Japanese 1,300-Year-Old Hōshi Hotel Run by 46 Generations

Several unique and historically significant hotels around the world highlight diverse cultural heritages and architectural styles. In Wales, The Lion Hotel & Restaurant, a 17th-century boutique hotel created by artist Andrew Logan and Michael Davis, is now for lease, offering a rare opportunity for chefs or restaurateurs to run a distinctive venue blending historic charm with contemporary design. In Japan, the 1,300-year-old Hōshi ryokan in Komatsu stands as the world's oldest continuously run family business and third oldest hotel, renowned for its traditional hospitality including hot spring baths and cultural ceremonies, despite enduring natural disasters. Additionally, the abandoned Utopia Kaga resort in Ishikawa, once a lavish religious-themed amusement park with a five-star hotel, now lies in ruins, illustrating the impact of economic collapse on once-thriving tourist destinations. These stories reflect the rich histories and evolving challenges of hospitality venues, from preservation and cultural significance to economic shifts and opportunities for new ownership.