Kanazawa’s First Guesthouse
A Small Townhouse Along the Kuratsuki Canal
More Than a Stay — A Place Where Travelers Connect and Feel Everyday Japan
Located just 10 minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station, Guesthouse Pongyi is a cozy, homely place where travelers from all over the world meet, talk, and share warm connections.
More than just a place to stay — a small guesthouse where travelers connect and experience everyday life in Japan.
The word “Pongyi” means “monk” in Burmese.
Inspired by founder Masaki’s monk experience in Myanmar,
Pongyi opened in 2009 as the first guesthouse in Kanazawa.
A 150-Year-Old Townhouse — A Small Japanese Home Where Travelers Connect
There are only three rooms — a female dormitory, a mixed dormitory, and a private tatami room facing the canal.
With space for up to 10 guests, it feels just like living in a small Japanese home.
As this is an old wooden house, the walls are thin and sounds carry easily.
Dormitory entrances have curtains instead of doors.
There are no hotel-style facilities, but travelers naturally gather around the low table to share stories and feel the warmth of everyday Japan.
Even if it’s your first guesthouse stay or a solo trip, you’ll feel safe and welcomed.
Niina, the hostess, and Masaki, the founder, greet you with heartfelt hospitality.
Kanazawa’s First Guesthouse
A Small Townhouse Along the Kuratsuki Canal
More Than a Stay — A Place Where Travelers Connect and Feel Everyday Japan
Located just 10 minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station, Guesthouse Pongyi is a cozy, homely place where travelers from all over the world meet, talk, and share warm connections.
More than just a place to stay — a small guesthouse where travelers connect and experience everyday life in Japan.
The word “Pongyi” means “monk” in Burmese.
Read more
The word “Pongyi” means “monk” in Burmese.
Inspired by founder Masaki’s monk experience in Myanmar,
Pongyi opened in 2009 as the first guesthouse in Kanazawa.
A 150-Year-Old Townhouse — A Small Japanese Home Where Travelers Connect
There are only three rooms — a female dormitory, a mixed dormitory, and a private tatami room facing the canal.
With space for up to 10 guests, it feels just like living in a small Japanese home.
As this is an old wooden house, the walls are thin and sounds carry easily.
Dormitory entrances have curtains instead of doors.
There are no hotel-style facilities, but travelers naturally gather around the low table to share stories and feel the warmth of everyday Japan.
Even if it’s your first guesthouse stay or a solo trip, you’ll feel safe and welcomed.
Niina, the hostess, and Masaki, the founder, greet you with heartfelt hospitality.
Nostalgic old Japanese house
Though it may not be modern or stylish, this 150-year-old townhouse has the gentle warmth of wood and the kindness of people — a place that feels somehow nostalgic.
From the lounge window, you can watch the quiet flow of the Kuratsuki Canal and feel the calm rhythm of everyday life in Kanazawa.
At Pongyi, our staff naturally help guests get to know one another.
No matter their age, nationality, or occupation — here, everyone is a traveler.
We hope that the connections born through these encounters and conversations become one of the true treasures of your journey.
A clean and comfortable stay for solo female travelers
Even if it’s your first time staying at a guesthouse, you can feel at ease here.
Our women-only dormitory has its own washbasin and shower, with attention to privacy and cleanliness.
Just a 10-minute walk from Kanazawa Station — convenient for visiting all major sightseeing spots.
A small old Japanese-style guesthouse with only 3 rooms.
1. Dormitories (Shared Rooms) × 2 — Former Kimono Storehouse
Two dormitory rooms were renovated from a 150-year-old storehouse that once belonged to a kimono shop, where you can enjoy the unique experience of “sleeping in a kura (traditional storehouse)”.
・Women-only Dormitory (2nd floor): Quiet and safe, with a dedicated shower and toilet for women.
・Mixed Dormitory (1st floor): A warm and friendly space where travelers naturally meet and connect.
2. Japanese-style Room (Private) × 1 — Along the Kuratsuki Canal
The other room is a private Japanese-style tatami room facing the Kuratsuki Canal. Enjoy the gentle light filtering through the shoji screens and the calming scent of tatami, and feel the peaceful everyday life of Kanazawa.
