Even if you've never been to Japan, chances are you've heard of "Pachinko" (パチンコ). With nearly a century of history, it's a common sight in Japanese dramas and manga, and a popular pastime for many locals.
Recently, a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) called "Hamadzuru" in Wakura Onsen, Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has gone viral. But it's not for its accommodations or cuisine; it's for a mysterious room hidden within the inn that isn't even mentioned on its official website: a "Free Pachinko Room"! This unexpected amenity has left many netizens stunned and eager to check it out.
The official X account for the Hamadzuru ryokan recently shared a series of photos. The images show rows of gleaming pachinko and slot machines, making it look like you've stumbled into an arcade. In reality, this is the inn's "Pachinko Room" located on the sixth floor.
It boasts a whopping 42 machines, all fully operational, and here's the kicker: they're completely free for guests to play! While some inns might have a small game corner or claw machines, a dedicated pachinko hall of this scale is incredibly rare. The lineup includes everything from nostalgic retro machines to popular anime collaboration models, ensuring both seasoned players and newcomers can find a machine to enjoy.
After the photos dropped, comments flooded in: "I seriously want to stay there," "So many old machines still working, I really want to check in and play XD," and "I could spin all day and never leave the room."
According to the owner, the pachinko room was originally on the first floor of the inn. Back then, it was just a small space for "guests to have some fun," converted from a lounge for group tours, featuring only six machines from his younger days.
However, the inn's first floor was severely damaged during the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, rendering the entire room unusable. It took nearly a year and a half for the inn to be repaired and reopen. During the renovation, the owner had an idea: transform the rarely used observation space on the sixth floor into the new and improved "Pachinko Room."
From the initial 6 machines, the collection gradually grew to the current 42. The owner even serendipitously connected with a gaming machine company, receiving assistance and donated machines. The scale is now impressive, rivaling even small pachinko parlors. The owner chuckled, "Honestly, we could probably squeeze in a few more, but this feels just right." And because people often offer to donate machines, the lineup is constantly updated, and maintenance is never an issue.
Despite being such a hot topic, this incredible facility is nowhere to be found on the official website, and even at check-in, the front desk staff won't proactively mention it. The owner explained, "This way, both types of guests can enjoy themselves." Since most guests don't actually play pachinko, he opted for a "those who know, know" approach.
The pachinko room typically sees 1 to 2 people, sometimes up to 10, and occasionally even YouTubers come to film. Operating hours are generally from 7 AM to 10 PM, but with a special request, guests can even play through the night.
Beyond the pachinko room, Hamadzuru also offers an "all-inclusive service." Once you've checked in, you can enjoy unlimited beer, drinks, and snacks. And, of course, there are the famous local hot springs to soak in, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. So, if you're planning a trip to Ishikawa Prefecture and want to experience some pachinko fun, Hamadzuru might just be your next destination!
via： 石川縣旅館「はまづる」官方 X