Choosing a hotel for the holidays or for a getaway is not an easy task, since many factors must be taken into account: price, location, services, comforts … Fortunately, the hotel offer is very diverse in almost all areas. corners of the world, so it is not difficult to find the right accommodation for each person and situation. Even across the globe you can find hotels that offer much more than just a place to stay: hotels in castles, in caves, on the water …
Today at Vuela Viajes we want to tell you about one of those hotels that have a special charm, in addition to being listed in the Guinness Book of Records. We are referring to the Hoshi Ryokan, a traditional Japanese accommodation that is considered the oldest hotel in the world. Would you like to discover more details? Well, we recommend that you be very attentive to what we tell you below!
The Ryokan
As its name suggests, the Hoshi Ryokan is a Ryokan, that is, a type of traditional Japanese accommodation that was created to accommodate short-term visitors. Today, however, these hotels are being used as luxury lodgings and are often visited by Western tourists. Among its main characteristics, we highlight the system of sliding doors and walls in the rooms, which facilitate a flexible division of space; and the tatami that covers the floor, which allows sound insulation. The Ryokan should not be confused with the Minshuku, accommodations that have similar but more modest characteristics.
A family business
Without a doubt, the most famous Ryokan in Japan is the Hoshy Ryokan, which was inaugurated in the year 718. And, as we have mentioned before, it is considered the oldest hotel in the world. In fact, this is stated in the Guinness Book of Records. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that since 2006 it has also been listed in the well-known book for being the company with the longest activity. Interestingly, since its inception it has been a family business and today it is run by the 46th generation.
The rooms
The hotel was founded by Garyo Saskiri, a disciple of a Buddhist teacher who is believed to have installed the accommodation here, thinking that there were miraculous springs in the area. The hotel is located in the Awazt Onsen area of ​​Komatsu, in the Ishikawa Prefecture. Despite accumulating some 1,300 years of activity, the accommodation offers all the comforts of a 21st century hotel. In fact, over the centuries it has been remodeled on various occasions. Thus, in its 100 rooms, which can accommodate up to 450 people, you can find satellite TV, a private bathroom with a bathtub, green tea bags, tatami flooring, large windows facing the garden and a Japanese futon. Of course, you should know that the hotel hides a private villa with five rooms and hot springs.
Beyond the rooms
In addition to offering great rooms, the hotel offers public hot spring baths, a traditional Japanese cuisine restaurant, parking facilities, free shuttle service, a sauna, karaoke, a gallery with a ceramic exhibition, and a beautiful garden. It is also important to note that the Hoshy Ryokan is located in a natural area that is worth visiting. For this reason, the hotel offers excursions in the vicinity, as well as other activities, such as the tea ceremony.