Akita Prefecture has officially appointed Kyoritsu Solutions, a subsidiary of Kyoritsu Maintenance, as the new designated manager for the Akina Miyama Sanso hot spring facility located in Yuzawa City. This decision was announced on February 12, 2025, and marks the beginning of operations under the new management set to commence from fiscal year 2025 through the end of fiscal year 2027.
The Akina Miyama Sanso hot spring facility has faced significant challenges over the past few years, primarily due to financial difficulties experienced by its previous management. The current management has been overseeing operations since November 2022 but has reported considerable losses, amounting to approximately 16 million yen for fiscal year 2023. This unfortunate situation has prompted the current manager to announce their withdrawal by the end of this fiscal year, reacting to the prolonged economic downturn attributed to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The selection process for the new management was not straightforward. Initial public recruitment efforts yielded no applicants, highlighting the competitive and demanding nature of managing such facilities. To address this, Akita Prefecture reviewed and adjusted the conditions for the second round of recruitment, which successfully led to the appointment of Kyoritsu Solutions.
"The designated management period will be from fiscal year 2025 to the end of fiscal year 2027," reported Akita Prefecture. This timeline allows Kyoritsu Solutions ample time to implement its management strategies and hopefully stabilize operations at Akina Miyama Sanso.
The appointment of Kyoritsu Solutions is anticipated to bring fresh energy and possibly new insights on improving guest engagement and boosting the overall fiscal health of the facility. Kyoritsu Maintenance is known for its hotel operations across Japan, primarily under the brand Dormy Inn, which speaks to its expertise in hospitality management.
This new chapter for the Akina Miyama Sanso hot spring facility will be closely monitored by local officials and community members, who are hopeful for positive developments. The investment of time and resources aims to transform the site back to its prominence as a relaxation and recreational destination. The synergy of experience from Kyoritsu Solutions combined with the backing of Akita Prefecture is expected to yield beneficial outcomes for both its operations and the local economy.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on the newly appointed management as they develop and implement strategies to attract visitors and increase revenue, ensuring the longevity and success of the Akina Miyama Sanso facility.