[Ichinoyu Hakone × TripX] Co-Development of AI-Powered Restaurant Seating System for Ryokans

Ichinoyu Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture; President & CEO: Takanari Ogawa; hereinafter 'Ichinoyu'), which operates hot spring ryokans and villas in Hakone, has jointly developed the AI-powered restaurant seating system 'Tripbox Restaurant Seating AI' with TripX Inc. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; CEO: Takato Nishimura; hereinafter 'TripX'), a University of Tokyo-originated AI startup specializing in accommodation and tourism. This collaboration has successfully streamlined, standardized, and simplified the daily operation of restaurant seating at ryokans. Moving forward, the company will continue to actively advance digital transformation (DX) to improve employee work environments and operational efficiency.

Background of Developing 'Tripbox Restaurant Seating AI'

Balancing Diversification and Productivity

Ichinoyu serves over 120,000 guests annually. The core accommodation plan offered by ryokans is the 'one-night stay with two meals,' making the operation of breakfast and dinner services, along with the task of reviewing guest reservations and assigning seating (restaurant seating operations), a critically important daily function.

In recent years, the range of guest needs has expanded significantly, including inbound tourists, guests with allergies or dietary preferences such as vegetarian or vegan, multiple dining course options, anniversary celebrations, and families with children. These diverse requirements demand high accuracy, as mistakes are not acceptable. As a result, restaurant seating and its associated tasks required approximately 60 to 90 minutes per restaurant per day. To address the challenge of simultaneously improving guest satisfaction and operational productivity, Ichinoyu partnered with TripX to co-develop this solution.

Tripbox Restaurant Seating AI – Operational Screen

Effects of System Implementation

Reduced Daily Seating Task Time by Approximately 70%

By pre-setting seating logic, the system automatically completes seating arrangements based on the number of guests and party sizes for the day. The process is designed to be simple: '① Import reservation data, ② Press the seating button, ③ Make minor adjustments and finalize,' eliminating the need for complex manuals. Previously, human errors such as omissions or incorrect entries occurred, requiring double-checking to prevent mistakes. With the system now automatically handling seating, such errors have been eliminated, reducing the daily task time from 90 minutes to just 30 minutes.

Digitization from Whiteboard to Tablet

The process has transitioned from handwritten notes and magnetic markers on a whiteboard to a tablet-based system. This shift enables text voice input, real-time information sharing across multiple screens, and daily data storage.

Enhanced Focus on Guest Service and Improved Service Quality

While automation has improved efficiency and reduced labor, the system-generated seating is not used as-is. Staff perform final checks and make fine adjustments to ensure all guests are satisfied. As digitalization and AI adoption advance, the 'warmth of human hospitality' becomes increasingly important. By reducing indirect tasks, the system enables staff to dedicate more energy to the core function of 'guest service.'

Moving Beyond Analog Whiteboards – Tablet Portability Enhances Flexibility

Creating an Environment Where Staff Can Focus on Guest Service Through DX

Future Plans

Currently, the system is implemented in select locations, but full deployment across all Ichinoyu properties is planned, with further productivity improvements expected. While preserving the traditions of a long-established ryokan, the company will continue integrating the latest technologies and tools to enhance productivity, product value, and guest service.

Comments from Both Company Representatives

Takanari Ogawa, President & CEO, Ichinoyu Co., Ltd.

Throughout our 396-year history since founding, what we have valued most is not merely preserving tradition, but the spirit of 'innovation'—continuously updating ourselves in step with the times.

DX in the hospitality industry is not solely about cost reduction or operational efficiency. Our true objective is to use AI and technology to alleviate psychological and physical stress in the workplace, creating an environment where staff can focus on their core mission: engaging with guests and delivering exceptional service.

With the introduction of 'Tripbox Restaurant Seating AI,' we will dedicate the newly gained 'time' and 'mental bandwidth' to deeper hospitality—personalized guest experiences and warm, human-centered service that only people can provide—continuously offering new lodging experiences that guests will choose again and again.

Takato Nishimura, CEO, TripX Inc.

It is a great pleasure to collaborate with Ichinoyu in Hakone, the birthplace of TripX, through joint development.

In addition to our previous work on revenue analysis and automated email responses, we have now co-created the 'Restaurant Seating AI' solution.

Even a single task like restaurant seating involves a wide range of operations—from managing guest lists and dietary requirements to assigning seats for groups. We aim to continue working closely with frontline operations to further expand the scope of operational efficiency.

About Ichinoyu Co., Ltd.

Centered around 'Ichinoyu Honkan,' a long-established hot spring ryokan founded in 1630 (Kan'ei 7), the company currently operates nine ryokan properties (in Hakone-Yumoto, Tōnosawa, and Sengokuhara) and one private villa in Hakone. Guided by the management philosophy of 'delivering value one step ahead' and 'innovation and evolution,' Ichinoyu has continuously challenged itself to create new lodging values while maintaining its heritage as a historic inn.

In December 2025, the company will launch a new accommodation brand, 'ICHI-VILLA CROSSROAD HAKONE,' offering a 'stay-focused' lodging style distinct from traditional hot spring ryokans, aiming to meet diverse guest needs. Moving forward, Ichinoyu will continue to advance together with guests, employees, and the local community, striving to operate ryokans that remain customers' top choice.

- 2008: Awarded the 4th 'High Service 300 Selection' (organized by the Council for Service Industry Productivity)

- 2015: Awarded the 6th 'Kanagawa Tourism Grand Prize' (organized by Kanagawa Prefecture)

- 2017: Certified as 'Kanagawa's Hardworking Company ACE 2017' (organized by Kanagawa Prefecture)

- 2018: Finalist in the 4th 'Japan Tourism Award' (organized by the Japan Tourism Promotion Association)

- 2025: Certified as 'Kanagawa's Hardworking Company ACE 2025' (organized by Kanagawa Prefecture)

- Company Name: Ichinoyu Co., Ltd.

- Representative: President & Director Takanari Ogawa

- Capital: 11,000,000 JPY

- Founded: 1630 (396 years in operation)

- Address: 90 Tōnosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0315, Japan

- TEL: 0460-85-6655

- URL: https://www.ichinoyu.co.jp/

- Hakone Ichinoyu Online Shop: https://ichinoyu.shop/

- Official Instagram: ichinoyu_group https://www.instagram.com/ichinoyu_group/

- Official X (Twitter): @ICHINOYU_HAKONE https://twitter.com/ICHINOYU_HAKONE

- Official LINE: https://lin.ee/jtAVPX8

- Email: info@ichinoyu.co.jp