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Thursday, January 6, 2011

1300-year-old hotel

As it is written the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest hotel even now in operation is the Hoshi Ryokan, in Komatsu,  Japan that you may not believe but opened as early as in 718. The hotel has been run by the exact same family for  over forty generations.

The roots of Houshi, the most ancient inn in the world are truly divine. According to legend in 717 a well-known monk Taicho hiked  high up Mount Hakusan, a saint and separated mountain. While Taicho was sleeping one night after starting his tough training exercises, the God of Hakusan turned up while sleeping.

He made him go to a village referred to as Awazu as there was an underground hot spring with wondrous powers. The inhabitants of the village did not know of the good fortune. After the dream Taicho made his way down to the village and revealed the treasure which laid underneath the earth's surface. Afterwards the priest requested his disciple to create and operate a spa at the scene.

Generation after generation, Houshi homeowners got the name Zengoro Houshi. The first Zengoro guided Taicho Daishi to the top of Mt. Hakusan. Several people suffering from illnesses stayed at the spa constructed. People began to make donations. He then employed the money toexpand the services he offered.

Nowadays the hotel offers dozens of rooms and can comfort up to 450 guests. Visitors are welcomed with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. For relaxation, guests may stroll through the classic Japanese gardens or wear a kimono,  provided for their use after plunging in either the indoor or outdoor hot springs.

The rooms of the hotel have hosted members of the Imperial Family and are used repeatedly for movies and television shows.

If you want to encounter Japanese traditional and historical hospitality, then Hoshi Ryokan is the location to be and read more exciting articles in our Siófok hotel blog.

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