Greater Tokyo

TOCHIGI

Kanaya Hotel History House

In 1870, Dr. James C. Hepburn, an American medical missionary, visited Nikko and stayed at the house of Zenichiro Kanaya, who was a member of Gagaku (an ancient imperial court music) orchestra of the Toshogu Shrine. Foreseeing an increase in the number of foreign tourists to Nikko, Dr. Hepburn suggested that Kanaya open a hotel for foreigners. Following Hepburn’s advice, Zenichiro remodeled his house and opened “Kanaya Cottage Inn” in 1873.

 

Kanaya’s house was originally a residence of samurai warriors during the Edo period. For its unique architectural characteristics, Kanaya Cottage Inn was called “Samurai House” by its foreign guests.

 

In 1893, Zenichiro relocated his business and opened “Kanaya Hotel” on the top of the hill that overlooks the River Daiya. It was Japan’s first full-fledged western-style resort hotel and has been in operation at the same place to date.

 

The Kanaya Samurai House and warehouse were registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2014 and opened to the public as the Kanaya Hotel History House in 2015.
Phone number
0288-50-1873
Contact
0288-50-1873
Business hours
〔Mar.–Nov.〕 9:30–17:00 (ticketing closes at 16:30)〔Dec.–Feb.〕 10:00 –15:00 (ticketing closes at 14:30)
Holiday
〔Dec.–Feb.〕 2 or 3 non-business days a month
Charges
Adult 550 yen Children 275 yen (6–12 yrs.old)