Modern Ryokan Created by Reflecting on the Past

The Kobayashiya Ryokan, located in the Kinosaki Onsen area of Hyogo Prefecture, was originally built around 100 years ago and has undergone several expansions and renovations while maintaining the shape of the building. Surrounding the ryokan are three-storey wooden inns and facilities, and along the riverbank, regularly stacked local basalt stones and rows of willows create a charming, picturesque atmosphere.

In Kinosaki Onsen, the tradition of visiting the outdoor baths is an integral part of the local culture. Tourists stroll through the town dressed in yukata and geta (traditional wooden sandals), making the distinctive clacking sound as they head toward the baths. At the entrance of each ryokan, geta are neatly arranged, contributing to a unique local landscape.In our design, we focused not only on the building itself but also on preserving and passing on the culture.

To restore the inherent beauty that had been obscured by repeated expansions and renovations, we began by stripping away unnecessary elements through demolition and re-editing the building with current materials. We then refined the details so they blended naturally, as if they had always been there.

At the entrance, which serves as the ryokan's focal point, we preserved the traditional earthen floor (doma) to carry on the outdoor bath culture. By opening up sightlines to the previously unseen courtyard, we added a sense of depth. A library was then placed in this space, offering guests a rich and relaxing experience with books.

The design of the ryokan differs from a hotel in that guests engage in a seated, floor-based way of living, making the tactile experience of the materials more important. Since visitors, following the tradition of outdoor baths, wear geta and walk barefoot on the floors, we focused on designing materials like wooden floors and tatami mats with textures that could be appreciated through touch, enhancing the sensory experience.On the top floor, the beams of the roof structure were hidden but its splendid composition got revealed by demolition, so we decided to keep it exposed with a contrast with new materials.

Additionally, we reconsidered the importance of the wide hiroen (inner balcony), a feature characteristic of ryokan architecture, which connects the street to the interior. Traditionally, the hiroen was a place where guests could enjoy the sound of geta walking on the street and take in the scenic beauty, especially of the snow-covered town in winter. Over time, the hiroen had become cluttered, so we created a more defined space, using black-stained flooring to contrast and enhance the area, allowing guests to enjoy the view in a contemporary way while restoring its charm.

By restoring the existing beauty and editing it with modern elements, materials, and details, we have proposed a new value for this historic ryokan, blending nostalgia with fresh appeal.