SOAN KOSUMOSU Travel Journal

"Soan Kosumosu" underwent a major renovation in September 2017.

Although there are no major changes in the hot spring area, the public spaces and guest rooms have been reborn. The new "Soan Kosumosu" was designed by Eiji Mitooka, who was in charge of designing the luxury sleeper train "Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu".

Entering the ryokan, you will find the lobby in front of the front desk, while admiring the exterior surrounded by trees that show various expressions depending on the season. From this point on, you are immediately baptized into the “"Mitooka World"”.

The first thing that strikes you is the similar chairs on the "Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu" train. The colourfully arranged chairs will caught your attention.
These are lightweight and seem to be sturdy. And the chair cushions are exquisitely firm. A chair like this at home would be a delight. All chairs are custom-made and one-of-a-kind.

Then, when you raise your eyes, you see a beautiful Kumiko chandelier!
Be overwhelmed by the delicacy of the craftsmen, their love of wood and the indescribable presence. Kumiko work is even more fascinating when combined with light. Kumiko work, traditional in Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's most representative traditional crafts.
This is a one-of-a-kind work by Mr. Kioshita Mokugei, a leading expert in this field.

The counter desk at the front desk has also been redesigned.
The patterns that appear to be burned on the wood is inkjet printing. The latest technology for printing on wood called "Sanfoot". Fusing ancient traditional Japanese techniques with cutting-edge technology is also the quintessential Mitooka approach.
Not only here, but you can find many more throughout the ryokan, including ceilings, doors, and bed headboards.

As you walk up the entrance, the hallway is covered with tatami mats all the way to the guest rooms, which are also equipped with an elevator in this renewal.