Inside the world's oldest hotel in Japan

Marie-Claire Dorking
·Contributor
The hotel has been run since 705 AD and is the oldest hotel in the world [Photo: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan]
The hotel has been run since 705 AD and is the oldest hotel in the world [Photo: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan]

When you think of family heirlooms, you probably think of a piece of jewellery or an old painting, but one family can count the world’s oldest hotel as something that’s been passed down through 52 generations.

Welcome to Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, a resort in Japan that that has been running as a hotel since 705 AD, and is officially recognised by The Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world.

The scenery from one of the four outdoor baths is spectacular [Photo:
The scenery from one of the four outdoor baths is spectacular [Photo:

Founded by Fujiwara Mahito in the second year of the Keiun era, Fujiwara’s descendants have been running the unique hotel ever since.

Counting Mount Fuji and Jigokudani Monkey Park, as two of its closest attractions, the resort also boasts its own hot spring, which has been flowing around the complex since the very beginning.

Guests staying in the 35 room hotel can relax in one of the four open-air baths with the view of the surrounding mountains, or opt for one of the two serene indoor baths.

Aside from the baths, many of the facilities inside the hotel are run with the help of the hot springs, including the drinking water and a sauna.

Who wouldn’t want to swim here? [Photo: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan]
Who wouldn’t want to swim here? [Photo: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan]

Though the hotel was last renovated in 1997, with its simple Japanese style, it gives the illusion that little has changed from the early days of its opening.

There are tatami (traditional mat) flooring and kaiseki (multi-course tasting menus).

One night at the hotel, for two people including dinner and breakfast, starts from 34,720 Yen, or about £216.90.

This hotel maintains a traditional style [Photo: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan]
This hotel maintains a traditional style [Photo: Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan]

Guests are given traditional robes to wear on arrival and with no wifi guests can waft around the hotel in blissful calm, away from the pressures of modern technology.

Oh the irony, as its total Instagram dream.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK.

Read more from Yahoo Style UK:

Jessica Simpson berated by ‘parent police’ for letting injured son play in the pool with broken bone

‘The hotel that changed my life’: inside the Cape Winelands’ most extraordinary hotel

Mum who was shamed by a stranger in an airport hits back at her critics

Latest stories