Are you looking to travel and wondering where to head next?
Maybe this blog will give you an idea.
Nestled within the foothills of the Akaishi Mountains in Japan sits the oldest hotel in the world.
Photo Courtesy of Uniq Hotels
This hotel is a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, that, although upgraded and modernized, has offered the same excellent comfort and service since the day it opened in 705 AD.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has been owned by the same family for 52 generations. It wasn’t until the 53rd generation that no family was left to inherit the hotel, forcing it to change hands.
Even the Guinness World Records has acknowledged the incredible history of this hotel and named it the oldest continuously running hotel in the world.
So, what keeps this ryokan running?
Well for a starter it is at the foothills of a mountain range home to the famous Mount Fuji.
Not only that, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is home to multiple hot spring baths! These hot spring baths have their source directly from the local Hakuho Springs.
Photo Courtesy of Uniq Hotels
With 4 outdoor hot spring baths and 2 indoor baths, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is the ultimate resort for travelers looking to relax and find the natural relief that only hot springs can offer.
Two of the outdoor baths are private baths. This allows you to reserve them to soak privately with your family or travel companions.
Photo Courtesy of Uniq Hotels
Every piece of the design is a nod to the nature around it and traditional Japanese design. The ryokan interiors feature traditional tatami flooring, local stone, baths made of wood, and local plants for decoration.
Each room can host up to 7 people, making this the perfect destination for families.
Although, like most ryokans within Japan, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has had to adapt to the modern day, they keep multiple old traditions alive, to ensure the beautiful history of the inn is honored and upheld.
A few of those traditions are the removal of your shoes as you enter and having futons on the floor as beds. However, they have had their futons custom-made to make sure all guests are comfortable.
Photo Courtesy of Uniq Hotels
Each room features 2 seating areas and 1 living space. Featured in the living space are traditional dining furniture, chabudai, and zaisu, which are the tables and chairs used while sitting on the floor. However, you are taken down to a dining area for dinner, and once you come back to your room the living space will be transformed with futons, for your sleeping area.
This stunning resort is a picture of modern amenities enhancing the beautiful traditions. Giving you a glimpse into the rich Japanese culture, while relaxing in its pure spring water.
Learn more about the hotel here - https://www.keiunkan.co.jp/en/.
References
Keiunkan. (n.d.). With 1300 years of history the world's longest-standing hot spring inn. Retrieved from Keiunkan:
Maruyama, M. (2023, June 8). What it's like to stay at the world's oldest hotel. Retrieved from CNN Travel:
Romano, A. (2022, May 25). The World's Oldest Hotel Has Been in the Same Family for 52 Generations. Retrieved from Travel + Leisure:
Uniq Hotels. (n.d.). Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan. Retrieved from Uniq Hotels: https://www.uniqhotels.com/nishiyama-onsen-keiunkan
Varga, C. (2023, June 22). Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Review - The Oldest Hotel in the World. Retrieved from You Could Travel: