Can a traditional ‘ryokan’ inn go global?

In 1948, the Gora Kadan ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) opened in the space of a former imperial villa set in the mountains of Hakone. Last summer, it expanded with a second property located just to the east of Mount Fuji. Now, the lodging sometimes considered one of Japan’s best examples of ryokan-style omotenashi (hospitality) is wondering if even more of Japan — if not the world — has an appetite for its brand of luxury stays.

However, the number of inbound foreign tourists has shifted dramatically over the last decade. Ten years ago, the figure was around 8 million, whereas now it’s closer to 42 million — a fourfold increase.”