Since its opening, 46 generations of family members have overseen this hotel.
Japan is a culturally rich nation filled with history that endures today. One prime example of this is Hōshi, a 1,300-year-old ryokan (a Japanese traditional inn) in the city of Komatsu. Founded in 717, it holds the record for the world’s oldest, continually run family business, according to GWR. It’s also the third oldest hotel in Japan.
Since its opening, 46 generations of Hōshi family members have run the business. The ryokan was founded by a Buddhist priest named Taicho, who came across a hot water spring that was believed to have healing powers. Taicho gave his disciple Garyo Hōshi the title of spring keeper, so Hōshi established an inn near the waters where guests originally paid for their lodgings with homegrown produce.
