Ryokans are living relics of the rich history and traditions of Japan. All ryokans promise gentle an immersive cultural experience through their amenities and architecture. In ryokans, one can enjoy local cuisine and the timeless practice of onsen bathing.

Nestled in Ishikawa, Hoshi Ryokan is one such relic. This heritage landmark has been welcoming guests for over 1,300 years! Founded in 718, Hoshi Ryokan is currently the second oldest ryokan in Japan.

Ever since, the inn has remained as a cultural staple in the prefecture. Join us as we delve into the history, traditions and enduring charm of Hoshi Ryokan.

History Of Hoshi Ryokan

Hoshi Ryokan’s story begins in 718, in the Hakusan area of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. According to legend, the ryokan’s establishment was divinely inspired.

Hoshi houses a prized hot spring with healing properties. According to the legend, it’s one of the most special hot springs in the Awazu Onsen area.

This is how the legend goes. The local deity of the mountain appeared in a dream to Taicho Daishi, a Buddhist monk. They instructed him to find this hidden spring and let the people use it for their ailments.

Following the deity, Taicho Daishi discovers the hidden and magical spring. He then told his disciple to establish a lodge for weary travelers seeking the powers of the spring. The disciple’s name was Garyo Hoshi, the first generation innkeeper of the ryokan.

Hence, Hoshi Ryokan was born! Ever since then, 46 generations of the Hoshi clan, starting from Garyo Hoshi, manage the inn. What started as a humble sanitarium lodge became one of the most renowned inns in the area.

Where Is Hoshi Ryokan Located?

Hoshi Ryokan is located in Komatsu city, in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It stands in the Awazu Onsen area, the beloved land of the mountain gods. This area is known for its hot springs and is situated in the Hokuriku region of Honshu, the main island of Japan.

The ryokan promises to satisfy all five senses during your stay. Its location near the full bounty of local nature makes it a premium choice.

To the ryokan’s east lies Mount Hakusan, known as one of Japan’s ancient Three Sacred Mountains. To the West, the nearby coast of the Sea of Japan offers access to fresh and delicious seafood.

Within the ryokan’s immediate vicinity, you can also enjoy the serenity of nature. At Hoshi, you can enjoy the traditional ryokan experience in a setting unlike any other.

Book it Here: Hoshi Ryokan

Best Features Of Hoshi Ryokan

Hoshi Ryokan offers treasures of both history and culture. The ryokan has 100 rooms in four buildings placed in the shape of a diamond around a magnificent garden. The plants, mosses, and flowers in the ryokan’s garden flourish with each season. Interestingly, each of the four wings of the ryokan bears the name of one of the 4 seasons.

In the center of the garden stands the Enmeikaku Pavilion, built in the Meiji period (1869-1912). It was made in the same style typical of imperial houses and used to be a place for royalty. In 2016, it was declared as a tangible cultural property of Japan.

The traditional architecture is well-maintained, retaining its cultural charm. In each room, you’ll get to sleep on futons laid out on tatami-mat flooring. The rooms boast ornate furniture and sliding paper doors. From the comfort of your room, you can enjoy the serene garden views and the tranquil atmosphere.

But the main star in this ryokan is the relaxing hot springs, known locally as onsen. In ancient times, people bathed in the ryokan’s baths to heal themselves with its blessed waters.

While fewer people use onsen for healing, it still has real therapeutic benefits. Even now, the ryokan strives to share the ancient method of “taking the waters”. This method allows guests to enjoy the full healing properties of the hot springs.

The ryokan has different types of hot spring baths. Their two main baths, the Houmei and Enmei, are public baths. The Houmei baths are meant for men while the Enmei baths are open only to female guests.

Bathing in these baths is definitely a unique experience. Bask in the rejuvenating water of the springs while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

If you’re not a fan of public baths, they also have private baths. These indoor, stone baths use the same mineral spring water known to heal and relax the body.

Beyond the food and the lodging, Hoshi Ryokan also serves exquisite Japanese delicacies. You’re guaranteed to enjoy premium servings of seafood served with a lot of side dishes. They offer seasonal and standard courses.

How To Book At Hoshi Ryokan?

Interested in booking a stay at Hoshi Ryokan? For a seamless reservation, you can book your room with the link below. You can check the availability and lowest rates directly through Booking.com

Book it Here: Hoshi Ryokan

How To Get To Hoshi Ryokan

You can get to Hoshi Ryokan by using different methods depending on where you would be coming from. Here are some ways to get to Hoshi Ryokan in Komatsu city:

From Tokyo

By Train: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. From Kanazawa, you can take a local train or bus to Komatsu Station, followed by a bus or taxi to Hoshi Ryokan. The total travel time from Kanazawa to Hoshi Ryokan is about 30 to 60 minutes.

By Air: Fly from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Komatsu Airport. Flight time is approximately 1 hour. From Komatsu Airport, you can get to Hoshi Ryokan by bus or taxi in about 30 minutes.

From Osaka

By Train: Take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. Then, following the same line as Tokyo, take a local train or bus to Komatsu Station and then to Hoshi Ryokan.

From Kyoto:

By Train: You can take the Limited Express Thunderbird from Kyoto to Kanazawa Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Continue as described in the Tokyo instructions from Kanazawa to Hoshi Ryokan.

Local Travel:

Local Train: The JR Hokuriku Line connects Kanazawa to Komatsu. From Komatsu Station, you can take a taxi directly to Hoshi Ryokan.

Bus: There are bus services from Kanazawa Station to Awazu Onsen, which stop near Hoshi Ryokan.

Taxi: You can also take a taxi from Komatsu station or directly from Kanazawa station. This is a more direct but more expensive option.

Note: Make sure to check out plane, train, and bus schedules before planning your trip.

Hoshi Ryokan’s enduring legacy continues to enchant guests from all around the world. And with good reason! It offers an immersive cultural experience painted with its deep and rich history. From its rooms to its healing hot spring baths, a stay at Hoshi will bring peace to your mind and body.

As one of the oldest inns in the world, Hoshi Ryokan is more than just a place to stay. It is a portal to the history and soul of Japan. Even just a night at Ryokan will be an experience that will linger even for as long as 46 generations!

Do you know any other historical ryokans to visit in Japan? Let us know in the comments below.