続きを読む Over 130 years of hospitality, a special moment in Nihonbashi Hotel Kazusaya"> 続きを読む Over 130 years of hospitality, a special moment in Nihonbashi Hotel Kazusaya"> 続きを読む Over 130 years of hospitality, a special moment in Nihonbashi Hotel Kazusaya" /> Over 130 years of hospitality, a special moment in Nihonbashi Hotel Kazusaya | #TIMELESS_ RYOKAN in TOKYO | Japan Ryokan and Hotel Association Tokyo Branch

Over 130 years of hospitality, a special moment in Nihonbashi Hotel Kazusaya

A Long-established Hotel Carrying on the Traditions of Edo

Hotel Kazusaya is a long-established hotel with a long history, founded in 1891. The hotel has been well known in the Nihonbashi area since its establishment, and over the years has built a deep connection with the local community.

The hotel is a family-run business that has been in operation for generations. Mr. Tetsuo Kudo, the president of the hotel, is the fourth generation of the family to manage the hotel. Each generation has made improvements to the hotel to meet the needs of the times, and the hotel has developed. We value the historical local character of Nihonbashi and continue to provide services that reflect the culture and traditions of the area.

In 2020, the hotel underwent a major reconstruction, with all new hotel rooms and facilities. While incorporating modern design and functionality, the renovations have also focused on the spirit of hospitality and connection with the local community that has been passed down since the hotel’s founding, and have transformed the hotel into a space that further enhances the unique charm of Nihonbashi.


Hotel signboard

A hotel located on “Toki no Kane Dori” (Bell of Time Street)

“Toki no Kane Dori,” meaning Street of Bell of Time, where Hotel Kazuya is located, is part of the historical streetscape of Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. This street has developed as the commercial and cultural center of Nihonbashi since the Edo period, and still retains its original appearance. The name “Toki no Kane Dori” comes from the “Toki no Kane” (bell of time) once installed in the street, which was rung to tell the time during the Edo period.


Along the street, many long-established stores and commercial facilities line the street, giving the area a unique old town atmosphere. In particular, traditional stores and cultural facilities that have been around since the Edo period are clustered together, making it a place that retains a strong historical background. Although small as a street, it is famous for the involvement of historical figures active in the Edo period, such as Yosa Buson, one of the three greatest haiku poets of the Edo period, Oishi Kuranosuke of the Ako Roshi, and Siebold, who made his name in Dutch studies.

Toki no Kane Street
And inside the hotel building, there is the Edo “Toki no Kane Dori” Museum, where you can experience the history and culture of Nihonbashi in more depth. There are many attractions such as materials related to the “Toki no Kane” (bell of time) that has continued since the Edo period and an exhibition that recreates the old map of Nihonbashi as it was in those days. When we asked Mr. Tetsuo Kudo, representative director of the museum, about recommended spots in the area, he replied, “If you want to enjoy history, visit the place where Shoin Yoshida died, the dojo of Hokushin Ittoryu, Yohantei (former residence of Buson Yosa), and the site of Kosho-do by Shozaburo Tsutaya.

Edo “Toki no Kane Dori” Museum

A Hotel that Pleases Inbound Guests

Hotel Kazuya is a very popular lodging facility for inbound guests. It is said that approximately 50% of the guests staying at the hotel throughout the year are from overseas.

Located in Nihonbashi, the heart of Tokyo, one of the main attractions of the hotel is its easy accessibility. It is a one-minute walk from the nearest JR Shin-Nihonbashi Station, and a five-minute walk from JR Kanda Station, Mitsukoshimae Station on the Ginza Line, and Kodenmacho Station on the Hibiya Line. It also offers smooth access to major areas such as Akihabara, Ginza, and Tokyo Station, making it an ideal location for sightseeing, shopping, and business. Furthermore, Haneda Airport is within 40 minutes, making it an extremely convenient location for travel.


Guide to Tokyo and Nihonbashi

The hotel is also equipped with multilingual staff and English-language information boards so that foreign guests can feel at ease during their stay. In addition, there is a large public bath in the hotel, where you can relax after a long day of travel. The service, which is rooted in local hospitality, is said to be appreciated by guests from overseas.

