In case you think this post will end up being a sales pitch, we promise that it will be (of sorts) but will also thrill you to pieces when you see what its all about. We were squealingly surprised when it landed in our in-box. As you’ll obviously see by the title of the post, it’s all about rail and hotels. Magically, it is also about time travel. It’s one of those things that comes along rarely for those of us who run websites.
Let’s jump right in, shall we? Gosho Minami. It’s 100 years old and, while that is true, for a traveler, it’s bang up to standards of the highest standards. Yes, it’s a hotel. Yes, it’s a train. And yes, you can spend the night there. The Nipponia Hotel Kyoto Gosho Minami is a historic hotel that is part of a series of heritage properties across Japan. While not directly a “station hotel,” it is an example of a broader hospitality brand that focuses on preserving and repurposing historic buildings, including those near major transportation hubs.
The name “Nipponia” refers to a brand that takes traditional Japanese buildings—such as old merchant houses, sake breweries, or, in some cases, early 20th-century Western-style structures—and renovates them into boutique hotels. The goal is to provide a unique travel experience that combines modern comfort with a tangible connection to Japan’s cultural and architectural past.
The concept is a modern one, but it is built on historical preservation. These hotels often highlight a specific era or local industry, with each property having its own distinct story and character. They are located in both urban and rural areas across the country, allowing travelers to experience different facets of Japan’s history.
Finally, best of all, you can stay mere steps from the railroad tracks. The train is run and managed by operated by kirinJi Koyashito. Nipponia hōtel Do you have your cheque books ready? Click here with Booking.com
