September 2, 2024, 4:01 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
The “Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan” in Hayakawa, Japan, holds an almost unbelievable world record as the oldest hotel in the world – it already existed in the 8th century. Of course, so much tradition also comes at a high price.
The quaint village of Hayakawa, nestled near Japan’s bustling capital of Tokyo, is home to merely 1200 residents – yet it boasts a world record. There is a hotel in the village that is 1300 years old. The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has made it into the “Guinness Book of Records” as the longest-existing inn in the world. Yet, perhaps even more astonishing is the fact that the same family has operated this historic establishment since its inception.
It is now the 52nd generation to manage the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, as the website “News.com.au” reports. According to the site, it was founded in 705 AD by Fujiwara Mahito. After that, heirs of subsequent generations have continued to run the business to this day. This success is reflected in the prestige of a stay. A single night in this venerable establishment begins at 381 dollars (361 euros).
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Bathing luxury in hot springs
The hotel offers 37 rooms; some invite guests to indulge by featuring outdoor baths. A highlight of the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a total of four hot mineral-rich springs where visitors can bathe. It is, therefore, not surprising that the hotel has already hosted many illustrious guests. The hotel website states: “The Keiunkan continues to stand for Japanese hospitality to this day.”
The rooms strike a harmonious balance between modern amenities and classic Japanese furnishings. Guests are treated to spectacular views of the surrounding natural beauty, further enhancing the serene experience. The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is also located in the same prefecture as Mount Fuji, the highest mountain and one of Japan’s landmarks. The hotel website also promotes excursions to the iconic Mount Fuji, a mere two and a half hours’ drive away.
Notably, Japan is also home to the second oldest hotel in the world, the Hoshi Ryokan, which is a mere 13 years junior to the Keiunkan. Third place goes to the German inn Zum Roten Bären in Freiburg, which, according to the hotel website, was “only” first mentioned in a document in 1378.