Not many hotels can boast a 1,300-year-long history but according to the Guinness World Records, that is exactly what Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan can do. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a hot spring hotel in Japan founded in 705 AD by Fujiwara Mahito and has literally been hosting guests coming to bathe in its soothing waters for thousands of years.
It is believed to be the oldest hotel and maybe even the oldest independent company still operating in the world. For those in America, the oldest tavern is the White Horse in America was established in 1673 in Rhode.
History of The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
The onsen was created by Fujiwara Mahito. He was the son of an aide of the 38th Emperor of Japan, Emperor Tenji.
- Onsen: Are Japan's Hot Springs and The Bathing Facilities and Traditional Inns Around Them
- Founded: 705 AD
- Age: 1300 Years Old
705 AD is a really long time ago! In Japan, it was the Keiun era. While Europe was in the depth of the so-called Dark Ages. Few of the modern states of Europe existed. Spain was ruled by the Visigoths, the Age of the Vikings had not started, and Islam had only just begun to spread around the Mediterranean and beyond. The Crusades were still 300 years away.
Since being founded 1,300 years ago the hot spring for which the inn has been built has continued to flow freely and has been loved by townsfolk, military commanders, other peoples alike. Given how long it is has lasted, to say the inn and the hot water springs have been widely popular in Japan would be to state the patently obvious.
- Generations: 52 Family Generations
Tip: Don't Forget To Check Out the Iconic Jigokudani Monkey Park With the Monkey Bathing In Hot Springs In The Winter
The inn has sourced all of its hot water directly from the local Hakuha Springs has been continuously operated by 52 generations of the same family (together with their adopted heirs) for a mind-warping 1300 years.
About The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan
It enjoys a secluded place deep in the mountains of the Kai region at the foot of the Akaishi Mountains. From the inn, one can see the iconic and sacred UNESCO listed Mt Fuji.
- Fun Fact: In The Tom Cruise Movie The Last Samurai, The Mountain Seen Is Mt Taranaki Of New Zealand And Not Mt Fuji
In 1997 the inn underwent a major renovation but worked to preserve the traditional architectural style of the original onsen. And later private and free-flowing hot spring baths were added to every room.
- Number of Rooms: 37 Rooms
The inn has a total of 37 rooms, kaiseki (kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) restaurant, and a moon-viewing platform. The hotel was finally caught up with modern times and by 2019 WiFi had been installed throughout the rooms.
The staff at the inn wear a traditional nibu-shiki (two-piece) kimono (the Japanese garment and traditional dress of Japan).
- Baths: Four Open-Air Baths, Two Indoor Baths
Keiunkan has four open-air baths and two indoor baths for a total of six baths. The thermal waters contain properties of calcium nitrate, sodium, and chloride (low alkaline properties).
While there try out their limited banquet "Mountain Kaiseki Banquet". It boasts the highest quality of ingredients in season. In Japanese style, warm dishes will be served warm while cold dishes are served cold one by one.
Rooms At The Onsen
Most guest rooms enjoy a spacious twelve-tatami mat area with cozy traditional Japanese decorations. Don't expect a reclining Lazy-Boy chair though as the furnishings are of traditional Japanese tests and the designs are calming. An example of one of their room packages is:
- Room Capacity: 2-7 Guests
- View: Mountain View, River View, Gorge, and Valley View
- Facilities: Bath, Toilet, TV, Safe, Air Conditioning
- Amenities: Toothbrush, Towel, Bath Towel, Hair-Dryer, Yukata
- Price: From 52,000 Yen or $455
When visiting Japan, plan to spend some time in Kyoto - the city just next to Tokyo that boasts some of Japan's best and most iconic architecture.
Nearby Attractions
There are some of Japan's most iconic attractions nearby. Some of them are:
The World Heritage Listed Mt. Fuji: It has been the source of innumerable Japanese artwork and is an icon of Japan. The volcano is surrounded by shrines, caves, lakes, and marshes, and various sights of Japanese historical significance.
- Distance: 2 And a Half Hours By Car
Zenko-ji Temple: This is one of the most significant Japanese temples. It has a massive worship hall built in the unique shumoku-zukuri style in front of the main temple. It is considered a national treasure and is the largest scale of middle Edo period Buddhist architecture in this region of Japan.
- Distance: 3 And a Half Hours By Car