Funatani Holdings Group will grand open the small boutique hotel “Hakusen,” revitalizing the building of the former Ueno City Hall, a designated cultural property in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, on July 21.
The former Ueno City Hall, designed by architect Junzo Sakakura and completed in 1964, has been revitalized. The structure is designed around a central courtyard, with rooms laid out along corridors stretching in all four directions: east, west, south, and north. The hotel features a total of 19 rooms, including suites and superior twin rooms. The suite room was remodeled from the former mayor’s office, which once presided over city affairs. Each room offers a unique view, showcasing different sceneries like the townscape with a view of Iga Ueno Castle, the ambiance of the old castle town, and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, as it shares the site with the Iga City Central Library slated to open in the spring of 2026, guests will have the opportunity to connect with books during their stay. Plans also include displays of local Iga ware, traditional crafts, and cultural events. Reservations are already being accepted.
