Oldest hotel in the world.

When was the last time you saw a structure that was built in 1300 years ago? Add to that the last time you got to stay in such a place. Hoshi Ryokan( Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn) in Ishikawa, Japan which was founded in 718AD is the oldest inn in the world. This fact has also been acknoldged by the Guinness Book of world Record. Also appreciative is the fact that Hoshi Ryokan is the oldest continuous operating company in the world with the same owners running it for forty six generations.

The hotel came into operations when an inn was built near a hot-water spring said to have miraculous healing properties. The waters are still celebrated for their recuperative effects. The Ryokan has evolved through the centuries. A new guest, on arrival, is garbed in a "Yukata", the japanese traditionnal cotton kimono. Located in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture, the hotel began as a spa on an underground hot spring which was built by the Hoshi family because, according to legend, the god of Mount Hakusan ordered it.

The story of the Hoshi Ryokan began in 717, when Taicho Daishi, one of the greatest Buddhism teachers in the history of Japan, climbed Mount Hakusan to perform his training exercises. One night, while he was asleep, the spirit of the mountain appeared in his sleep and spoke to him of a miraculous underground spring, located in Awazu village, 20-24 kilometers from the base of the mountain. He was instructed to travel to this wondrous place and, with the help of the villagers, unearth the hot spring that would cure the people of all their illnesses. So Taicho and his disciple , Garyo Hoshi went there. With the help of villagers they managed to locate the spring. Taicho told the sick to bathe and soon their health becomes better. Taicho ordered his disciple, Garyo Hoshi, to build a spa on the site. Since then, the Hoshi family members has been running the Hoshi Ryokan for 46 generations. Zengoro Hoshi is the current patriarch of the family business. With 100 rooms, Hoshi Ryokan can accommodate up to 450 guest.



Hoshi Ryokan buildings are named after each season in Japan.

Shinshun no Yakata (Early spring building).
Haru no Yakata (Spring building)
Natsu no Yakata (Summer building)
Aki no Yakata (Autumn building).

One night in Hoshi Ryokan costs around 350 USD per person with breakfast and dinner included. They also offer activities like tea ceremony or guided tours around the area. The best thing they offer are the hot springs, known in Japan as onsen.

Directions to reach the hotel.

By express train, four hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Osaka, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Nagoya.
By plane, one hour from Tokyo; 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sapporo, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Fukuoka, and 1 hour from Sendai.

By Road, Hokuriku Expressway, Katayamazu Interchange; Komatsu Interchange.



Places to visit nearby-
The most popular destination in Ishikawa is Kanazawa. Tourists can get to Ishikawa by plane via Komatsu.

Shibayama Lagoon
Mount Haku
Kaga hot-springs district
Kenroku-en
Higashi-chaya district in Kanazawa
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Chirihama Driveway
Wajima Morning Market
1000 Rice Fields


Accomodation- At the place itself.
Beauty level- 8/10 The place boasts of seren historic architecture even though it has been renovated from time and again.

Excitement level- There is not much to see nearby and unless its the springs you are interested in, there is not much adventure.
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- http://www.ho-shi.co.jp/jiten/Houshi_E/index.htm
- http://www.wikipedia.com/
- http://www.ho-shi.co.jp/jiten/Houshi_E/index.htm
- http://something-interesting4u.blogspot.com/2009/10/hoshi-ryokan-oldest-hotel-in-world.html