Motoyu Ishiya has been around for quite a while, just a little over two centuries at this point. It was first known as an inn in Fukaya Onsen, a hot spring village developed in 1789 by the lord of Kaga, Maeda Tosa-no-kami. While the original inn's name is lost to time, it wouldn't be until 1897 that the establishment would become Motoyu Ishiya. It was during the Meiji and Taisho Periods that Motoyu Ishiya would go through many developments. The villa of merchant magnate Kiya Touemon was acquired and relocated to the inn, becoming the Kujaku Room. Likely spurred by Kanazawa's reputation as a cultural hub, Motoyu Ishiya also added an outdoor Noh stage in 1917, which is still used to this day.

Over the years, the ryokan's fame would make it a destination for many distinguished figures. One of which was Prince and former Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe, who visited in 1936 and left the inn with a calligraphy gift. Another is Ootani Kouen, then-Chief Priest of Kyoto's Higashi Hongan-ji, in 1938.

Activity would pick up again near the end of the millennium when a new building was added in 1990. The Noh stage would be restored in 1997, and in 2002 Noh performances in collaboration with the Ishikawa Noh Association would be performed at Motoyu Ishiya.

Design and Architecture

Because of its long yet unbroken history, Motoyu Ishiya features architectural and design styles from many of Japan's eras starting from the Edo Period. All of its accommodations proudly boast a distinguished classical appeal, offering traditional Japanese rooms dressed in traditional fixtures such as shoji screens and tatami flooring. Even the accouterments and furniture have a period design, if not outright being antiques. Another subtle treasure guests can find in their guestrooms are the ranma, the intricately carved wooden panels found above the sliding doors.

Although the guestrooms are all in a distinct traditional style, those who may want lodgings that could be considered between Western and Japanese design and decor can book the maisonette. It was built from a refurbished storehouse in the 1830s and contains a modern bedroom and a living room that still adheres to Motoyu Ishiya's themes.

Kaiseki cuisine is often one of the best ways to showcase the level of service and execution at a ryokan. For Motoyu Ishiya, their dedication in making beautiful and delectable dishes from local ingredients shows their commitment and love of Kanazawa. Guests can look forward to vibrant and flavorful dinners made with regional delicacies, seasonal fare, and traditional Kanazawa seasonings. Part of the cuisine is the Ishiya jibu-ni, a regional stew made with duck meat cooked in an earthenware pot. Another favorite is Noto beef, taken from the finest black wagyu cattle raised in Ishikawa.

Cultural Experiences

Part of Motoyu Ishiya's history was being a hub of culture in the already society-savvy city of Kanazawa. The outdoor Noh stage, built in 1917, is still in use to this day and hosts a special annual bonfire Noh performance. Likewise, the indoor Main Hall is actively used for seminars and performances, especially for recitals and rakugo. There's even an on-site spa separated for male and female guests.

While the ryokan is situated on the outskirts of Kanazawa, the city's cultural and historic attractions can be easily accessed. Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenroku-en can be reached within 20 minutes from the inn. From there, you can take leisurely walks around the city, visiting old neighborhoods such as Higashichaya, or trying the delicacies at Omicho Market.

Other Celebrations

Motoyu Ishiya doesn't have an actual event venue for celebrations, but they do offer private dining rooms to guests who would like to enjoy their meal in a more formal setting. From there, it wouldn't be a stretch to get in touch with the management and see if they can help arrange a small private affair that you'd like to commemorate. They may also have information on where to buy certain types of gifts if you need advice regarding that.