An unprecedented 390 years of history

The weary horseback travelers of Japan witnessed the opening of the Tsunoda family’s small business of “restaurants” more than three hundred and ninety years ago.

Initially situated under an enormous shade tree in Hayama, Japan, they began offering tea, sweets, and respite for both traveler and horse, eventually opening a small Inn, Hikage Chaya, and the little “tea house” in the “shade.” Extending literally throughout centuries of Japanese history, from the Imperial Edo period to the present day, the Inn space of the “tea house” was eventually closed and renovated into a traditional Japanese restaurant, which is still remnant in the Hikage Chaya restaurant today.

Owned and operated by the same family for more than three hundred and ninety years, the Tsunoda family attributes its continued success to the initial foundations and simple philosophies of restaurant and hospitality that all began under a single shade tree centuries ago.