A space where you can feel the history of Edo and the beauty of chic colors

 

Hotel Kazusaya’s guest rooms are decorated in the colors of “Shiju-Haccha Hyaku-Nezumi” meaning 48 tea and 100 rats. This refers to the variety of dyeing techniques used by the townspeople of the Edo period (1603-1867), who added various shades and tints of brown and rat colors.

 

The interiors of the guest rooms are decorated in slightly dull and mellow colors, creating a visually peaceful and calming atmosphere. The rooms provide a relaxing space where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

A full range of room types are available, including single rooms for one person, semi-double rooms and twin rooms that can comfortably accommodate two people, and triple rooms that can comfortably accommodate three people. It is also nice to be able to choose the most suitable room for the scene and purpose of your trip.


Calm and comfortable rooms


Separate washbasin, bathroom, and toilet

Deluxe twin rooms on the upper floors have Shirasu walls. The Shirasu wall not only regulates humidity and deodorizes, but also inactivates viruses that come into contact with it, a property that keeps the wall clean. We also offer an ozone generator rental service to ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable stay.

In addition, all water in the guestrooms (sinks, showers, toilets, and bidet toilets) is purified water. The water purification system of “Ryosui Kobo” is installed to reduce residual chlorine and impurities in tap water and to provide mild and delicious water that retains its mineral content. The author actually tried this water and found it to be very easy to drink, with a natural flavor that spread in the mouth.

 

Enjoying the unique taste of Nihonbashi

“Shokudo Shusai -Toki no Kane-” is a restaurant located in Hotel Kazusaya. It offers Japanese cuisine that makes the most of seasonal ingredients while respecting the history and traditions of the Edo period. The restaurant’s name, “Toki no Kane” (bell of time), comes from an Edo period bell in Nihonbashi, and the space is characterized by a sense of history and elegance. The interior is designed in a calm, modern Japanese style, allowing diners to enjoy their meals while relaxing.

Among the many delicacies, you can enjoy the unique taste of Nihonbashi, such as breakfast where you can enjoy seaweed from Yamamoto Nori, a long-established dried laver that has been in business since the Edo period, and oedo dashi shabu (soup stock) using Ninben, a dried bonito flakes that has been in business for more than 320 years. In the evening, you can enjoy Japanese sake and shochu with obanzai made from seasonal ingredients in an izakaya style. Guests can spend a relaxing time while relieving the fatigue of traveling.

The restaurant is popular not only with hotel guests, but also with nearby businessmen, tourists, and locals. I actually had lunch there, and was impressed by the attention to detail that went into each dish, as well as the generous portions that were very tasty. What was particularly impressive was the rice cooked in a kiln using 100% Koshihikari rice produced in Fukui. The grain stood up well and had a rich sweetness, making it a perfect match with the side dishes.


Beef Sukiyaki Set Meal

Hotel Kazusayal continues to be a beloved hotel in Nihonbashi

Hotel Kazuya is a long-established hotel that has been a favorite in Nihonbashi for more than 130 years since its establishment. Throughout its long history, the hotel has constantly innovated and flexibly adapted to the changing times.

As Tetsuo Kudo, the representative director of the hotel, said, “To be the best hotel in Nihonbashi,” the hotel combines the spirit of hospitality rooted in the local community with modern facilities and services. Particular attention to detail has been paid to inbound guests, with multilingual staff, clean rooms that are comfortable to stay in, and modern facilities that provide a safe and comfortable environment for international travelers.

In addition, the hotel’s restaurants and services value the culinary culture and regional characteristics unique to Nihonbashi, featuring dishes that make the most of local ingredients and a space that evokes the warmth of Japanese style. These features leave a deep impression on visitors and generate many repeat customers.

Furthermore, a major reconstruction in 2020 will introduce the latest equipment and design to provide a more comfortable and functional space. However, the “spirit of hospitality” and the connection with Nihonbashi that we have valued since our establishment remain unchanged and have been carefully passed on. We hope that the hotel will continue to be loved by many guests and further develop as a symbolic hotel in Nihonbashi.

Mr. Tetsuo Kudo, Representative Director of Hotel Kazusaya