Saijou Station (Nagano) × Zen-Inspired AccommodationRecommended Hotel·Ryokan

It's like opening a giant time capsule. That was the impression when we first entered to begin the restoration of this accommodation. This building once served as a "Honjin," a resting place for the Matsumoto feudal lord traveling to Edo during the Sankin-kotai system. Over 100 years, it has accumulated remnants from various eras, packed tightly within its walls. As we carefully uncovered these layers with the help of local residents, the essence and potential of this accommodation began to reveal themselves.The cultural figures who passed through here, and those who warmly welcomed them with heartfelt hospitality. An old hearth unexpectedly discovered when removing floorboards—when its fire is lit again after all these years, this Honjin will come alive once more. Perhaps this space has been waiting for someone all along. The aesthetic sensibility housed within this building inspires our creativity.Dialogue & Inspiration A place to gather around the fire and share stories together.