kurashiki Ivy Square will become in the future?
Fukai
While it is now reborn as a tourism complex centered around a hotel, it was originally the birthplace of Kurashiki Spinning and has been a place that has walked alongside the development of Kurashiki's textile industry and town.
As I mentioned earlier, the number of customers from different languages and cultures has increased recently. We are truly grateful that they choose to come to Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture among many tourist destinations.
Our facility not only serves as an accommodation but also plays a role as a messenger to convey the history and culture of this town to customers from both domestic and international backgrounds.
It is natural to continue providing customers with a safe and comfortable environment. On top of that, I hope that the customers who use our facility will share their experiences in Kurashiki with their families and friends, leading to new customers visiting the town... I wish for this cycle to continue so that this town will shine forever.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Fukai
In the 1970s when Kurashiki Ivy Square was founded, the mainstream idea was scrap and build, where old things were demolished and replaced with new ones. When considering the redevelopment of the old factory, there were proposals to completely demolish it and build a mid-rise hotel.
However, in the end, we decided to proceed with a preservation and regeneration plan that would transform the old factory while keeping its exterior and basic structure intact.
This decision was made not only for corporate profit but also with the judgment that reviving this place, which can be called a historic site, in a way that conveys it to future generations is a contribution to the local community.
This philosophy continues to flow at the core of Kurashiki Ivy Square and will not change in the future.
I hope that our customers will experience the comfort that can be pursued because we cherish "what should be preserved" at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
Continuing to live while changing. Please come and visit "Kurashiki Ivy Square." We look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.
Conclusion
I enjoy taking spontaneous trips on weekends, so I often use accommodation facilities.
When I was younger, I tended to spend more on food and experiences, trying to keep accommodation costs low, so I didn't have much attachment to where I stayed.
For someone like me, Kurashiki Ivy Square was the first facility that made me consciously think, "I want to stay here someday" as a purpose of my trip.
The accommodation experience unique to this former spinning factory is not just about staying in a modern industrial heritage site. The comfort that can be pursued because it values "what should be preserved" connects to someone's aspiration of "I want to stay here." It is likely an experience that can only be had at a facility that serves as a "messenger" connecting Kurashiki's past, present, and future.
For those living in Kurashiki and for tourists visiting Kurashiki, this accommodation facility allows for a new encounter with Kurashiki Ivy Square and the city of Kurashiki through staying.
How about experiencing a safe and comfortable stay while feeling the history at Kurashiki Ivy Square?
Data on Kurashiki Ivy Square
| Name | Kurashiki Ivy Square |
|---|---|
| Location | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0011 |
| Check-in | 3:00 PM |
| Check-out | 11:00 AM |
| Payment Methods |
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| Facility Information | All rooms non-smoking (designated smoking area available) |
| Bath | Large public bath, in-room bathrooms available (may include shower booths) |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Parking | Available 120 cars *No reservation required for guests, 500 yen per car per night (until 12:00 PM the next morning) |
| Website | Kurashiki Ivy Square |
