Japan's Nine "Classic" (Historic) Hotels

One of the reasons I love following the commemorations and observations daily in Japan is because of the things that I learn from the officially registered anniversaries. Case in point: today, I learned that Japan has a Japan Classic Hotel Association which recognizes nine historic hotels as official "classic" hotels. They created Japan Classic Hotel Day 日本クラシックホテルの日 to fall on September 9th, 9/9, annually because there are nine hotels and classic starts with "Ku", the Japanese for 9. 

The nine hotels are:

1. Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Tochigi 
2. Fujiya Hotel, Kanagawa
3. Mampei Hotel, Nagano
4. Nara Hotel, Nara
5. The Tokyo Station Hotel, Tokyo
6. Hotel New Grand, Kanagawa
7. Gamagori Classic Hotel, Aichi
8. Unzen Kanko Hotel, Nagasaki
9. Kawana Hotel, Shizuoka

The day was created to highlight the cultural value of Japan's pre-war hotel architecture and the unique hospitality traditions that grew alongside modern tourism. These hotels are not simply old: they meet strict criteria. For example, they were found before WWII, the original buildings are still in use and they are recognised as cultural or industrial heritage. From Meiji-era wooden lodges to early-Showa red brick landmarks, each still welcoming guests today. 

Have you ever stayed in one of Japan's nine classic hotels?