Houshi Ryokan is one of Japan's oldest inns, having been established in 718. It holds the Guinness World Record as the world's oldest family business, having been passed down for 47 generations. For a time, it was also the record-holder for the world's oldest hotel, until Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan was found to be older, having been built in 705.

Houshi Ryokan is located in Awazu Onsen, a hot spring village said to have been established by the monk Taicho. It was at first a sanatorium, meaning it served as a spa with emphasis on medical services. The first generation owner, Zengoro, should instead become a ryokan, where travelers can restore not just their body but also their mind and spirit.

Design and Architecture

Houshi Ryokan features an eclectic blend of modern and traditional Japanese architecture, brought about the the inn's long history and sense of practicality. The rooms of the ryokan mainly feature classical aesthetics, including tatami rooms with shoji screens along with intricate woodwork made with traditional carpentry techniques. Sharing these rooms are Western-style furnishings, such as leather couches and coffee tables. This creates a playful contrast where guests can feel at ease and relax with their preferred style of furniture.

Houshi Ryokan features two main options for their signature kaiseki cuisine. The Hakusan Kaiseki Course features ingredients and items hand-picked by the chef and meant to represent the finest picks of Ishikawa's regional cuisine. The other is the Kaga Kaiseki Course, familiar items but made with the best seasonal ingredients in the Hokuriku region. If you're visiting during the winter, you'll also have the chance to try their Winter Crab Course, filled with delicious crab dishes such as charbroiled crab, deep-fried crab, crab tempura with vinegar, and many more.

Houshi Ryokan's beautiful banquet spaces might just be the bespoke reception venue for your destination wedding in Ishikawa. Although the actual wedding ceremonies will have to be arranged outside of the ryokan, you can arrange for a celebratory banquet for your reception afterward at one of their available banquet halls. The larger banquet halls can set up with a seat of honor for the couple, and prepare tables and seating for up to 80 guests. Smaller parties can opt for a more intimate venue with a capacity of 20 guests instead.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Komatsu's location between the mountains and coasts of Ishikawa provides travelers with plenty of opportunities not only for cultural enrichment but also for outdoor adventures. Awazu Onsen, where Houshi Ryokan is situated, is famous for its hot springs and conveniently close to many natural landmarks and neighboring villages. The village of Hiyo is famous for its Moss Garden, which is maintained and developed by the locals. Yusenji, on the other hand, was a former mining town and now features a local museum and a memorial park. Another site close to Yusenji is Hanibe Caves, a former stone mine now filled with stone sculptures related to Buddhism.

Komatsu is also known for its Heritage of Stone, tied to its history of mining industries, and now boasts many museums and historical landmarks worth checking out. Rojo Park, Komatsu's lovely garden park, isn't just a wonderful spot for dates and picnics, it's also home to the Komatsu City Museum and the Honjin Memorial Art Museum. There's also the Science Hills, a sprawling science museum meant to imitate rolling hills and features exhibits as well as a planetarium.

Other Celebrations

If you're planning to celebrate a birthday or anniversary while staying Houshi Ryokan, you may want to look into a personalized private event while you're here. The ryokan has several banquet halls if you need a venue for your event. Collaborating with the management will also help them with making preparations and personalized services to make your day all the more memorable.