Houshi Ryokan

Founded in 718 AD, Houshi Ryokan is known to be the ryokan with the longest history in the world and is also considered to be the top ryokan in Japan. It has been officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s second-oldest inn and promotes its 1,300 years of history of service, dating back to a Buddhist monk founder named Garyo Houshi.

Its renovated version is believed to be designed by the famous Kobori Enshu, a notable garden architect and landscape designer responsible for Katsura Villa and Sento Palace.

The rooms of Houshi boast the blooming view of the garden with tatami mat flooring flowing with gentle scent, and futon beddings, which are set up at night by the staff. The ryokan has a total of 74 rooms that cost around 10,000 to 45,000 JPY per night, including in-room kaiseki dinner and breakfast at the low table. The dishes are based on the seasons, with their ingredients locally sourced. There is also an exclusive villa for the VIPs, which is more inclined to Persian touches like its rugs.
Bathing in Houshi depends on whether the guest will choose from its two gender-separated in-room baths or two public hot-springs of the same type of segregation. Each is made with a combination of rock and marble. The inn also features a smaller bath which can be rented by a guest. Close to its traditional roots, the ryokan also holds a tea ceremony for guests to experience a rich Japanese cultural immersion.
From the location of Houshi Ryokan, guests can see the view of the Nata Temple, which has been existing even before Houshi.
To get to the ryokan, guests can take a bus from Komatsu Airport. The inn continues to operate amid the pandemic with precautionary measures implemented to prevent COVID-19 infection.

A ryokan particularly good for health and beauty

With 1300 years of history, this hot spring has long had the reputation of, "bathe once and you're instantly beautiful, bathe twice and you can say goodbye to all ailments. The water is good for rheumatism, neuralgia, external injuries, etc.

A ryokan appearing in various media

The rooms in "Enmeikaku" have hosted members of the Imperial Family and are used repeatedly for movies and television shows.

"No. 1" ryokan in Japan

This ryokan is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest inn. It also belongs to the Henokiens Association, a French-born international organization for long standing enterprises that only allows participation by companies with over two hundred years of business.

Traditional ryokan - historical architecture

This ryokan is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest hotel in the world. With 1300 years of history, a profound sense of Japanese tradition can be felt throughout this long standing ryokan.

Year of establishment

718

 

Rooms with open-air baths Unavailable

Onsen Area Kaga

Is this place ryokan only or ryokan with an onsen? Onsen Ryokan

Does this ryokan have private onsen (hot spring)? Yes

Is there a communal shared public bath? Yes

Are there additional rental options? With open-air tubs 0 With indoor tubs 2 With both indoor and outdoor tubs 0 Price 3000 yen / 50 minutes How to book Reserve upon check-in

Price range (yen) 12,000 - 45,000

The price includes one dinner and one breakfast