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KAMENOI's DNA / History
Founder: Kumahachi Aburaya,
The history of the challenge
The history of Kamenoi Hotel began in 1911 (Meiji 44).
Aburaya Kumahachi, whose values have changed dramatically since traveling alone to the United States, takes over a small inn.
Its innovative initiatives attracted many people and helped it grow into a first-class hotel.
The turbulent life of Aburaya Kumahachi
Until the establishment of "Kamenoi Ryokan"
Kumahachi was born in Uwajima, Ehime in 1863 (Bunkyu 3). After graduating from the domain school, he began working and became a member of the Uwajima town council at a young age, publishing the town newspaper and learning about buying and selling rice, devoting himself to the town. In 1891 (Meiji 24), at the age of 30, Kumahachi left his position as council member and became a rice speculator in Osaka. He amassed enormous wealth here and became known throughout Japan as the "Aburaya Shogun." However, the market fluctuated wildly and Kumahachi lost a large amount of his fortune.
Following this failure, Kumahachi traveled alone to the United States in 1898 (Meiji 31). He traveled from the United States to Canada and Mexico, where he was deeply inspired by the modern cultures that were completely different from those of Japan.
A popular inn with warm hospitality,
And to an international hotel
In 1911 (Meiji 44), about 10 years after returning to Japan, Kumahachi opened Kamenoi Ryokan (now Kamenoi Hotel Beppu) in Beppu, Oita, and embarked on the hotel business. Kumahachi provided hospitable hospitality to his guests, cherishing the teachings he learned from Christianity in America that "we should never forget to be kind to travelers."
In 1914 (Taisho 3), the hotel changed its name from Kamenoi Ryokan to the Japanese-Western Kamenoi Hotel, and began serving authentic Western cuisine in addition to Japanese food in the dining room. It gained support from foreign guests and joined the ranks of first-class hotels.
Kumahachi's innovation that transformed Beppu
Since the company's founding,
Providing unprecedented quality hospitality
"The traveler who comes to my home may be an angel."
With this in mind, Kumahachi came up with a series of hospitality ideas to attract guests, such as a pick-up service for guests arriving at the station, a nurse on-site to deal with emergencies, and high-quality bedding.
They also brought in skilled chefs to serve local dishes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Golf and Hot springs
Creating new leisure activities
At the beginning of the Showa era, Kumahachi worked hard to open a full-scale golf course, Beppu Golf Links (now Beppu Golf Club), proposing a new form of leisure that combined Hot springs resorts with sports.
It is said that Kumahachi discovered golf during his stay in America.
Strategic advertising activities
Beppu Hot springs to become a major tourist destination
Kumahachi also became a publicity man for Beppu Hot springs himself. He distributed postcards to Beppu-shi and asked them to vote for the "New Eight Views of Japan" contest sponsored by a newspaper, which led to Beppu Hot springs coming in first in the nation. He also erected a pillar on Mount Fuji bearing the catchphrase "The mountain is Fuji, the sea is the Seto Inland Hot springs, and hot springs are Beppu." He even chartered a plane and dropped flyers from the skies of Osaka and Kobe, spreading the word about Beppu Hot springs the world in a variety of ways.
It is also said that Kumahachi popularized Hot springs symbol that is now known to every Japanese person.
Japan's first bus with a guide
I drove a tourist bus
At a time when it was normal for women to stay at home, it was Kumahachi who created the profession of bus guide.
In order to allow many people to enjoy sightseeing Beppu, Kumahachi established a bus company in 1928. He arranged for young female bus guides to take people on buses to the "Hell" area, where hot water gushes out, a highlight of Beppu tourism.
Eventually, the bus guide profession spread throughout Japan and became a coveted occupation for women.
Through cultural activities,
Popular with local children
Kumahachi was popular with children because of his enthusiasm for cultural activities such as reading aloud. He was loved by children and nicknamed "Shiny Uncle" for his trademark red tie and shiny hair.
The bronze statue, erected in front of JR Beppu Station in 2007, depicts Kumahachi's characteristic smile, a trait that has delighted so many people.
Kamenoi Hotel has been carrying on the spirit of hospitality passed down by Kumahachi Aburaya since its establishment.
By adding the unique value of the local area to our innovative spirit, we aim to create an even more appealing hotel.
Please enjoy a stay full of history and stories at Kamenoi Hotels across Japan.