As a business, Hiiragiya’s history began in 1818 when its founder, Shogoro I, moved from Fukui to Kyoto. He established a business that specialized in the transportation of people as well as mercantile goods, particularly seafood. The name Hiiragiya was inspired by the Hiiragi Shrine section of the much larger Shimogamo Shrine Complex. The word “hiiragi” in Japanese refers to holly trees, which are believed to ward against evil, and thus we would have the “House of the Holly” or Hiiragiya.

Shogoro II, who inherited the position and title of head of the family, was in his own right a sought-after master craftsman who went by the name Hiiragiya Masanuki. He specialized in tsuba-menuki - the intricately detailed fittings of sword hilts, mainly its guard and pommel. Realizing he frequently accommodated guests and patrons who had even come from afar just for his works, he decided to open Hiiragiya Ryokan. The inn eventually became their primary business and would be passed down to succeeding generations.

Over the years, Hiiragiya would welcome many distinguished guests and personalities, including famed writers, scientists, and members of the Imperial Family. The ryokan was particularly popular with famed writers such as Shigeno Seisai, Kawabata Yasunari, and Tanizaki Junichiro.

Since Hiiragiya was built during the Edo Period, its primary architectural style followed the popular conventions at the time, namely the sukiya-zukuri design. The philosophy of sukiya-zukuri eschews cluttered and ostentatious rooms, preferring natural beauty and aesthetics that blend with the environment. At the same time, these spaces are filled in with intricate details such as hand-carved ranma transoms found above shoji screens, and decorative treasures taken from the owners’ collections.

Since the rooms of Hiiragiya have preserved their original conventions, they contain sections that have been given a new purpose. Of note is the tokonoma, a special alcove or raised area where samurai would have placed their swords. Today, the tokonoma of Hiiragiya are instead decorated with intricate flower arrangements or antiques such as scroll paintings and lacquered boxes.

Guests of Hiiragiya should not miss out on the ryokan’s special Kyo-kaiseki cuisine, which features ingredients sourced from Kansai’s bounteous seas and mountains. The breakfast served at Hiiragiya is just as sumptuous, transforming deceptively simple-sounding fare such as simmered tofu and grilled fish into a refined way to start one’s day. They also serve a Western-style breakfast, providing guests with flavorful options on how to start their day.

Cultural Experiences

Hiiragiya’s central location should also be a factor in why you should consider a stay at the ryokan. Numerous cultural attractions, historic and contemporary, can be found nearby. The new site of Honno-ji, the temple where Oda Nobunaga made his final stand, is just a short walk from Hiiragiya. There’s also the Museum of Kyoto, which is a great place to soak up general knowledge about Kyoto’s history and culture. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, which is also the site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, is a sprawling garden park that’s open to the public without any admission fees.

Part of your itinerary should also dedicated to the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of its locations, such as Kiyomizu-dera, To-ji, and Nijo Castle can be easily reached via the local railway.

Other Celebrations

While Kyoto’s customs and etiquette may be overwhelming to some, that doesn’t mean the people are snobbish or aloof. You can certainly approach the management of Hiiragiya and let them know that you’d like to celebrate a special occasion during your stay. They may be able to recommend certain establishments that could cater to your plans, or they may be able to host your private event at their on-site venues.