{
  "id": 16240451,
  "title": "Can a traditional ‘ryokan’ inn go global?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/can-a-traditional-ryokan-inn-go-global",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-23T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/10/24/travel/gora-kadan-ryokan-hotel-travel-luxury-expansion/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1948, the Gora Kadan ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, first opened in a former imperial villa situated within the scenic mountains of Hakone. Just last summer, the establishment followed up its success by opening a second property, nestled conveniently east of Mount Fuji. The Gora Kadan ryokan group, renowned for its exemplary omotenashi (hospitality) style, is now contemplating whether there exists a burgeoning global demand for its luxury lodging experiences.\n\nRyutaro Hashimoto, the president and CEO of the Gora Kadan ryokan group, acknowledges the challenges faced by many businesses within the ryokan and small luxury Japanese hotel categories over the past three decades. The sector has traditionally relied heavily on domestic tourism, but recent years have witnessed a significant surge in inbound foreign tourists. Decades ago, this figure stood at approximately 8 million, a number that has quadrupled to around 42 million in recent times.\n\nWith the current subscription plan in place, readers are able to comment on articles. However, the ability to engage in comment discussions remains inaccessible due to the plan's limitations. For further information, subscribers are encouraged to explore the FAQ section.",
  "summary": "One of Japan's most acclaimed inns is embarking on an expansion project that might see it open up properties overseas.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gora Kadan ryokan opened in Hakone in 1948",
    "Second property opened east of Mount Fuji last summer",
    "Group aims to expand globally amid rising inbound tourists"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}