Ginrinsou is located 30 minutes from Sapporo in the port city of Otaru on the west coast of Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.
Priding itself on its historical heritage, architectural legacy, and impeccable service, Ginrinsou is one of Hokkaido's most prestigious ryokan.
Ultimate relaxation is offered by soaking in its beautiful open-air hot spring bath set high atop a small cape with a breath-taking panoramic view of Ishikari Bay.
For your dining pleasure, French cuisine, as well as an outstanding selection of Japanese food highlighted by seasonal seafood delicacies, is offered at its tastefully decorated Ginrinsou Grill. Ginrinsou had its beginnings over 130 years ago, in 1873. At that time the local waters, teeming with herring, brought unprecedented wealth to the local region and gave rise to the 'herring estates' of the prosperous herring entrepreneurs.
Sparing no expense, they called in master craftsman who selected the very best of the world's most highly regarded wood and stone and erected magnificent private estates. Ginrinsou, originally a 'herring estate' itself, was moved to its present location, high atop Cape Hiraiso, in 1938 and opened to the public as a Japanese inn. Then, in 1986, after the successful drilling of a natural hot spring, the beautifully landscaped open-air bath with its awe-inspiring view of Ishikari Bay was completed. Cherishing the legacy of its past, Ginrinsou offers glimpses of bygone days and a grandeur rarely seen nowadays, as evidenced by its red cedar hallways and imposing rooftop tower.
Designated as one of Hokkaido's 100 most important cultural properties, it remains to this day a relaxing refuge for ryokan lovers attracted by its superlative trademarks - breathtaking panoramas, inviting hot springs, and exquisite cuisine, all presented with personalized, heart-warming hospitality.
UNDERSTANDING THE RYOKAN CULTURE
The Ryokan Collection consists of Category AAA ryokans where you will experience authentic traditional Japanese culture and customs and indulge in traditionalold-fashion Japanese hospitality and service at its legendary best.
By understanding some of the customs and practices of a ryokan, you will be assured of a memorable experience and be able to enjoy the most of your stay.
WHAT'S A RYOKAN
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn and has been a central part of Japanese culture for centuries. Here guests can get a taste of Japanese traditional home life. The earliest ryokans were built along the Tokai Highway for travelers journeying between the capital city of Tokyo and the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.
The simplest ryokans were actually homes offering extra rooms for travelers. Others were more elaborate, offering little luxuries and exquisiteelaborate cuisine. Today, there are around 63,000 ryokans in Japan, of which 1,800 are high quality establishments belonging to the Japan Association. Many are located close to hot springs (onsen).
The onsen baths boast five different types of water, piped in from the famous Jigokudani onsen source, with different mineral content, acidity and alkalinity to ease both body and mind.
Ginrinsou's 18 spacious and luxurious guest rooms, divided between its main and new wings, offer a homely ambience within surroundings imbued with the legacy of its past. Many of the individually distinctive rooms feature an in-room hot spring bath and a dramatic view of the bay.
Evident throughout is the elegant architecture heralding back to the early days of the region's prosperity which is marked by carefully selected wood and stone that has been masterfully crafted by renowned artisans.
Otaru's abundance of natural bounty from sea and land alike, enables the Ginrinsou Grill to offer both sophisticated French cuisine as well as a selection of sumptuous seasonal seafood and other Japanese delicacies, living up to the highest of expectations.
Its distinctive architecture further enhances your dining experience and ensures it will be a truly memorable occasion. For a friendly chat over drinks, or even a little karaoke singing, the Bar with its relaxing ambience provides the perfect venue.
The open-air bath is of a free-form design landscaped with natural rock and marble. As you stretch out in the warmth of its soothing waters, you are treated to a stunning view of Ishikari Bay.
The Otaru City Museum is made up of two separate museums: a conventional historymuseum beside Otaru Canal and a less centrally located railway museum on the grounds of a railway yard.
Indulge yourself in the colorful history which the Ginrinsou continues to cherish and preserve. And a particularly close look will reveal a number of Otaru-inspired design touches, the obvious work of dedicated craftsmen.
Up to 5000 sea animal friends from approximately 250 species invite you.
You will be surrounded by the cobalt blue and the most beautiful sea of Japan.
From the late Taisho Period to the early Showa Period (the 1920s to the 1930s), the Bank's Otaru Branch was at the heart of a busy financial district that was often called the "Wall Street of northern Japan.
GINRINSOU
047-0156 HokkaidoOtaru, Sakura 1-1-13Japan