The World’s Oldest Continually Run Family Business
- Oct 25, 2025
- 1 min read
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.
Offering a taste of traditional Japanese life, the inn greets visitors with a tea ceremony, and provides them with a comfortable cotton kimono known as a yukata to relax after bathing. Indeed, their excellent service has even resulted in visits by the Japanese Imperial Family.
Today, the ryokan boasts two indoor and two outdoor hot spring baths, a restaurant and 100 bedrooms.
If you are wondering where the world's oldest continuously running hotel is located, well, it's also in Japan. It predates the ryokan by just 12 years. Take a look at the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, located in Japan’s Akaishi Mountains.
