Soak in a Hinoki wood tub and admire the maple leaves at this fully Japanese-style inn renovated from a 50-year-old building in Tainan

▲ Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu (Photo provided by Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu)

ReporterYan Xintong/ Comprehensive report

“Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu”is located in a small alley on Zhongxiao Street in Tainan City. With a history of 50 to 60 years, it is a fully Japanese-style inn renovated from an old building, perfectly showcasing traditional Japanese washitsu style. It was originally a dormitory for a nearby factory and has two floors, with one room on each. The “Hisato-an” part was originally windowless and doorless, with peeling and decaying surfaces, but even after renovation, its original character has been preserved.

▲ Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu (Photo provided by Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu)

The area is close to Haian Road and the famous Shennong Street, where the movie “The Chef” was also filmed. The alleys of Zhongxiao Street still retain many old buildings dating back to the Japanese colonial period, including rows of shared housing with communal toilets and bathrooms in the middle. The aged bricks, wooden beams and floorboards, Taiwan cypress windows, and old wooden stairs—some half-ruined—still exude a rustic charm.

▲ Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu (Photo provided by Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu)

In terms of room design, the beams in Hisato-an are made of Fuzhou cedar, symbolizing the Made-in-Taiwan spirit. The entire space follows a washitsu design, using indirect lighting to create a soft ambiance. Notably, a skylight has been added indoors to bring in ample natural light, forming an indoor courtyard. The ceiling above the second-floor toilet uses frosted glass, allowing diffused light through the shoji paper to filter into the room, complemented by traditional shoji doors and lattice panels that enrich the visual experience.

Additionally, the tatami used is very particular. The shop owner mentioned that it is said improper placement according to feng shui could bring misfortune, or even lead to seppuku-related superstitions. The tatami ishandcrafted by Mingzhang Tatami, a Tainan-based family-run shop with over three generations and more than 50 years of heritage,with fabric edging imported from Japan in plain black. The Japanese soaking tub is made of Taiwanese Hinoki cypress, emitting a rich cedar aroma. The wall wood is aromatic Chinese arborvitae (used in the steam room), allowing guests to soak while enjoying the view of the courtyard.

▲ Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu (Photo provided by Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu)

Taiwan, having experienced the Japanese colonial period, retains many traces of Japanese rule—like an ancient capital full of humanistic and historical significance. The manager of Hisato-an Kuto.Washitsu says, “We hope to fully present traditional Japanese washitsu style within this old house, allowing travelers in Tainan, this ancient capital, to deeply experience Japanese-style accommodation.”

Hisato-an Kuto. Washitsu (Hisato-an)
Address: Intersection of Zhongxiao Street and Kangle Street, Tainan City
Phone: 0903-171523
Rates: Double room / Weekdays NT$2800, Holidays NT$3900, Near-holiday (Friday) NT$3300 (Details available online)
Notes: Yukata kimono experience available, featuring Japanese yukata and home wear, fans, and other accessories purchased from Japan. Kimono dressing experience is offered, and photographers can be reserved.
Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/Hisato.an9
Official website:https://hisatoan.wix.com/fall