Guesthouse Pongyi Kanazawa is a small traditional guesthouse converted from a 150-year-old Kanazawa townhouse, located along the Kuratsuki Canal — only a 10-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. It is a home-like guesthouse, not a hotel, where travelers naturally meet and share warm, heart-to-heart moments. 【 A Home-like Stay 】 As an old wooden house, the walls are thin and sounds can be heard easily. There are two shared toilets and two shared showers (one each for men and women). Dormitory entrances have curtains instead of solid doors. Pongyi is ideal for guests who enjoy the warmth of everyday Japanese life and friendly connection, rather than full hotel-style comfort. 【 A Place for Small Global Connections 】 Even when fully booked, Pongyi welcomes up to only 10 guests — a cozy, family-like atmosphere. Many travelers come from overseas, and staff kindly help introduce guests to one another. It’s a place where conversations flow naturally and guests often say, “It feels like coming home.” 【 Supporting People in Asia 】 Since opening, Pongyi has donated part of each night’s stay to NPOs supporting self-reliance projects for people in Asia. Your stay helps spread small acts of kindness across the world. ＜Please note before booking＞ ・Luggage storage available 8:00–12:00 only (advance notice required) ・Closed 12:00–15:00 — no entry during this time ・Check-in 15:00–21:00

“Pongyi” means “monk” in the Burmese language. Masaki, the owner, once left his corporate job and went to Myanmar to experience a short period of monkhood — a journey that changed his life. During that time, he met his teacher, Sayadaw Gayuna, whose words deeply inspired him: “May all people be filled with the joy of living.” This wish became the heart of Pongyi’s philosophy. “To look within oneself, and always think about what we can do for others” — to never forget this attitude, Masaki named the guesthouse Pongyi. He opened this small guesthouse in Kanazawa alone in 2009. Having lived in South America (Paraguay and Brazil), Masaki has a generous, easygoing nature that puts people at ease with his favorite phrase, “It’s okay.” Today, the guesthouse is lovingly run mainly by his wife, Niina, who is from Ishikawa. She joined Pongyi in 2017, and her bright, positive spirit and warm smile have become the heart of the house — embodying the feeling of “home.” Pongyi is a small, home-like guesthouse where travelers connect at heart. Through your stay, we hope you will feel the gentle kindness of everyday Japan and the warmth of people. We look forward to welcoming you in Kanazawa.

Our guesthouse is located on the shortcut walking route between JR Kanazawa Station and the city center (Korinbo area). This neighborhood is a mixed local area where traditional townhouses and everyday life meet small shops and restaurants — convenient, yet calm and relaxing. It’s a place where you can feel the charm of everyday Kanazawa life while staying close to the main sightseeing spots. Walking distance to major attractions: ・Kanazawa Station – about 10 min ・Omicho Market – about 13 min ・Nagamachi Samurai District – about 17 min ・Korinbo – about 20 min ・Kenrokuen Garden – about 25 min ・Higashi Chaya District – about 25 min There are many local restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and a drugstore nearby, and a 7-Eleven convenience store is right in front of the guesthouse. It’s a perfect balance between convenience and local atmosphere — close to both daily life and sightseeing in Kanazawa.