3. Amenities and Shared Facilities
Sheets and pillow covers are included in the room rate. Towels and yukata (light robes) are available for rent.
Shared showers are equipped with shampoo and conditioner, and there are women-only showers and toilets as well.
*Pongyi is a small guesthouse that values connection and communication among travelers.
It may not be suitable for those expecting hotel-style facilities.
We carefully maintain the building so that guests can relax in comfort
while preserving the charm of the old townhouse.
From the lounge and the Japanese-style room,
you can feel the gentle flow of the Kuratsuki Canal and enjoy a quiet moment.
Although located in the center of the city,
Pongyi offers a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere that makes you feel at home.
We wish to be a place where you find the treasures of your journey.
Encounters with people on your journey
Pongyi is a small guesthouse where travelers from around the world can feel the warmth of people.
Simple moments — sharing words and smiles with new friends — may become the treasures of your journey.
Resonating with Masaki’s spirit born from his monk experience in Myanmar,
Nina now runs Pongyi, keeping it clean and cozy so everyone can relax and feel at home.
Living fully can lead not only to your own joy but also to someone else’s.
Part of each stay is donated to support self-reliance in Asia.
Your stay brings happiness to others.
We hope your time at Pongyi will gently stay in your heart.
Make Yourself Your True Work
— The Origin of Pongyi
What I Learned from My Monk Experience in Myanmar
Live wholeheartedly and walk a life that moves your own heart.
To live so that, at the end of your journey, you can truly say,
“I’m glad to be myself.”
“A place that touches the heart” is a guesthouse where encounters between people are cherished,
and warmth is felt through conversations and connections among guests.
At Pongyi, we treasure such moments above all else.
This spirit is deeply connected to our philosophy, “Make yourself your true work.”
“Make Yourself Your True Work” ― The Story of Pongyi
“Pongyi” means “monk” in Burmese.
The name came from Masaki, the founder, who left his banking career and spent time as a monk in Myanmar.
Not money or titles, but living true to yourself ― that is life’s real work.
Wishing to create “a guesthouse where people connect with their hearts,”
Pongyi opened in 2009 as the first guesthouse in Kanazawa.
Guided by this philosophy, Niina now continues Pongyi as the host,
offering a place that gently stays close to each traveler’s heart.
A Stay That Leads to Someone’s Happiness ― About Our Donations
At Pongyi, at least 100 yen from each night’s stay is donated to NPOs
supporting self-reliance among people in poverty across Asia, including Myanmar.
Staying at Pongyi helps create a better future for someone else.
We will continue to cherish this gentle circle of kindness.
“A place that touches the heart” is a guesthouse where encounters between people are cherished,
and warmth is felt through conversations and connections among guests.
At Pongyi, we treasure such moments above all else.
Read more
At Pongyi, we treasure such moments above all else.
This spirit is deeply connected to our philosophy, “Make yourself your true work.”
“Make Yourself Your True Work” ― The Story of Pongyi
“Pongyi” means “monk” in Burmese.
The name came from Masaki, the founder, who left his banking career and spent time as a monk in Myanmar.
Not money or titles, but living true to yourself ― that is life’s real work.
Wishing to create “a guesthouse where people connect with their hearts,”
Pongyi opened in 2009 as the first guesthouse in Kanazawa.
Guided by this philosophy, Niina now continues Pongyi as the host,
offering a place that gently stays close to each traveler’s heart.
A Stay That Leads to Someone’s Happiness ― About Our Donations
At Pongyi, at least 100 yen from each night’s stay is donated to NPOs
supporting self-reliance among people in poverty across Asia, including Myanmar.
Staying at Pongyi helps create a better future for someone else.
We will continue to cherish this gentle circle of kindness.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Truly a sensational experience from the location to the cleanliness, the atmosphere, and the incredible host, Nina San. She genuinely goes above and beyond to ensure every individual’s stay is phenomenal. Cannot recommend a stay here highly enough and am already planning a trip back!
Posted on
David Tchung
2025-10-24
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I've been backpacking all over Japan and have even studied abroad in Japan, and i can say for certain that there is no guesthouse quite like Pongyi.
Niina was an extraordinary host and will go above and beyond to make sure you're settling in well at Kanazawa.
