Guests can experience the depth of the ancient and beautiful Japanese landscape in an authentic setting that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.Įast of Houshi lies Mount Hakusan, recognized since ancient times as one of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains. Spending a night at Houshi is certain to remind you of the elegance of old Japan. Houshi is proud to bear witness to centuries of history and tradition, and was recognized as one of the oldest operating hot spring hotels in the world, officially verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Since then, Houshi has been loved by many generations, and continues to maintain precious tradition in modern times. Houshi was founded in the year Yoro 2 (718 A.D.). We wish to share the proper ancient method of 'taking the waters' with our guests so they can fully enjoy the healing properties of natural hot springs. In modern times, few people use hot springs as treatment for injuries and illness, but the beneficial effects are still significant and real. It is our honor to continue this tradition for posterity. Houshi had a humble beginning as a sanitarium lodge, but the 1st generation owner Zengoro believed that Houshi should become a proper hot spring inn to soothe both the body and mind.

In the past, many people traveled here to have their infirmities treated with these holy waters blessed by the gods that live around Awazu. These hot springs were a gift from the Hakusan mountain gods to relieve and cure the injuries and illnesses of humans. Awazu Onsen is said to have been founded over 1300 years ago by the great monk Taicho Daishi under the command of the mountain deity Hakusan Daigongen.

Notsu ryokan