Onko Chishin Inc., the hospitality company behind multiple Michelin recognized small luxury hotels across Japan, announces the addition of two historic onsen ryokans to its growing collection. The company is debuting the fully renovated IZU RETREAT by Onko Chishin in November 2025 and welcoming OTARU RETREAT by Onko Chishin in December 2025, furthering its mission to preserve Japan’s cultural heritage through exceptional, immersive travel experiences. The dual openings mark a strategic expansion of Onko Chishin's curatorial approach to hospitality, where each property becomes a living showcase for its region, designed to share local stories with humility, beauty, and intent. With a portfolio of 15 distinctive hotels and restaurants nationwide, the company serves as storytellers of hidden Japan, connecting travelers who seek authentic experiences beyond the obvious with Japan's hidden cultural treasures.
IZU RETREAT by Onko Chishin emerges from a comprehensive renovation of a beloved Showa-era hot spring resort on the Izu Peninsula's eastern coast into what the company calls "nostalgic luxury." Located in the historic onsen town of Atagawa, the property sits just two hours from Tokyo by limited express train. Acquired from its previous operator and completely reimagined to Onko Chishin’s standards, the r renovation transforms 24 rooms into 16 expansive suites (87 ㎡ to 200 ㎡), all featuring private onsen baths with Pacific Ocean views. Unique amenities include oceanfront suites with private saunas and terraces, plus one suite incorporating a traditional karaoke room celebrating Japan's social onsen culture.
OTARU RYOTEI KURAMURE joins Onko Chishin’s collection following selective renovations that preserve and enhance the architectural mastery of renowned designer Makoto Nakayama in the historic port town of Otaru, Hokkaido. Upon reopening in December 2025, the property will operate as OTARU RETREAT by Onko Chishin. The 18-room authentic ryokan features five pavilions connected by covered walkways, inspired by Otaru's warehouse heritage. Set in a tranquil mountain environment, the all-inclusive retreat offers sodium-calcium chloride hot springs renowned for therapeutic benefits.
Both properties address evolving luxury travel preferences toward authentic cultural engagement over conventional amenities. These transformations convert overlooked regional destinations into compelling gateways accessible from Japan's major cities.
"We don't simply renovate historic properties. We uncover the unseen, refine it with reverence, and present it to the world," explains Tomoki Matsuyama, CEO and founder of Onko Chishin. "Each hotel becomes a living showcase for its region. Our name, Onko Chishin, comes from Confucius: 'To revisit the old is to better understand the new. We are storytellers of hidden Japan, sharing the country's treasures with the world."
These projects reflect broader luxury Japan travel trends toward meaningful cultural experiences and retreat-style destinations. Onko Chishin's positioning combines deep regional Japanese cultural understanding with international hospitality standards.
