Some people in life like to follow in their parent’s footsteps and run the family business. That was the case for Fujiwara Mahito and his family back in 705 AD. Yeah it’s been awhile since it was opened but the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has been open for the past 1,300 years and has been passed down through 52 generations.
The Americas and England hadn’t even been found yet when Mahito opened the hotel. In fact it was during the second year of the Keuin era and that’s where the name “Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan” comes from.
Due to being so old, The Guiness Book Of World Records has deemed it the oldest hotel in the world. Who’s second you ask? Surprisingly, it’s only a six hour drive away in Japan and was opened a mere 13 years later.
The attractions nearby are Mount Fuji and Jigokudani Monkey Park which are both more than a two hour drive away.
The hotel has 35 rooms and has had guesting ranging from politicians to even samurai. Since it is close to springs, it’s been said that during war people liked to stay there because the spring water aided healing muscles.
Experts say the key to it staying open for so long has been their hospitality. All the reviews on Trip Advisor are Excellent or Very Good.
One guest said that, “Staff was extremely attentive and gave me a birthday gift and also delivered a cake to my room later. [We were] truly pampered.”
Reservations start around $439, or 52,000 yen, a night. Take a look at the rest of the photos and book your plane reservations to Japan fast!
