Japan is full of places with long histories and well-preserved traditions that have withstood the test of time. Through careful preservation, many still retain their old-fashioned atmospheres that modern structures do not have. This is a unique part of Japan, which values its history and traditions. And today's plan will introduce one highly-recommended spot you won't want to skip during your next visit to Japan!
Here, we'll check out Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, a traditional inn in Yamanashi Prefecture that the Guinness World Records have recognized as the oldest hotel in the world!
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan: The world's oldest hotel
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is located in the mountains of Hayakawa-cho in western Yamanashi Prefecture in the Chubu Region. It's about three and a half hours from Tokyo by car. Incidentally, Hayakawa-cho is also the town with the smallest population in Japan.
Its history is astonishing. The springs were discovered in 705, over 1,300 years ago! Since then, the water has gushed forth without pause, to this very day.
Keiunkan was established in 705, and in 2011, was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the inn with the oldest hotel in the world. As a result, tourists flocked in from all over pre-covid, despite the inn's out-of-the-way location.
Straight from the source! Authentic onsen with 6 different baths
The appeal of Keiunkan is its historical, natural hot springs. There are five hot spring sources, which gush nearly 1,630 liters of hot water per minute. These springs also offer several health benefits, including alleviating gastrointestinal disease, muscle pains, and constipation, as well as providing beautifying effects for the skin!
What "from the source" means is that the water is taken from the springs and used as-is, without diluting it or artificially altering the temperature. This one spring provides all the water in its natural, unaltered state to not only the hot springs (in the large public bath) but also the guest room baths, showers, and general hot water supply.
There are six types of hot springs, each with a different vibe. The open-air bath, cypress bath, and stone baths each boast a fantastic scenic view of the mountains surrounding the inn. The hot springs' bathing times differ for men and women, so pay attention to that as you make plans. For a soak to your heart's content, Keiunkan is the place to visit!
Authentic Japanese inn & guest rooms
The current building was built in 1983. (The previous building was washed away by the river three times in the past.) However, all guest rooms retain traditional Japanese…
