べにや
BENIYA
About | 光風湯圃べにや
光風湯圃
KOFUYUDEN
An elegant and comfortable place where you can watch the time
passing by and appreciate the ever-changing light and breeze.
Set in the beautiful countryside of Awara, surrender to the
gentle water of the hot springs.
Here you can relax and enjoy the abundance of nature’s gifts.
Remember that we have always been connected to the land,
and you can cleanse your body and spirit by immersing yourself in nature.
passing by and appreciate the ever-changing light and breeze.
Set in the beautiful countryside of Awara, surrender to the
gentle water of the hot springs.
Here you can relax and enjoy the abundance of nature’s gifts.
Remember that we have always been connected to the land,
and you can cleanse your body and spirit by immersing yourself in nature.
HISTORY
Since its opening in Meiji 17 (1884), Beniya has continued to build on its traditions.
We have welcomed many members of the Imperial
Family and other prominent people such as poets and writers.
We aim to continue to be a traditional Japanese inn which cares for people.
We have welcomed many members of the Imperial
Family and other prominent people such as poets and writers.
We aim to continue to be a traditional Japanese inn which cares for people.
~ | Operated as a beni powder (cosmetics) wholesaler in Mikuni.![]() Beniya at the time of the Meiji |
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1883 (Meiji 16) | Hot springs were discovered in Awara. |
1884 (Meiji 17) | Beniya was founded. |
1887 (Meiji 20) | The first tourism poster “Beniya Ryokan” was issued on January 1st. |
1899 (Meiji 32) | Ito Hirobumi (Japan’s first prime minister) visited Awara for a tour of the Hokuriku region and stayed at Beniya. ![]() Beniya at the time of the Meiji ![]() Tourism poster at the time of the Meiji |
1927 (Showa 2) | Goto Shinpei, the first president of the South Manchuria Railway Company and the seventh mayor of Tokyo stayed at Beniya while on a retreat in Awara. ![]() Tourism poster at the time of the Meiji |
1933 (Showa 8) | Higashikuninomiya (Imperial Family) stayed at Beniya. |
1935 (Showa 10) | Fushimi-no-miya and Nashimoto-no-miya (Imperial Family)stayed at Beniya. |
1941 (Showa 16) | Beniya was used as a military hospital during the Pacific War. |
1945 (Showa 20) | End of the Pacific War. |
1948 (Showa 23) | Beniya escaped collapse in the Fukui Great Earthquake. |
1951 (Showa 26) | Beniya became the first Government Registered International Tourist Hotel in the Hokuriku region, the fifth in Japan. |
1956 (Showa 31) | Beniya burned down in the Awara Great Fire.![]() Beniya night view after reconstruction |
1957 (Showa 32) | Beniya was rebuilt.![]() Beniya night view after reconstruction |
1968 (Showa 43) | The Emperor and Empress visited Fukui to attend the National Athletic Meet and stayed at Beniya. |
1980 (Showa 55) | The Emperor and Empress revisited Fukui for the National Tree-planting Festival and stayed at Beniya. |
1984 (Showa 59) | Awara Onsen’s 100th anniversary of the opening of the first hot springs. |
1985 (Showa 60) | Beniya’s 100th Anniversary |
2015 (Heisei 27) | Beniya was designated as a national Tangible Cultural Property.![]() Beniya before the fire |
2018 (Heisei 30) | Beniya was destroyed in a fire.![]() Beniya before the fire |
2021 (Reiwa 3) | Beniya was rebuilt. |
Beniya has been a popular inn for artists. Our guests have included Takami Jun, Mizukami Tsutomu (the author’s “Bamboo Dolls of Echizen” was set in Beniya), Sono Ayako, Ibuse Masuji, Yoshii Isamu and Takahama Kyoshi.
Beniya is also famous as an inn loved by the superstar of the Showa ear, Ishihara Yujiro. We have welcomed many members of the Imperial Family, as well as literary figures and people in the entertainment industry.
Beniya is also famous as an inn loved by the superstar of the Showa ear, Ishihara Yujiro. We have welcomed many members of the Imperial Family, as well as literary figures and people in the entertainment industry.