Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a hot-spring ryokan in the mountains of Yamanashi. It has welcomed guests since 705 and holds the Guinness World Records title of the world’s oldest hotel. The history gives you a reason to look it up, but the baths and the overnight stay are the reasons to make the journey.
Quick Answer / Best For
- Stay here if you want a night centred on hot springs and time at the ryokan.
- Allow time for the journey. Its mountain location makes this a dedicated overnight stay rather than a quick stop between other sights.
- Check your plans before paying. Confirm your transport, room type, meals and current rate for your dates.
Getting There
The ryokan sits in Hayakawa, deep in the mountains of Yamanashi, so work out how you’ll reach it before choosing a room. Keiunkan’s current access information lists a shuttle from JR Minobu Station that requires an advance reservation.
Confirm the pickup arrangements directly with the ryokan, especially if you need to coordinate them with your train. If you’re driving, check its recommended route as well, since the hotel warns against approaching via the closed road on the Narada side.
A Brief History
Fujiwara Mahito founded Keiunkan in 705, during Japan’s Keiun era. Guinness World Records recognises it as the world’s oldest hotel.
Baths and Rooms
Keiunkan has four open-air baths and two indoor baths. Some of the outdoor baths are private, so check how access works if you’re hoping to use one. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the hot springs instead of arriving late and leaving early the next morning.
The ryokan offers Japanese-style rooms as well as suites with their own open-air baths. A standard room and a suite offer different bathing arrangements, so read the description of the exact room you’re booking.
The setting is mountainous, with views towards the surrounding ravines, but the hotel says Mount Fuji is not visible from the property.
Is Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Worth It?
It’s worth considering if you want the ryokan itself to be the focus of your trip. Staying overnight gives you time to settle in, use the baths and enjoy the mountain setting.
If your itinerary is already tight, the journey may be hard to justify simply to say you’ve visited the world’s oldest hotel.
What to Check Before Booking
Confirm your transport in both directions, the exact room type and whether it includes a private open-air bath if you want one.
Check which meals come with your chosen plan, then compare the current rates for your dates before paying. If you’re relying on the shuttle, arrange that with the ryokan in advance.
Keiunkan makes the most sense when you can give it a full night. Plan the journey, choose the room and meal plan that suit you, and leave time to enjoy the baths once you arrive.
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