What is Shiroiya Hotel?

Shiroiya Hotel is a Selected hotel located in Maebashi, Japan. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Shiroiya Hotel have?

Shiroiya Hotel has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Shiroiya Hotel located?

Shiroiya Hotel is located in Maebashi, Japan, in the Asia region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Shiroiya Hotel?

You can view more details and booking information for Shiroiya Hotel through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Shiroiya Hotel | Selected in Maebashi, Japan

Name: Shiroiya Hotel
Address: 2-2-1 Honmachi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-0023, Japan, Maebashi, Asia, Japan
Rating: 4.5

Shiroiya Hotel, Maebashi, Japan: A Masterpiece of Art, Design, and Hospitality

The Shiroiya Hotel in Maebashi, Japan, stands as a remarkable "Michelin Key Selected property," renowned for seamlessly blending cutting-edge art and architecture with exceptional hospitality. Transformed from a 1970s-era building and a former ryokan with a 300-year history, the hotel is a destination in itself, attracting guests seeking a unique and enriching experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests consistently rate Shiroiya Hotel as "exceptional" and a "superb hotel," with high scores for cleanliness (9.7), facilities (9.6), and staff (9.8). The overarching sentiment is one of awe and delight, with many considering it an artistic destination "absolutely worth visiting at least once." It's praised as a "true destination hotel" that can significantly enhance a trip.

2. Key Highlights

The hotel's primary highlight is its deep integration of art and design. Redesigned by world-renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, the hotel features a stunning four-story atrium with Leandro Erlich's "Lighting Pipes" installation and artworks by prominent Japanese and international contemporary artists, including Lawrence Weiner and Jasper Morrison. This artistic focus creates an environment that feels more like a museum than a typical hotel.

Exceptional service and food are also frequently highlighted by guests. The facilities, including private saunas and a delightful bakery, further contribute to a luxurious and unique stay.

3. Room Quality

Shiroiya Hotel offers 28 unique rooms across its Heritage Tower (the renovated original building) and the Green Tower (a new structure inspired by nearby mountains). Each room is considered a "private museum," featuring distinct artwork by various artists and designers. Rooms are described as comfortable and spacious, often featuring balconies and private bathrooms.

Examples of unique room designs include:

Sou Fujimoto Room: Pristinely white and grey, with a simplistic design and comfortable mattresses.
Leandro Erlich Room: Features exposed brass pipes, immersing guests in the artist's vision.
Michele De Lucchi Room: Pays tribute to traditional Japanese wooden shingle work, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Jasper Morrison Room: Designed like a beautiful wooden art crate, with wood-paneled bedrooms and stone-clad bathrooms.
minä perhonen Residence Room: Showcases the brand's signature aesthetic with original fabrics and artwork.

All rooms generally include air-conditioning, a work desk, TV (though some rooms forgo a TV for artistic immersion), free WiFi, a refrigerator, electric kettle, and organic toiletries. Many rooms also offer bathtubs.

4. Dining Experience

The Shiroiya Hotel offers a captivating dining experience with a strong emphasis on local Gunma ingredients and food culture.

the RESTAURANT: This is the main fine-dining venue, known for its open kitchen and innovative "Joshu Cuisine" — a modern interpretation of Gunma's traditional flavors. Led by Gunma-born Chef Hiro Katayama, who has experience in renowned restaurants, and supervised by Michelin 2-Star Chef Hiroyasu Kawate, the restaurant has been listed in the Gault & Millau gastronomic guide for four consecutive years. Drink pairings, including local sake and non-alcoholic options, are expertly curated by Sommelier Yoshimitsu Kojima.
the LOUNGE: Located under the soaring atrium, this cafe and lounge offers casual cuisine. In the evenings, it transforms into "the ART LOUNGE," providing complimentary drinks, baked goods, and local specialties like Okirikomi to staying guests.
Breakfast: A "Gunma Breakfast" is served, featuring a selection of 10 vibrant dishes showcasing the essence of Gunma, with a choice of rice and miso soup or bread and soup. Guests have described it as delicious, healthy, and a great start to the day.
Other options: The hotel also features a bakery (the BAKERY), a patisserie (the PATISSERIE), and a Blue Bottle Coffee outpost.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is overwhelmingly positive, with a staff rating of 9.8. Reviewers frequently mention the "amazing service" and how restaurant staff go "above and beyond to make us feel comfortable." Many describe the staff as attentive, professional, and very helpful, contributing significantly to a pleasant and comfortable stay. Complimentary services like Harada Farm's 100% apple juice and original drip bags from ONCA COFFEE are also appreciated.

6. Location & Accessibility

Shiroiya Hotel is located in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, about two hours north of Tokyo. It's conveniently situated in Honmachi 2-2-15, approximately a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Maebashi Station on the JR Ryomo Line. The hotel offers free private parking on-site. While not directly next to an airport (Tokyo Haneda Airport is 136km away), the hotel is accessible by train from Tokyo, with a Shinkansen connection to Takasaki and then a local train to Maebashi. The hotel can arrange limousine service from Takasaki Station for an extra charge. The surrounding area is described as a lively dining and shopping district, with attractions like Lunar Park and Arts Maebashi within walking distance.

7. Value & Pricing

Shiroiya Hotel is positioned as a luxurious property, and its pricing reflects this. The average room rate typically ranges from $351 to $400, which is considerably higher than the average hotel room in Maebashi (around $101 to $150). While some guests have noted the rooms can be small and the price double what they might expect for the size, many agree that the unique artistic experience and high quality of service and facilities make it "worth visiting at least once" and a "true destination hotel." Value for money is generally rated around 8.0.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

Room size: A few guests found the rooms to be smaller than expected for the price.
Noise: One guest reported "nonstop 'air through the pipes' noise" potentially from the ventilation system.
Smell: There was a mention of a "sour-sweet sewage like smell in the lobby area" by one reviewer.
Restaurant pricing (Lounge): The lounge restaurant's unlimited drink menu was a letdown for some, with prices considered a bit high for the offerings.
Accessibility of electrical outlets: Some found electric points in the rooms not easily accessible.
Vegetarian options: One guest was informed that an evening meal suitable for vegetarians (salads, meat-free items) was not possible.
Lack of an onsen: A few guests wished the hotel had an on-site or nearby hot spring.