Overview

Spend a night at one of the oldest inns in the world. Houshi Ryokan has welcomed travelers for over 1,300 years. Located in the quiet town of Awazu, this historic inn has passed down its legacy through generations. You can feel the timeless care and tradition in every corner of the property—from the sacred hot spring first tapped in 718 A.D. to the refined seasonal meals served in your room.

Step away from your daily routine and discover a deeper kind of rest. The moment you enter Houshi, you sense its quiet strength. Time slows down. The garden outside reflects the changing seasons. The air smells of wood, stone, and the faint minerals rising from the hot spring. This is not just an overnight stay—this is an invitation into the rhythm of centuries.

Accommodation

Four wings named after the seasons surround a peaceful Japanese garden. Each wing features rooms with unique layouts, interiors, and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a simple tatami room or a grand suite, you’ll find a space to match your pace.

Enmeikaku (VIP Hall)

Built during the Meiji Period using traditional wooden joinery with no nails, this stately hall sits at the heart of the garden. The rooms inside Enmeikaku once hosted Japanese royalty and cultural luminaries. With black lacquer doors, golden sliding screens, and hand-carved agate handles, this wing is for those seeking an unforgettable experience.

Autumn Wing – Private Suites

Horai-no-Ma: A spacious room with a direct path to the garden. Elegant and refined, it’s a top choice for repeat visitors.

Yoro-no-Ma: Wide, flowing rooms create a graceful setting for slow mornings and restful nights.

Choyo-no-Ma: This two-story suite fits large families and groups, with plenty of space to relax across both floors.

Other Wings

Aki no Yakata: Garden-facing rooms with 12.5 tatami mats. These remain the most requested year-round.

Haru no Yakata: Beloved by returning travelers. Large windows open to garden views that shift with each season.

Shinshun no Yakata: Rooms steeped in tradition, perfect for soaking in the 1,300-year heritage of Houshi.

Natsu no Yakata: Calm, stylish rooms located near the bathhouse and lounge. Especially popular among women.

Every room includes yukata robes, tea service, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and thoughtful design inspired by the surrounding nature.

Dining

At Houshi, your meal is more than food—it’s a celebration of the Hokuriku region’s land and sea. Every dish draws from local waters, farms, and forests. The chefs work in harmony with the seasons to create kaiseki meals that balance flavor, texture, and presentation.

Choose from two distinct dinner courses:

Hakusan Course

This “Master’s Choice” menu lets the chef surprise you with a creative selection using fresh local ingredients. Expect dishes you’ve never tried before, arranged with precision and artistry. Your meal is served in your room, giving you privacy and time to savor each bite.

Kaga Course

The classic Houshi course. This seasonal kaiseki set highlights the natural beauty of ingredients in every course. You’ll enjoy dishes grilled, simmered, and fried, each prepared by a dedicated specialist. The staff explains each plate’s origin and meaning, adding context to the flavors.

Breakfast includes local produce and regional specialties, all served with gentle care to start your day.

Onsen and Wellness

The onsen at Houshi draws from the oldest hot spring in the Hokuriku region. First discovered in 718 A.D., this water was a gift from the gods of Mount Hakusan. For over a thousand years, people have visited these baths to rest, heal, and reflect.

Main Baths – Houmei & Enmei

Soak in natural mineral water while watching the seasons shift outside the window. In spring, you see new buds stretch toward the light. In winter, snow wraps the landscape in silence. Each season brings a new mood.

Houmei (Men’s Bath): The outdoor bath includes statues of South American deities that symbolize peace and love.

Enmei (Women’s Bath): The stonework—Shakudani tuff and Indian sandstone—softens the water and adds beauty to the space.

Private Baths – Taicho no Yu & Garyo no Yu

If you prefer a private experience, reserve one of the two indoor baths named after the founders of Houshi. These spaces let you enjoy the onsen in quiet comfort, with details that reflect the ryokan’s long legacy.

Guests with Tattoos Houshi may restrict entry to the public baths for those with tattoos. Please ask in advance if this applies to you. Private baths remain an excellent option for tattooed visitors.

Facilities

• Traditional Japanese garden
• Seasonal yukata for use during your stay
• Wi-Fi throughout the building
• Lounge and tea room
• Barrier-free access available in some areas
• VIP historical hall open for viewing during garden walks

Activities

Walk through the mossy paths of the Japanese garden. The trees here have stood for centuries—red pines, old cedars, and ancient oaks. Each one holds the wisdom of time and the patience of age.

Enjoy the soft rustle of leaves, the splash of koi in the pond, and the shadows that dance across the paper doors. Whether you explore the nearby Mount Hakusan, visit local shrines, or simply sip tea in your room, Houshi offers space to reflect and rediscover.

Additional Features

• 30 minutes by car from Komatsu Airport
• 50 minutes from Kanazawa
• 90 minutes from Shirakawago
• Recognized by the Guinness World Records as one of the world’s oldest hotels
• Family-owned for over 1,300 years