Reinventing Local Values: Tsukarimakuri and Its Innovative Onsen Concentration Technology

Tsukarimakuri Officially Recognized as a Startup by Tokyo University of Science

Tsuakrimakuri Co., Ltd., located in Shibuya, Tokyo and led by President Hiroki Ikezoe, has recently garnered official recognition as a startup company originating from the Tokyo University of Science. With the mission of "recreating local value through ideas and technology", the company aims to revitalize Japan’s regional treasures: traditional inns (ryokan).

The Crisis of Traditional Inns

The pandemic has significantly shifted travel preferences from group to individual trips. Many traditional inns, facing challenges such as an aging workforce and lack of successors, are struggling to adapt to this new paradigm. Between 2000 and 2018, Japan saw a shocking 42% decrease in the number of inn facilities, leading to economic and employment issues in numerous localities. Tsukarimakuri believes that the solution lies in utilizing Japan's proud resource: hot springs (onsen).

Tsukarimakuri’s Challenge: Concentrating Hot Springs to Deliver Value

To address the challenges faced by traditional inns, Tsukarimakuri has centered its business model around the “hot spring concentration technology” developed by the laboratory of Professor Hashimoto at Tokyo University of Science.

Unique Technology: Concentrating Hot Springs

This innovative technology evaporates 99.9% of the water content in hot springs, allowing for the effective extraction of valuable ingredients. By decreasing transportation costs drastically, Tsukarimakuri enables the delivery of genuine onsen experiences anywhere without physical limitations.

First Product: Concentrated Onsen Bath Additives

Collaborating with ryokan across Japan, Tsukarimakuri is launching concentrated onsen bath additives, produced on-site at these inns, for home use. Unlike traditional bath additives made with synthetic chemicals, these products offer a true onsen experience. This initiative will allow those unable to travel, including elderly individuals, residents in nursing homes, and busy professionals, to enjoy the healing properties of authentic hot springs.

Future Prospects

While securing a foothold in the bath additive market is a priority, Tsukarimakuri also has plans to expand its product line to beverages and cosmetics utilizing concentrated onsen in the future. Furthermore, the company aims to align with government-led inbound strategies to target wealthy international consumers and spa facilities through cross-border eCommerce.

Comments from Leadership

Hiroki Ikezoe, President

"During my time at Recruit's 'Jalan' and while managing my own SaaS company, I witnessed many local inns, brimming with potential, struggling to survive. We cannot let Japan's treasured onsen culture fade away. This belief motivated me to establish Tsukarimakuri. With our technology and ideas, I am determined to provide many people with the genuine onsen experience and encourage them to visit these localities. By creating this cycle, we can rejuvenate the overall value of these regions and contribute to sustainable tourism and local community development."

Nagete Hashimoto, Chief Product Officer (CPO)

"I am thrilled that the research outcomes from the university are contributing to solutions for societal issues. Our core concentration technology expands the potential of hot springs without compromising their intrinsic value. As a university-affiliated venture, we aim to combine academic insights with business agility to accelerate the implementation of these technologies in society."

Tokyo University of Science’s Support for Startups

Tokyo University of Science has established a system to recognize and support startup ventures, fostering entrepreneurship among faculty and students. Tsukarimakuri is one of the 20 companies officially recognized as a startup originating from the university as of May 2025. We are committed to strengthening our collaboration with the university to expedite our business development.