Trends in the Ryokan (Japanese Style Inn) Business in Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to analyze trends in the tourist ryokan business in Noto peninsula, Ishikawa prefecture. The results are summarized as follows: It is noticeable that packeged tours by travel agencies play an important role in business of the inns. 80 percent of the total annual turnover of an inn depends on the packeged tours. The inns are located at seaside resorts, so they regard seafood as a major sales point. New dishes and local dishes are developed enthusiastically. Baths have been a problem in the past because guests lack interest in them. The baths have been said to be narrow. The inns have attempted to improve the quality of the baths. Efforts of the inns to improve baths are as follows: 1)baths in the top floors, 2) baths in which medical herb is posited, 3) baths the guests can use all day. In the off season, every inn makes original plans to gather the local guests.