Houshi

The Houshi Ryokan is considered one of the oldest family-run hotels in the world. It was built over 1,300 years ago over a hot spring in Awazu, in central Japan. Until 2011, it held the record for the world's oldest hotel. The buildings were destroyed many times by natural disasters, but the family prevailed.

I visited the Houshi twice; it was a very moving experience, as the family members opened up and shared their stories with me.