The World's Oldest Hotel Has Been in the Same Family for 52 Generations
The hotel industry goes back way further than you might think. Sure, there are classic properties in historic cities such as Paris and Rome, but there's an inn in Japan that has those places beat by centuries.
The world’s oldest hotel, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, has been in business for over 1000 years. It’s been run by 52 generations of the same family! Here’s what it looks like today: https://t.co/rEtrEXRQNE
Which historic hotels are near you? #Japan #history pic.twitter.com/j92WJs38IK— Japan Embassy Canada (@JapaninCanada) July 15, 2018
Courtesy of JNTO
The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, a Japanese resort not far from Mount Fuji, has been in business since 705 A.D. The hotel has been passed down within the same family for 52 generations. Guinness World Records has officially recognized it as the oldest continuously running hotel in the world.
In 705 AD, Fujiwara Mahito founded the inn and his family have been experts in the hospitality industry ever since. Although the inn has undergone quite a bit of modernization and upkeep over the years, the main attractions, namely the soothing hot springs and gorgeous views, have remained the center of its appeal.
The world's oldest continuously running business is a hot springs hotel in Japan that's run since 705 A.D. pic.twitter.com/R1n0nYAfyO
— Mamas Uncut (@MamasUncutQA) July 13, 2018
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan #inn since 705 AD the oldest #hotel in the world 🏨 recognized by #GuinnessWorldRecord 🏅Fujiwara Mahito founded in 2nd year of Keiun era 🇯🇵 52 gens of his descendants caring for it ever since. 37 rooms at $470 per night. pic.twitter.com/tzStYgblvx
— Effendy D. Wirawan (@EffendyDW) June 22, 2018
Courtesy of JNTO
Courtesy of JNTO
Many people, from historical samurai to A-list celebrities and politicians, have come to the inn for its history and healing waters. Keiunkan's famous bath, Mochitani no Yu, has water fed directly from the hot springs. Guests are invited to drink directly from the springs as well.
Courtesy of JNTO
Courtesy of JNTO
The hotel itself has 37 rooms, all decorated in the traditional Japanese style. Prices begin at $408 per night. For more information on booking a trip, visit the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan website.
