Koman (hotel)
Sennen no Yu Koman is a traditional Japanese inn in Kinosaki, Toyooka city, Hyōgo prefecture, Japan.
Koman was founded in 717. This makes it a long-established business, the second oldest hotel in Japan - after the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamanashi Prefecture - and one of the oldest companies in the world.
The ryokan was established by Hiuke Gonnokami and his descendants founded local bath houses in Kinosaki Onsen. The establishment was passed on for over 46 generations.
The history of the ryokan is based on two historic documents: the Hiuke Family Heirloom Chronicle, which summarizes the history of Kinosaki Onsen, and the Mandala Chronicle, which describes the creation of the Kinosaki hot spring resort, and the establishment of Mandarayu hot spring. These documents have been handed down over many generations.
In 708, Hiuke Gonnokami, a descendant of Hiuke family, is said to have had a dream that led to the establishment of the nearby Shisho Shrine, came to the shrine to pray. He did this for 1,000 days, when he is said to have used his vajra to cause a hot spring miraculously appear.
According to Koman's website, the sacred place where Dōchi Shōnin did his religious practice was called the Mandara Yashiki. After that, the name of the residence became Mandara-ya. Mandara-ya changed its name to Komandaraya in the Meiji (era) before being renamed as the current Sennen no Yu Koman. The website notes that neighboring Mandarayu Bath, 80 meters to the south, is a modern establishment opened after 1868.
Other sources indicate that Mandara-yu is renowned as one of Kinosaki's very first hot springs. The town of Kinosaki appears in various historical documents that can authenticate its founding to 720 AD.