Hirano-ya, a Long-Established Ryokan in Miya Onsen, Aichi, Collaborates with Shibaura Institute of Technology to Create New Ryokan Value: Choosing by Value, Not Fame.

Hirano-ya, a long-established ryokan in Miya Onsen, Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture, has been engaged in a two-year joint project with students from Professor Yosuke Ashizawa's seminar, Department of Design Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology. The project aimed to concretize Hirano-ya's proposed 'sabbatical experience' into a specific stay value. As part of this, the amenity selection space and in-room booklets were redesigned and are now in use. The concept of 'sabbatical' as proposed by Hirano-ya is inspired by 'sabbatical leave' for university professors. It signifies a period of introspection, deep thought, and broadening perspectives, serving as a recharging phase to move forward with new challenges and creations, rather than just a simple long vacation. The joint project has sought to visualize this philosophy as an experience, including guest behavior, discoveries within the inn, and emotional flow during the stay. Through the design of brochures, maps, creature encyclopedias, and in-room booklets, the meaning of time spent at Hirano-ya has been shaped. Shibaura Institute of Technology's public article highlights achievements such as the 'Hirano-ya no Shimikata' brochure, 'Hirano-ya no Shimikata Map (banner),' 'Hirano-ya no Ikimono Zukan,' and proposals for in-room booklets and a meditation room. The banner map and creature encyclopedia were completed and installed at Hirano-ya in October 2025. In an era where the value of a ryokan is no longer solely defined by functionality and convenience, Hirano-ya is enhancing its stay value as a place for self-reflection, regaining senses, and preparing for the next step. This project, through collaboration with Shibaura Institute of Technology, translates this philosophy into space, language, and guest flow, exploring new ways to convey regional resources and ryokan culture. Moving forward, the initiative aims to create new value not only for Hirano-ya's experience but also for the attractiveness of Miya Onsen and the wider Gamagori region. The project originated from a public-private-academic regional revitalization project launched in April 2024 involving Gamagori City, Innovation Partners Inc., and Shibaura Institute of Technology. Initial student members participated as part of their graduation research for approximately one year, building relationships with the local community, conducting interviews, and creating content to foster experiential value. The 'sabbatical experience' concept was articulated during this activity. Subsequently, from April 2025, it evolved into a joint research project between Hirano-ya and Shibaura Institute of Technology, which is still ongoing. Hirano Hirotaka, President of Hirano-ya, expressed gratitude for the two years with Shibaura Institute of Technology students in shaping the 'sabbatical experience' into space, language, and flow. Professor Yosuke Ashizawa of Shibaura Institute of Technology commented on the evolving role of design, from focusing on tangible artifact design to discovering and visualizing value, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to challenge value discovery with Hirano-ya.