First Generation · Chino Isobe
The woman who laid the foundation
In the early Showa period, Chino raised her children alone while running a food stand beside the river. Her handmade udon and sushi became known for their quality and generous hospitality, and the business grew into a dining establishment.
When she sought land for expansion, its owner entrusted this seafront site to her, saying it would bring prosperity to her and her child. Chino did not found the ryokan itself; she secured the land, livelihood and values from which Matsuzawaya would later be born.
Second Generation · Sawako Isobe
Founder of Ryokan Matsuzawaya
Sawako inherited the land and, reportedly at only sixteen, transformed the family dining business into a place where travellers could stay. Her mother named it Matsuzawaya: “Matsu,” the pine associated with longevity and strength, joined with “Sawa” from Sawako.
Many early guests were pilgrims travelling to sacred sites connected with Kobo Daishi. While raising her children alone, Sawako sometimes welcomed as many as sixty guests, preparing meals and caring for each one herself.
Third Generation · Nakaji Isobe
Craftsmanship at the heart of the table
After junior high school, Nakaji trained as a chef at a long-established restaurant in Nagoya. When he returned to succeed Sawako, he reshaped the menu around the flavours and seafood of Minamichita, bringing professional skill into the family inn.
Regulars followed him from Nagoya, and his soup became especially loved. Gentle and generous with his knowledge, he also supported local chefs and ryokan owners, strengthening the wider food culture of the area.
Fourth Generation · Masumi Isobe
Strength, grace and a new chapter
Born into a merchant family in Gifu, Masumi lost both parents while still a child and learned early to stand on her own. Gifted at painting and outstanding at school, she worked while studying before joining a large company and showing a natural gift for leadership.
After marrying into Matsuzawaya, her warmth and business sense drew people to the inn. Together with Nakaji’s culinary craft, she helped the ryokan flourish and later guided its rebuilding, carrying hardship into a form of hospitality that made others feel seen.
Fifth Generation · Kazuko Sato
Education, listening and spiritual guidance
Kazuko grew up between Nagoya and Katana, studied in Nagoya, married at twenty-four and later taught English for nearly thirty-eight years. Her years in education deepened her belief in listening to the person in front of her.
She went on to study counselling, became a Spiritual Life Coach and Destiny Appraiser, and now brings those experiences to Matsuzawaya while working with her younger brother, the head of the inn.
Young Proprietress · Saaya Sato
Carrying 108 years into the future
As Kazuko’s daughter, Saaya grew up with the sea, tatami, red corridor and the family members who protected this place. Only after experiencing life beyond the inn did she understand that Matsuzawaya offers more than a night’s stay.
Today she connects its inherited time and prayers with new people and new values. Her hope is that guests leave thinking, “Tomorrow, I will live my own life again”—lighter, clearer, and closer to who they truly are.