The Fujiya Hotel, which originally opened in 1878, is a historic hotel whose building is designated as a national “Registered Tangible Cultural Property.”

Since 2018, it has been closed due to earthquake-resistant renovations, its largest renovation work since it was constructed.

The retro-classic atmosphere has been maintained, but the earthquake resistance measures have been enhanced. The building's pillars are reinforced, and the walls are lined with state-of-the-art equipment that absorbs the impact of earthquakes.

The area around the lobby and lounge was restored to the state before the Showa era, and they’ve established a new elevator, spa, and a quaint museum that shows the history of the Fujiya Hotel.

In the restaurant "Main Dining Room The Fujiya", there have been major restoration works, including 636 paintings on the ceiling, sculptures, and even the chairs.

Fujiya Hotel has 120 guest rooms (146 before renovation). This encompasses 12 rooms in “The Main” constructed in 1891, 21 rooms in the "Comfy Lodge & Restful Cottage” constructed in 1906, 40 rooms in the "Flower Palace" constructed in 1936, and 47 rooms in the "Forest Wing" (formerly Forest Hall), which was constructed in 1960.

In addition, as part of the renovations, there is a new gym in the Flower Palace, a spa & relaxation center in the Forest Wing, and a lounge for guests only will be added. There is also a new building (reconstructed) called the Cascade Wing with a restaurant and banquet hall.

The "Fujiya Hotel Historical Materials Exhibit Room" in the Flower Palace has been transformed into a Hotel Museum by expanding the exhibits.

The Fujiya Hotel has introduced a thermography system that automatically measures the body temperatures of guests at the reception as a precaution against the new coronavirus. Hand sanitizer is located in multiple places, such as in front of the elevator, restaurant entrance, and guest rooms.

Hakone is popular both locally and abroad, and the much sought-after Hakone Tozan Cable Car and Hakone Ropeway even experienced some renovations to “Sounzan” station in July 2020. Seeing as the area is easily reached from Tokyo in about two hours, this is one of those classic tourist destinations.

*The above article is based on information from July 2020

Written by Kamiguchi Shoko, translated by Cassandra Lord