Founded 75 years ago, Shirahama Onsen Musashi is known as one of Kishu's famous hot springs. The man who protects the inn is the proprietress, Numata Hiromi, who inherited the traditional inn, supported by family ties. We take a closer look at the proprietress's life, the charms of Wakayama, and the essence of hospitality at the long-established inn Musashi.

interviewer

Could you tell us what led you to become a proprietress?

landlady

It all started when she was surprised to find that the place she came to as a bride was such a large inn. For a long time, she had been living alone with her husband and mother-in-law, so when her eldest daughter and son were born one year apart, and she had an heir, everyone around her seemed relieved.

My husband lost his father when he was a university student, and for a long time he was left to live alone with his mother. Since the inn had always been run by just the two of them, even after I gave birth, he didn't ask me to join the family business right away, but rather to focus on raising my child first. So for a while, I focused on raising my child and had almost no involvement in the family business.

However, since this area is a rural area, there are not many schools, and in 1998 or 1999, when our children were born, globalization was just starting to become a hot topic. It was also a time when the idea of "giving children a good educational environment" was gaining popularity, so we decided to take the plunge and have our children take the entrance exam for a new elementary school in Kyoto.

After I successfully passed the exam, my grandmother (the head proprietress) encouraged me, saying, "Kyoto is the center of tourism in Japan, and our house is a Japanese-style inn, so wouldn't it be best to go to Kyoto to learn how to wear kimono?" So my children and I decided to move to Kyoto. During that time, my husband, who is the president, and the head proprietress looked after the inn.

While raising my children in Kyoto, I also participated in various inn gatherings, seminars held by major travel agencies, and even things like "landlady seminars." Attending study sessions with my young children and interacting with people who had taken over inns like me, or who had married into their families, marked the start of my career as a landlady.

interviewer

Where are you from?

landlady

I'm from Aichi Prefecture. So, until I came to Japan to get married, I had never even heard of Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture. People from Aichi Prefecture probably know as much as Katsuura Onsen on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula, but when they hear about Wakayama, a place called Shirahama doesn't ring a bell. I remember wondering, "Where is Shirahama?"

At the time, the expressway only extended halfway into Wakayama Prefecture, so the journey from the expressway to the destination was extremely long. Things are now very convenient, but at the time, I felt like I had come a long way.

interviewer

As the proprietress, what do you keep in mind every day?

landlady

Ideally, the traditional style of "serving food on the table" might be the ideal for an inn. However, with issues such as manpower and the need to improve productivity, it is difficult to provide the exact same level of service as before. Even so, we believe that the most important thing is to always keep the customer's perspective in mind and pursue services that will truly bring them joy.

Currently, one staff member is not always with a guest, but rather provides hospitality at each location, such as check-in and in the restaurant. This is why we place importance on communication at each and every point of contact with guests, and strive to provide service that will please everyone.

interviewer

When do you feel the most fulfilled in your work?

landlady

Of course, it's when I meet our guests at the hotel, but also when they say things like "I really had a great time" or "I was able to relax" when they leave. We also have a lot of repeat customers, so it makes me really happy when they come back and say, "It's been a while."

Sometimes, even when I'm not there, the staff will greet customers by saying, "It's been a long time." It's the greatest encouragement for us when customers say, "It's so nice that you remember my face and say hello to me even though there are so many people here."

landlady

I often have the opportunity to participate in overseas sales and business meetings with people from Wakayama Prefecture, and when I do, I try to wear a kimono. When I'm in a kimono, people become interested and think, "Is this a Japanese-style inn?", which gives me an opportunity to listen to what I have to say. It's very rewarding to be able to talk to people about the charms of Wakayama after they've experienced the Japanese atmosphere from our premises.

For guests coming from overseas, we believe that it is most important that they experience the Japanese hot spring inn itself. Guests who have actually stayed at our inn have told us that they had a great time, and they are also very pleased that our inn is within walking distance of Shirahama Beach, meaning they don't have to worry about secondary transportation.

interviewer

Is there anything you pay particular attention to when welcoming guests from overseas?

landlady

Many international guests are concerned about the language barrier. In that regard, our hotel employs staff from various countries, including Taiwan, Nepal, and Vietnam, many of whom can speak English and their native language. We have a system in place that allows all guests to communicate with ease in some language, so we hope you will have a relaxing stay without worrying about language.

landlady

Wakayama Prefecture is a place where you can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year. In the summer, of course, swimming is at its peak, and the prefecture is bustling with families enjoying leisure activities. In the winter, there is also a beautiful illumination event called "SHIRAHAMA LIGHT PARADE by FeStA LuCe," which began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In spring, the plums in the plum fields reach their peak blooming around February, a little earlier than the cherry blossoms. You can enjoy the scent of plums along with the pretty flowers, and Wakayama is rich in fruit and has many delicious things to choose from all year round. We are very pleased with our customers both from Japan and overseas.

interviewer

What is the most important thing you would recommend to customers visiting Musashi?

landlady

The most recommended thing about the inn is, without a doubt, the hot springs. Wakayama Prefecture is said to have an extremely large number of hot springs, with Shirahama town alone said to have 94. Among them, our inn draws from our own hot spring source and another source, allowing guests to enjoy two different types of hot spring water within the inn. It is rare even in the town to be able to experience hot springs with different water qualities in one inn, so we encourage you to take your time and try them out.

The hot spring water is available for drinking. If you actually take a sip, you'll understand that the spring water is salty, due to our proximity to the sea. The hot spring has a slightly salty taste, but everyone is very pleased that it warms you from the inside out.

interviewer

Please tell us about the experiences available at this facility.

landlady

Our staff plans a variety of in-house events to help guests make the most of their stay. For example, in the evening after check-in, we offer a free walking tour that takes guests to Engetsu Island, just a three-minute walk away. There is a spectacular view point where the setting sun fits perfectly into the hole in the middle of the island, and we will take you to the most beautiful spot based on the position of the sun that day and help you take commemorative photos.

After enjoying the hot springs and a meal, we also offer a popular "gourd painting experience" (fee required) for families. This is an experience where you can paint your own picture on a gourd made in Kamitonda Town and take it home as a souvenir.

You can also try making "Kumiko" (for a fee), which is also displayed in the lobby. This is a traditional craft in which patterns are created by assembling thin wooden parts without using any nails or glue, just like a puzzle. If you have a good sense, you can complete it in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Wakayama Prefecture is the number one producer of plums in Japan, and the plum wine made from these plums has been recognized worldwide, having been certified as a Geographical Indication (GI). Currently, there are nearly 100 registered varieties of plum wine, but the hotel has carefully selected around 70 of them, and offers a popular tasting experience (fee applies, 500 yen) where guests can compare five different varieties.

Our expert staff will guide you through the 20-minute tour, explaining the characteristics of each plum wine, and we hope you will find your favorite one. Once you find your favorite plum wine, you can pour it into a glass in your preferred way, such as with water, on the rocks, or with soda, and take it back to your room. We hope you will enjoy the unique flavors of Wakayama to your heart's content.

The next morning, we also offer a relaxation program where you will be guided to take a walk to Shirarahama Beach in the crisp, clear air of the morning. The program starts at 7:30 AM, and our staff will help you take commemorative photos.

interviewer

It's a really great location for strolling around. The terrain is great because you can walk to many different places.

Book your stay at Kishu Shirahama Onsen Musashi here!