Hoshidekan: Staying in a Registered Cultural Property in Ise

A Journey into Silence: Finding Old Japan at Hoshidekan

There are places that hold time within their walls, and Hoshidekan in Ise is one of them.

Located just a short walk from Iseshi Station, this inn is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. But it is so much more than a historic building; it is a portal to an era I thought was lost. As I arrived at dusk, the fading light draped the wooden facade in a warm, nostalgic glow, inviting me into a world far removed from the rush of modern life.

The Song of the Garden

The heart of the inn is a quiet courtyard, where a small red bridge stands as a vibrant stroke of color against the deep greens. Here, I discovered the Suikinkutsu.

The host showed me how to listen—the sound of water droplets falling into an underground chamber, creating a delicate, crystalline melody that echoed in the stillness. It felt as though the garden was whispering its own secrets to me.

Living in a Whisper

Inside, the atmosphere was thick with nostalgia. My room was a simple, classic Japanese space—tatami mats, paper screens, and the soft scent of tradition.

The walls here are thin, just wooden panels from a time before soundproofing. Because of this, a unique rule exists: the rule of silence. The inn even provides headphones for those worried about noise, but the result is something beautiful. Everyone moves and speaks with such gentleness.

As I sat in my room, a light rain began to fall. Through the thin walls, I could occasionally hear the faint, muffled murmur of a voice or the soft creak of a floorboard in the hallway. I felt the presence of others, yet I was wrapped in a profound solitude. The rhythmic pitter-patter of the rain on the roof became the only soundtrack I needed. It was a strange, mystical comfort—knowing I wasn’t alone, yet feeling perfectly at peace in the quiet.

An Authentic, Imperfect Beauty

Admittedly, this inn is not “convenient” by today’s standards. There are no private showers in the rooms, the toilets are shared, and the baths are simple.

But is this how travelers felt in Japan a century ago? I found myself wondering if this was the true “Traditional Japan.” It felt so different from anything I knew, so raw and unique.

This place will not appeal to everyone. If you seek absolute privacy or the polished silence of a luxury hotel, you may find it difficult here. But if you want to breathe in the air of the past, to hear the rain, and to feel the gentle heartbeat of an old wooden house, Hoshidekan is a place you must experience.

Useful Information

• Location: 7-minute walk from Iseshi Station.
• English Friendly: The host is very welcoming to international guests and provides guidance in English.
• Food: Generally room-only, but breakfast may be available upon request (with vegan options!).
• Nearby: The historic Kawasaki Area is close by. The host can recommend great local restaurants there.
• Pro Tip: You can rent bicycles at the nearby Kawasaki Shonin-kan to explore Ise Jingu and the surrounding town!

Curious about what to do around Ise Jingu? Check out my Day 1 itinerary here!