“Hall of Long Life”, Hoshi Onsen Chōjukan, Minakami-machi, Gunma Prefecture, c. 1920.

“Hall of Long Life”, Hoshi Onsen Chōjukan, Minakami-machi, Gunma Prefecture, c. 1920. Guests of the inn pose outdoors of the 150-year-old onsen ryokan [hot spring inn], enjoying the winter mountain air after soaking in one of the four onsen the famous inn provides.

Chōjukan ryokan (inn) at Hōshi Onsen, first built in the 19th century, is known for its remote, old-style wooden architecture, and association with health and longevity (hence the accompanying name “Hall of Long Life”), and the area’s rustic, mountainous beauty.

The ryokan is still operating today — it is considered to be one of Japan’s most atmospheric ryokan, used in film shoots and historical photography, and the inn’s honjin (main building) has been designated an Important Cultural Property.

First mentions of onsen in the area date back twelve-hundred years to circa C.E. 800. Chōjukan opened in 1875. Among its four onsen is a mixed-bath (unisex) in the Hoshinoyu, an out-building adorned with windows of the Rokumeikan style — floor-to-ceiling arched French-style casements.

At the entrance to the equally historic main building, a full-fledged iori [sunken open hearth] has welcomed guests since the inn’s debut 150 years ago.