Located in the Bikan Historical Area, Kurashiki Ivy Square is also renowned as a tourist attraction.
From bustling facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops to cultural facilities like Kurabo Memorial Hall and Ivy Gakukan, many people visit this historically rich complex tourist facility.
There must be many visitors who come to tourist spots with excitement. What kind of hospitality do the people working at Kurashiki Ivy Square have as they engage in their work?
We interviewed a young employee working as a hotel staff member at Kurashiki Ivy Square, Kondo Natsuki.
About Kurashiki Ivy Square Co., Ltd.
Kurashiki Ivy Square Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Kurashiki Ivy Square") was opened in 1974 after renovating the site of the former headquarters factory of Kurashiki Spinning Company (now "KURABO"), which was built in 1889.
On a vast site of about 30,000 square meters, hotels, restaurants, Kurabo Memorial Hall, experience workshops, and shops are gathered, making it widely known as a complex tourist facility across the country.
The main businesses of Kurashiki Ivy Square are three: hotel business, operation of cultural facilities, and retail business.
The beautiful red brick buildings that have been inherited through the ages are recognized as modern industrial heritage and Japan Heritage. Not only do they operate as a tourist attraction, but they also engage in efforts to preserve cultural facilities, such as building conservation.
At Kurashiki Ivy Square, they utilize buildings that have continued since the Meiji era to create unique experiences that can only be found in this place. In particular, the hotel is visited by people from both domestic and international locations as a cultural facility where one can stay.
Kondo Natsuki Working at Kurashiki Ivy Square
The interviewee was Kondo Natsuki, who belongs to the Front Service Department of the accommodation division. Born in 1997, she is from Kurashiki City.
Kondo had many opportunities to travel since she was a child.
During her job search, she hoped to work in the hotel industry, which she was interested in, and aimed for an environment where she could utilize her strength in the Korean language, eventually joining Kurashiki Ivy Square in 2020.
About Kondo's Job
Kondo's main job involves front desk operations such as check-in and check-out, as well as general customer service for guests, including providing information about nearby tourist attractions.
Since the hotel operates 24 hours, she works in shifts, including early, day, and late shifts.
When asked about her daytime duties (responsible from 9 AM to 6 PM), she mentioned that there are many detailed roles in addition to the main check-in and check-out tasks.
For example, her duties range from customer service tasks such as arranging taxis and handling luggage to administrative tasks like closing accounts, checking emails, and handing over to the late shift. Before check-in, she also checks the guest rooms to ensure everything is ready to welcome guests.
In tourist information, she introduces tourist spots and shops tailored to each guest, especially around the Bikan Historical Area. Many guests head towards Kojima, and she suggests the best route, whether to use the train or bus. She plays a role similar to that of a travel concierge.
Moreover, an essential part of the hospitality at Kurashiki Ivy Square is the thorough communication among staff. By closely collaborating and sharing information, Kondo states, "We strive to ensure that customers can have a comfortable experience, no matter who is attending to them."
Encounter with Kurashiki Ivy Square
When Kondo was job hunting, she focused on the hotel and airline industries.
The catalyst for this was her father, who was stationed overseas.
Since childhood, she frequently used airplanes and hotels, and she reflects, "I loved the exciting atmosphere unique to travel."
Furthermore, she sought an environment where she could utilize her strength in the Korean language, and that led her to encounter Kurashiki Ivy Square.
For Kondo, who is from Kurashiki City, Kurashiki Ivy Square is a local tourist spot.
While she was aware of its existence, she had not had many opportunities to thoroughly explore the facility.
However, during her first company information session, she was strongly attracted to the kind atmosphere of the staff and the workplace. Later, during the selection process, the interview proceeded in a calm atmosphere, allowing her to speak more comfortably than in other companies' selections.
After successfully receiving a job offer, Kondo was invited to work part-time by the person in charge in March, just before her joining. During her part-time period, she got accustomed to the atmosphere of the workplace and learned the flow of work, and just as she was about to join... she faced the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, right after joining.
Kurashiki Ivy Square was closed for a month, and all the training she was supposed to receive was canceled, but instead, she received one-on-one guidance from her seniors.
"The time spent receiving careful instruction at that time may have been a luxurious training experience in hindsight," Kondo reflects.
The Appeal of Kurashiki Ivy Square as a "Workplace" from Kondo's Perspective
When asked about the appeal of Kurashiki Ivy Square as a workplace, Kondo first mentioned that all employees constantly consider the feelings of the customers.
Since the hotel requires flexible responses depending on the guests, mere manual-based service does not reach satisfactory hospitality. Each staff member utilizes their individuality to strive for excellent service.
For instance, some staff engage in friendly conversations with guests, while others, like Kondo, provide careful and calm service to instill a sense of security.
The hotel also sees many repeat customers. The fact that guests can receive new service each time they visit may be one reason they want to return.
Additionally, Kondo mentioned the appeal of the environment where everyone cares for each other.
There are many instances where seniors proactively check on juniors who seem to be struggling, asking, "Are you okay?" before the juniors even have to ask for help. Kondo initially thought, "I have to ask to be taught at the company," but she was surprised by the broad perspective and kindness of her seniors.
By the way, the gentle and kind impression she felt during the company information session has not changed since she joined.
Having joined Kurashiki Ivy Square, Kondo will celebrate her seventh year in 2026. We heard about the appeal of working at a representative tourist spot in Kurashiki.
Data on Kurashiki Ivy Square Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Kurashiki Ivy Square Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | 【Hotel Industry】 Accommodation, banquets, weddings, restaurants, parking, souvenir sales 【Operation of Cultural Facilities】 Kurabo Memorial Hall, Aimi Red Brick Hall, Ivy Gakukan, Aimi Workshop 【Retail Business】 Hospital shop, factory shop |
| Representative Name | Kawaguchi Yoshito |
| Year Established | 1974 |
| Address | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0011 |
| Website | Kurashiki Ivy Square Website |
