Operating for over 1000 years and run by 52 generations, is the World's oldest hotel in Japan. Founded in 705 AD, the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan spa hotel has earned an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. As per the latest reports, the hotel has been entertaining and welcoming guests for almost 1300 years now.
Origin of the hotel
The hotel or the inn was founded about 1313 years ago by Fujiwara Mahito. He and his family had considerable expertise in the hospitality industry. Since then generations of his family have been maintaining and renovating the hotel till today.
Several modernisations and renovation work have been undertaken by the family. But they have retained the grandeur and the traditional Japanese architectural design. The decor still follows the art and cultural elements of Japan, visible in all the rooms of the hotel. The major changes took place in the year 1997 when the hotel underwent several refurbishments. The calm and the peaceful ambiance of the hotel is still same as it was in the old ages.
Unique features of the hotel
The hotel is situated at the foothills of the Akaishi Mountains, popularly known as the Alps of southern Japan; about 140 km away from Mount Fuji. The local Hakuho Springs supplies all the hot water to the hotel, since its inception 1316 years ago.
Due to its close proximity to hot springs, the hotel is known as onsen. Onsen means a hotel or a guest house built near the hot springs. There are public hot baths for the guests in shared areas as well as hot baths in each of the guest rooms. You can get rid of your aches and pains by dipping into the hot water baths amid the magnificent view of nature. Even you can drink water directly from the springs.
Facilities provided at the hotel
The inn has 37 rooms with mountain, river or valley views. All the rooms are equipped with modern amenities for a luxurious and comfortable stay.
It has four open-air baths - Boukei Springs, Hakuho Springs, Hikou Springs and Sekifu Springs. There are two indoor baths - Kawane and Seoto. Besides the inn has a terrace where you can sit, relax and watch the Yukawa and Hayakawa ravines. You can also see the mountains of Kai from the terrace or the rooms.
Most of the rooms at the inn are spacious decorated in traditional Japanese style of decorations and with a twelve-tatami mat area. There are suites and standard rooms with all the luxury and elegance.
For food, you need to check out the "Mountain Kaiseki Banquet". The banquet serves mouth-watering dishes prepared by expert chefs. Do not miss out on the seasonal ingredients at the banquet.
How to book the hotel?
Visit the hotel website for booking a room. Check out the reservations sections for room availability. Tariff starts from USD 470 per night.
Hot water or hot spring has several health benefits. It aids in relieving hemorrhoid, muscle pain, stress, digestive ailments, frozen shoulders, articular pain and many more. Due to its healing properties and rich history, the inn with the hot springs have been attracting many celebrities and distinguished people for years.
In your next visit to Japan, you must surely not miss out visiting the inn and dipping into the hot springs.
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