In the misty mountains of Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, nestled within the small town of Hayakawa, stands a living testament to hospitality that has withstood the test of time. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, officially recognized as the world’s oldest hotel, has been welcoming weary travelers through its doors for more than 1300 years.
Founded in 705 CE during the Keiun era by Fujiwara Mahito, the hotel has remained in operation continuously ever since, passed down through 52 generations of the same family. This remarkable longevity earned Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan the Guinness World Record for being the oldest hotel in the world, as well as the oldest continuously operating business establishment.
What makes this ancient inn even more extraordinary is that it hasn’t merely survived through the centuries—it has thrived by honoring tradition while gracefully adapting to changing times. The secret to its enduring success lies partly in its location atop natural hot springs, whose therapeutic waters have drawn visitors for healing and relaxation since the 8th century.
The hotel’s four hot spring baths are fed by the same pristine waters that have flowed from deep within the Earth for millennia. Each day, approximately 1,000 liters of hot water bubble up from the ground at a temperature of 52 degrees Celsius (126 degrees Fahrenheit), carrying minerals believed to relieve various ailments including muscle pain, skin conditions, and fatigue.
Throughout its incredible history, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has hosted numerous distinguished guests, including samurai warriors, feudal lords, and even several Japanese emperors. The legendary shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan in the early 17th century, was known to frequent the establishment, valuing both its restorative waters and its discrete, secluded setting.
While modern amenities have been thoughtfully integrated over time, the essence of traditional Japanese hospitality—or omotenashi—remains at the heart of the experience. Guests still sleep on futons laid atop tatami mat floors, dine on exquisite kaiseki multi-course meals using local seasonal ingredients, and bathe in the communal onsen according to age-old customs.
The architecture of the hotel reflects its evolution through different Japanese historical periods, with elements from various eras harmoniously coexisting. Some wooden beams date back hundreds of years, while certain design features showcase the aesthetic principles of different dynasties. Despite numerous renovations over the centuries, including a major update in 1997, the hotel has maintained its historical integrity and cultural significance.
What truly sets this ancient establishment apart is not just its impressive age but the unbroken chain of stewardship and care. Each generation of innkeepers has viewed themselves not as owners but as temporary caretakers of a living heritage, responsible for preserving traditions while ensuring the hotel’s continued relevance for future generations.
This philosophy of balance between preservation and adaptation has allowed Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan to survive through wars, natural disasters, plagues, and the dramatic social changes that have transformed Japan from a feudal society to a modern technological powerhouse.
In an age of rapid change and disposable experiences, the world’s oldest hotel stands as a reminder of the timeless value of hospitality, consistency, and respect for tradition. While luxury hotel chains may come and go, this humble yet dignified establishment continues to offer what it has for over thirteen centuries—a place of restoration, reflection, and connection to something far greater than ourselves.
For travelers fortunate enough to visit, staying at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is more than just checking into a hotel—it’s stepping into a living museum where the past and present coexist, and where the simple act of hospitality has been elevated to an art form that has endured for more than 1300 remarkable years.
