Hanamurasaki Ryokan in Yamanaka Onsen Unveils Contemporary Art and Design Overhaul

Kohei Yamada, a sixth-generation owner, along with his wife Manami, has transformed Hanamurasaki, a historic ryokan in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, which has been in operation for 125 years. The Tokyo-based studio Simplicity, directed by Shinichiro Ogata, crafted a sunlit tea room named Sabo and five suites that incorporate stone, washi, mortar, and gentle white curves. This fall, the ryokan's traditional tatami rooms received a refresh with the introduction of the 'Suminobi' furniture collection, featuring minimalist, low-profile pieces that complement the tatami environment. Additionally, the couple launched the art gallery Yamadart in nearby Kanazawa. Originally opened as Yamadaya in 1902, the ryokan was renamed Hanamurasaki in the 1980s by Yamada's father. The property showcases works by artists such as Eiko Tanaka and Daigo Ohmura. Guests can enjoy activities like painting with ceramic artist Eijyu Yaguchi and snowshoe-making with locals Aria and Masa. Hanamurasaki has 25 rooms, including five suites designed by Simplicity, and offers contemporary omakase kaiseki dining, featuring a Snow Crab menu available from November to March. Its address is 1-Ho17-1, Higashimachi, Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 922-0114, Japan.