She introduced me and other fellow guests to many differents aspects of Japanese daily life and culture that i wasn't able to attain elsewhere.
The guesthouse has a rich history and very traditional, yet kept very clean throughout.
The atmosphere of the guesthouse is one that i will never forget - you'll get an authentic taste of family life experience in Japan. Each evening, Nina hosts a unique japanese cultural activity with fellow guests, and is a great way to not only connect with the rich Japanese culture but also with other guests so i highly recommend participating!
Do yourself a favour if you're still thinking, as i guarantee that you won't get this experience elsewhere. It's certainly one that I'll never forget :)
Posted on
Louise Taylor
2025-10-22
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
One of my favourite places I have ever stayed in (and I’ve stayed in over 100 hostels). Pongyi has such a beautiful story and the hosts are so unbelievably kind, generous and welcoming. The rooms and communal spaces are so cosy and feel like home. You can walk to everywhere in Kanazawa and it’s a short walk from the station. Various social activities were hosted whilst I was there such as origami, a cooking class and kangi writing which made the stay particularly special. The activities also make it a perfect place for solo travellers. We were given complimentary delicious tea every night. I really cannot recommend this place enough and would give more stars if I could. Thank you so much Pongyi, you created such wonderful memories for me in Japan!
Posted on
Giulia De Ricard
2025-10-20
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a wonderful stay at Pongyi!
From the moment we arrived, Nina welcomed us with incredible kindness and warmth. She took the time to explain the history of the place — and you can really feel that Pongyi is filled with soul and stories.
The guesthouse is spotlessly clean, comfortable, and very well located. Everything is thoughtfully organized, and you can tell how much care and love go into this place.
We also loved the convivial moments shared with Nina and the other travelers — it felt more like staying with friends than in a guesthouse. Her explanations, recommendations, and small attentions made our stay in Kanazawa truly special.
Thank you again, Nina, for your generosity and hospitality! We’ll keep this memory close to our hearts 💛
Posted on
Karan Shah
2025-10-19
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Lovely homely hostel in a very pretty location in Kanazawa. Nina, the manager is very helpful and gives a lot of personal attention to make every guest feel at home. The home made breakfast is a delight not to be missed.
Posted on
Millie
2025-10-19
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had the absolute best time staying at Guest House Pongyi! Nina is incredibly kind and welcoming, from the moment you arrive, you feel completely at home.
In the evening, Nina organises fun activities that bring guests together. She even taught us origami one night, which was such a sweet and memorable experience!
The rooms and bathrooms were spotless, and the beds were comfortable with privacy curtains and personal outlets. The location is also perfect, close to public transport, great restaurants, and the main sights.
Nina also has wonderful insights into Japanese culture and local life, making every conversation meaningful. I can honestly say this is the best hostel I’ve ever stayed at. I’d come back in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone looking for a warm, social, and unforgettable stay in Kanazawa! 💛
Posted on
Ella Rook
2025-10-13
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We had the most incredible stay here and could not recommend it enough. We are leaving after two nights and are just devastated - we wish we were staying longer! Nina (our host), could not have been more welcoming, and taught us lots about Japanese culture. We have left knowing that we will without a doubt be back to Pongyi!
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Adrien Humbert
2025-10-08
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Nous sommes restés 3 nuits à Pongyi, c’était super, un vrai coup de cœur !
La chambre pour 2 à l’étage est top et confortable, et que dire de Nina et Masaki qui sont des hôtes formidables.
Toujours aux petits soins, nous avons adorés les activités proposées ainsi que nos nombreuses discussions.
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Ale Reyes
2025-10-04
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lovely place in a renovated traditional Japanese house of 140 year old!!! Super friendly stuff and you feel really welcome!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Q&A
What should I bring when I stay at Pongyi ?
We will answer your questions and requests.
QWhat amenities and equipments do you have ?
Free
Shampoo, conditioner, body soap
Hair dryer
Wi-Fi
Rental (not included in the accommodation fee)
Towel (bath towel 100 yen / face towel 50 yen)
Yukata (pajamas) 200 yen
Washing machine (100 yen 1 time / soap 50 yen)
＊There is no clothes dryer. There is a coin -operated laundrette in about 5 minutes away on foot.
