For Guests Visiting Honke Bankyu for the First Time
A Ryokan Preserving the Hot Springs and Heritage of the Heike Clan for Over 800 Years
Our ancestors are said to have been descendants of the Heike clan, who fled from the pursuing Genji forces and settled permanently here in Yunishigawa Onsen. In 1666, they founded Honke Bankyu, a historic ryokan that has now been passed down through 25 generations and boasts more than 360 years of history.
Having escaped the capital, they built a resilient life in this secluded mountain valley and have continued to preserve the traditions and hot springs of Yunishigawa to this day. Their enduring spirit remains woven into the history of this land.
For more than 800 years, the waters of Yunishigawa Onsen have flowed ceaselessly, offering comfort and healing to countless people—from the Heike refugees who first found sanctuary here to the travelers of the present day. The springs continue to overflow with the same gentle warmth that has nurtured generations across the centuries.
Preserving and Passing On the Legacy of Traditional Wooden Architecture
Our mission is to carefully preserve this historic wooden inn and pass its legacy on to future generations. For this reason, modern facilities such as elevators have not been installed within the building.
To reach the dinner venue, guests cross the traditional vine bridge spanning the Yunishigawa River. Access to guest rooms, the public baths, and the breakfast venue is via stairways.
We understand that these features may occasionally cause some inconvenience during your stay. However, we kindly ask for your understanding and appreciation of the unique character and atmosphere that can only be found in a historic ryokan such as ours. We sincerely thank you for helping us preserve this treasured heritage.
Keeping the Spirit of Old Japan Alive
Many of our guest rooms retain the charm of traditional Japanese farmhouses, featuring original architectural elements such as massive wooden beams and plaster walls.
The warmth and character unique to a wooden building that has stood for centuries are among the qualities most appreciated by our guests. At the same time, due to the nature of this historic structure, sound insulation is not as extensive as that of modern buildings, and sounds from neighboring rooms or hallways may occasionally be heard.
While we kindly ask all guests to enjoy a peaceful stay, we would be grateful for your understanding that this is an inherent characteristic of a historic wooden ryokan and part of the authentic atmosphere it has preserved through the generations.
Cuisine Inspired by the Bounty of the Mountains and Rivers
At Honke Bankyu, we take great pride in the region’s natural bounty and seasonal traditions. Rather than focusing on seafood, we serve cuisine centered on locally sourced ingredients from the mountains and rivers that have sustained the people of this area for generations. Through these distinctive flavors, we hope our guests will experience the unique character and heritage of Yunishigawa.
Regarding food allergies, we will do our best to accommodate dietary needs whenever reasonably possible. However, for the safety of our guests and due to the nature of our kitchen operations, we are unable to provide meals that require the complete removal or substitution of major ingredients such as wheat, soy, dairy products, or eggs, including ingredients contained in seasonings, sauces, and soup stocks.
We are also unable to accommodate requests involving extensive ingredient substitutions or the exclusion of broad food categories, such as all meat products or all seafood.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.