History
Edo, Meiji, Taisho, Showa, and Heisei. The history of Ishiya has spanned these turbulent periods in Japan. During this time, many guests, including literary figures such as Takehisa Yumeji, Konoe Fumimaro, and Kitaoji Rosanjin, have visited from both inside and outside the prefecture to enjoy moments of tranquility.
Founded in the first year of the Kansei era. A Spa inn endorsed by the Kaga clan.
Motoyu Ishiya was founded in the first year of the Kansei era (1789). During the Edo period, it was strictly prohibited to establish spa inns within two ri of Kanazawa Castle. However, after Kaga clan elder Maeda Tosa-no-kami bathed in Fukaya Onsen and recovered from illness, the Kaga clan developed the spa area to make it accessible for samurai and townspeople alike.
Chronology
- 1788
- First year of the Kansei era (1789): Fukaya Onsen was opened and the spa inn was established by the order of Kaga clan elder Maeda Tosa-no-kami.
- 1897
- 30th year of the Meiji era (1897): Ishiya took over the management of the spa inn, and as a result, the inn’s name was changed to Motoyu Ishiya.
- 1906
- 39th year of the Meiji era (1906): The villa of Kaga merchant Kiya Tōemon in Awagasaki was relocated and transformed into the ‘Kujaku Room.’
- 1917
- 6th year of the Taisho era (1917): The sixth generation of the Ishiya family constructed a Noh stage.
- 1919
- 8th year of the Taisho era (1919): Electricity was introduced.
- 1924
- 13th year of the Taisho era (1924): The entrance building and main hall were completed.
- 1929
- 4th year of the Showa era (1929): A part of the restaurant ‘Yamanoo’ located on Utatsuyama in Kanazawa was relocated and transformed into ‘Bessō Umenoya.’
- 1936
- 11th year of the Showa era (1936): Prince Konoe Fumimaro stayed at the inn and wrote the characters for ‘Reisen’ (sacred spring).
- 1938
- 13th year of the Showa era (1938): Mr. Ōtani Kōen, the 23rd chief priest of Higashi Honganji, known as the ‘Kufuku Shōnin,’ stayed at the inn.
- 1990
- 2nd year of the Heisei era (1990): The new building was completed.
- 1997
- 9th year of the Heisei era (1997): The Noh stage was restored.
- 2002
- 14th year of the Heisei era (2002): Noh performances began with the cooperation of the Ishikawa Noh Association.
Noh stage
Noh art has been handed down over centuries since Muromachi period. Dreamy time serenely starts at the stage in verdurous Fukatani.
Antiques
At Motoyu Ishiya, we have a large collection of artworks on display throughout the premises, showcasing the pieces we have collected over the years.
