More than 1,000 years is no small feat for any architectural structure, considering the impacts of many factors such as time, weather conditions, erosion, and physical wear. Therefore, any structure that has survived for so long deserves to be recognized as a historical site. In Japan, there is an ancient hotel that has withstood countless seasons of rain and shine, becoming a destination that every traveler wishes to visit at least once.
This is the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. The hotel was inaugurated in the year 705 (AD).
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Hotel
In 2011, it was recognized as the oldest hotel in the world by the Guinness World Records. By 2002, the hotel was already 1,317 years old, still beautiful, elegant, and unforgettable…
The Oldest Hotel in the World with Remarkable Features
This hotel was established in 705 AD, which is 300 years before the Vikings arrived in America and 225 years before the Kingdom of England was officially founded.
This hotel has been owned and operated by 52 consecutive generations of the same family.
Having welcomed guests for over a millennium and experienced many changes, one remarkable aspect is that Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has been owned and operated by 52 consecutive generations of the same family. Specifically, according to records, the hotel was founded by Fujiwara Mahito, the son of an ancient Japanese emperor. Since then, it has remained in the possession of 52 generations of his descendants.
This hotel features a total of 35 rooms and has hosted a wide range of guests, from emperors to samurais and military commanders. Notably, during times of war, many soldiers visited due to the beneficial effects of the hot springs on sore muscles.
An Attractive Stopover
Today, despite its remote geographical location, this hotel continues to attract a large number of tourists seeking to experience authentic hot springs. From here, visitors can explore Mount Fuji and Jigokudani Monkey Park, two popular tourist destinations located about 2.5 and nearly 4 hours’ drive away, respectively.
In fact, in 2015, Modern Notion reported that the hotel owner had drilled a well 888 meters deep to transform it into a hot spring resort with the highest volume of water produced per minute.
There are four outdoor baths with views of the surrounding mountains, as well as two indoor baths for those who prefer privacy. The water source is drawn from the nearby Hakuho mineral spring.
According to RocketNews24, in addition to the hot baths, many amenities within the hotel are operated with the help of hot spring water, including drinking water and dry sauna facilities.
The hotel has been modernized gradually, yet it retains its charming and colorful character through generations.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan was last renovated in 1997. However, in reality, there have been very few changes to its traditional features. Inside the rooms, the floors are covered with tatami (traditional Japanese mats), and the furniture is styled in a classical manner.
Guests are served kaiseki (multi-course meals). The hotel’s kitchen is always ready to serve the unique Miyama Kaiseki meal, seafood from Sanga, and some of the finest Koshu beef in the world.
The hotel’s kitchen is always ready to serve the unique Miyama Kaiseki meal.
Guests are provided with traditional robes to wear and must remove their shoes before entering the hotel. And one thing is for sure… there is no Wi-Fi. This allows you to enjoy the view, experience a completely new sensation, and escape the hustle and bustle.
A night at the hotel for two people, including dinner and breakfast, costs about 34,720 yen (equivalent to nearly 6 million VND).
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