Interview with Hideo Kobayashi, owner of "Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI"
I spoke with owner Hideo Kobayashi about how "Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI" was completed and his future prospects.
How the inn started
Can you tell us how you started the inn?
Kobayashi
Originally, it was a relative's house that no one was living in, and there were discussions about selling it. The plan was to demolish the building and subdivide the land.
So, I impulsively decided to take it over, saying, "I'll do something about it."
However, once it became ours, the big issue was how to utilize this size.
It was too large to live in ourselves, and even if we wanted to rent it out, it would cost a lot to repair such an old house to make it livable.
Changing the use of the building for another business was also difficult due to high hurdles. After considering various options, the last remaining choice was "a lodging facility."
The repairs must have been quite challenging.
Kobayashi
Yes, it was tough.
Actually, just before this inn project started, I quit my long-time job and returned to my hometown.
At that time, I attended a school for six months to learn the basics of renovation.
Although I acquired basic knowledge and skills there, when it came to practice, even painting a wall had to start from processing the surface of the old wall, which was a daunting task.
Fortunately, about ten friends gathered, including those I met at the renovation school, experienced acquaintances I had known for a long time, and members I met at a business startup seminar.
They helped with a wide range of tasks, including completely replacing the damaged flooring, applying plaster and paint to the walls.
Sometimes they stayed to help even past 9 PM.
It truly took a lot of people's efforts to finally shape it.
When it was completed and transformed into an inn, I was truly moved.
Learning from "Momo Quest (Momostart Innovators Quest)"
It seems that learning from "Momo Quest (Momostart Innovators Quest)" organized by Momostart (Momotaro Startup Cafe) was also significant.
Kobayashi
Momo Quest is a program held by Momostart in Okayama City. It is a practical entrepreneurship and business planning program that shapes your "wants."
Participants from various backgrounds, mainly from Okayama Prefecture, work on challenges with instructors and peers to concretize their own businesses.
As I was starting a lodging facility, I was worried about whether it would work well in Mizushima, which is a bit away from the tourist area of the Bikan Historical Area.
Additionally, while I had experience challenging other businesses, this was my first time with a lodging facility, which added to my anxiety.
I am a big fan of instructor Yusuke Kanemaru, and my strong desire to learn directly from him was why I participated in "Momo Quest." I’m glad I did.
Yusuke Kanemaru
Representative employee of Business Entertainment LLC.
He was responsible for new business development and strategic planning at Mixi, Inc., and after becoming independent, he has supported the launch of new businesses, strategic planning, organizational development, and human resource development for venture startups and publicly listed companies.
I was able to thoroughly think through my business plan, and there were peers who were also trying to start their businesses from scratch, which was a great stimulus.
Seeing everyone working hard motivated me to do my best as well.
What was particularly impressive was when, after the program ended, Kanemaru said to me, "You're going to scale up, right?"
That has led to the project for the second inn that I am currently preparing.
Preparing for the second inn
Can you tell us a little about the second inn?
Kobayashi
The second inn I am currently preparing is a building called Former Yoshida Hikoshichi Residence located in the Mizushima area of Kurashiki City.
This residence, built in 1943, was constructed as a company dormitory for workers of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Mizushima Aircraft Manufacturing Plant.
It is a valuable building as one of the few remaining small company dormitories from the mid-war period of Showa in the city.
The single-story residential complex was built hastily during the war, and one of them has miraculously remained with little alteration and has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property of the country.
It had not been used for a while, and if left alone, it would just decay. I felt a strong sense of "waste," and when I happened to go see it, I thought I definitely wanted to do something about it.
So, I asked the owner if I could rent it.
While it is not as spacious as this place, it has historical value and a story, so I want to create an inn that makes the most of that.
It was right after I was encouraged by Kanemaru-san on "Momo Quest," so it felt like I was truly being guided.
What is your greatest joy in running the accommodation?
Kobayashi
Without a doubt, it is the opportunity to meet various guests whom I would not encounter in my daily life and to have direct conversations with them.
Especially guests from overseas take a long time to plan and spend a considerable amount of money to come to Kurashiki.
When I see guests enjoying their stay and hear them say, "It was great" or "I want to come back," I feel there is no greater joy.
Running an accommodation involves a lot of hard work, from cleaning to making beds, and it is certainly not always easy. However, a simple "thank you" or a smile can make all the struggles disappear.
For example, here is the most moving message I have received so far.
It's a shame we could only stay for one night!
Staying in such a large and old house was one of the best experiences in Japan, and it was very unique and memorable. Everything we needed was provided, making our stay enjoyable and comfortable.
Just looking at the beautiful items placed around the house, such as attractive kimonos and koto, was a lot of fun. The scenery around the house was also picture-perfect.
However, what truly made our stay wonderful was the warm hospitality of our host, Hideo-san. Not only did he wait for us at the bus stop, but he also guided us around the area, introduced us to local cuisine, took us to the mountains to see breathtaking night views, and did many other things for us.
We all had such enjoyable conversations as if there were no language barrier at all. Google Translate was really helpful! We also participated in the tea ceremony that he prepared for us, allowing us to experience Japanese culture more deeply.
Hideo-san's wonderful support and hospitality were beyond our expectations and made our stay truly memorable. The night we spent in this house became an irreplaceable memory for us.
I hope everyone can experience this too!!
(Translated feedback from guests from Poland)
It is rare to receive such direct positive feedback in a job like this.
In today's world, many accommodations that rent out an entire house often do not have face-to-face interactions from check-in to check-out, but we value face-to-face explanations.
As a result, we receive good evaluations from guests, and I feel that this creates a positive cycle where other guests come after seeing those evaluations.
Conclusion
The traditional house accommodation "Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI," reborn through the passionate efforts of owner Kobayashi-san and the friends who resonate with that passion.
- Looking for a place where a large number of people can stay comfortably
- Wanting a unique experience that is more than just an ordinary hotel
- Wanting to enjoy traveling as if living in your own home
I felt that being able to meet various needs is a great charm.
Please visit and meet Kobayashi-san at least once.
Data for Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI
| Name | Kurashiki no Yado Retreat KOBAYASHI |
|---|---|
| Location | 1075 Koshinden, Fukuda-cho, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 090-6404-9271 |
| Check-in | 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Check-out | By 10:00 AM |
| Payment Method |
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| Facility Information | No smoking inside Independent toilet with washlet Bathroom available Room only (no meals) Rooms with tatami No pets allowed |
| Bath | Bathroom available |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Parking | Available 3 spaces next door |
| Website | Reservation WEB page (Booking.com) |
