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Hōshi Ryokan, Japan
This peaceful ryokan used to be cited by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest hotel, having been founded in 718 AD. But in 2011 the title was given to another ryokan. Still, Hōshi has plenty of fascinating heritage to delve into, as it’s been around over 1,300 years.
The legend surrounding its creation says that the hot springs weaving around the hotel were a gift from the Hakusan mountain gods to help treat human illnesses, and that Buddhist monk Taicho Daishi built Hōshi Ryokan under the instruction of one of the mountain deities. Those luscious, warming springs can still be enjoyed year-round, and there’s also a verdant green garden to wander through.