QDo you serve meals ?
Breakfast (hot sandwiches) is served for an extra charge (600 yen).
Dinner is not provided.
There are many restaurants nearby, including near Kanazawa Station, so please feel free to inquire at the front desk.
QDo you have any parking lots?
No, we don’t have our own parking lots. We are happy to show you the coin parkings near our guesthouse when you check in（the coin parkings near our guesthouse）
You cannot park a motorcycle.
If you are coming by motorcycle please use the motorcycle park near Kanazawa station.
自転車でお越しの方は、一台であれば当館の玄関前の橋の上をご利用いただけます。 （屋根はありません）
QDo you have a curfew?
No, we don’t have curfew. The main entrance is closed at 22:00, however, you can use the backdoor from 22:00 - 8:00 next day. (We will tell you the password of the backdoor when you check in.)
* Please quietly go in and go out at night so as not to disturb other sleeping guests.
QDo you have the lights-out time ?
Yes. ｗe turn off the lights of the common rooms at 11:00pm. Please don't talk on the cellphone after 11:00pm in the house and in the neighborhood. Since our wooden building is old, the house echoes much with sounds and our house is locatede near residential area. Please keep quiet after 10:00pm.
QCan I stay with children?
Yes, but please check the age below.
Dormitories (shared room): 12 years old (first grade in junior high school) or older can stay.
Japanese Style Room (private): 6 years old (first grade in elementary school) or older can stay.
QAre the rooms equipped with an air conditioner ?
Female dormitory (shared)
There is an air conditioner.
Mixed dormitory (shared)
This room is not equipped with an air conditioner, but it is heated and cooled by an air conditioner on the 2nd floor of same kura (storehouse) and another air conditioner right in front of the entrance of the room. (Each bed is equipped with a small electric fan in summer.)
Japanese style room (private)
There is an air conditioner.
QDo you have a bathtub in the shower room ?
No, there is no bathtub. We have only shared shower rooms. There is a shower room for only women near the female dormitory. For the guests staying at the mixed dormitory and the Japanese style room, there is one more shared shower room on the 1st floor. (Ladies can use the female only shower room as well.)
Check-in / Check-out times and cancellation policy are here.
Guesthouses are simpler than hotels and offer shared spaces where travelers stay together.
They are usually for sleeping only and mostly self-service.
Amenities are basic, but guests can enjoy meeting and connecting with others.
Recently, some guesthouses provide private rentals or self check-in systems.
There’s no strict difference between “guesthouse” and “hostel,”
but hostels are usually larger and more functional, while guesthouses are smaller and homier.
Be considerate in shared spaces
In guesthouses, guests share rooms, lounges, and wash areas.
So it’s important to be considerate and keep quiet.
Speak softly, stay clean, and make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Enjoy meeting people on your journey
In common areas, people of different countries and ages often start conversations.
A simple encounter can become a warm memory of your trip.
What hotels can’t offer — the human connection and little discoveries — that’s the charm of a guesthouse.
What is a “guesthouse”?
A casual and friendly way to travel
Guesthouses are simpler than hotels and offer shared spaces where travelers stay together.
They are usually for sleeping only and mostly self-service.
Amenities are basic, but guests can enjoy meeting and connecting with others.
Recently, some guesthouses provide private rentals or self check-in systems.
Read more
Recently, some guesthouses provide private rentals or self check-in systems.
There’s no strict difference between “guesthouse” and “hostel,”
but hostels are usually larger and more functional, while guesthouses are smaller and homier.
Be considerate in shared spaces
In guesthouses, guests share rooms, lounges, and wash areas.
So it’s important to be considerate and keep quiet.
Speak softly, stay clean, and make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Enjoy meeting people on your journey
In common areas, people of different countries and ages often start conversations.
A simple encounter can become a warm memory of your trip.
What hotels can’t offer — the human connection and little discoveries — that’s the charm of a guesthouse.
Kanazawa is not that big city. Main sightseeing spots (Kenrokuen garden, 21st century museum of contemporary art. Kanazawa, Higashi Chaya district, Nagamachi Samurai district and Omicho market) are in 30 minutes distance on foot from each other.
Pongyi is in a great location to visit all those places.
