Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

Wonderful experience, completely fulfilling

El mejor hotel que fui en mi vida y eso que fui a muchos, cuarto súper espacioso, muchas piletas de aguas termales para relajar y vistas increíbles desde el cuarto y el complejo en el medio de la montaña

an authentic and unique Japan experience! We came two years ago and this time brought our Japanese-based son and daughter with us to stay for two wonderful days.

By far the most serene and peaceful experience of my life. I can’t overstate how accommodating the staff is. Our room was upgraded and we had a corner suite of 3 large rooms overlooking the mountains and the river. I was astonished how luxurious the rooms and food are. Each night we had an 8 course meal, each morning a huge breakfast. Honestly, it was too much food - that’s the only complaint I have! I felt terrible wasting even a bite of the exquisite, carefully prepared gourmet food. I will be back to recharge and unwind in the hot springs. This was the highlight of our first 2 week vacation in Japan. I can’t get over how heavenly the property is. And it’s immaculately maintained. Such careful attention from the staff. What a gem. I feel so lucky to have experienced this magical place.

Amazing hospitality. Food was incredible, and the onsens were awesome.

Thanks a lot for your kindness and hospitality.

Clean room, staff were very nice, spa clean, family friendly.Variety of food. Menu changes every day.

Absolutely stunning property! Might as well be out of a movie or painting. The staff was incredibly hospitable and an impressive number spoke English. We had no trouble reserving a beautiful private onsen for our desired time. Dinner and breakfast are expansive and potentially adventurous for those not accustomed to more traditional Japanese food. Possibly the best place in the world to come meditate and relax.

Such a unique experience, you truly unplug while you’re here.

We loved our stay here. Historic, incredibly beautiful location. Staff really make every one feel so welcome. Personal greetings and incredible attention to every detail.

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continually operating hotel in the world, and second longest running business, losing out (just barely) to a Japanese construction company. How old, you ask? 1,320 years. No, that's not a typo. For 1320 years, this traditional ryokan has been operating since its founding in the year 705. During those thirteen centuries(!), Keiunkan has hosted the likes of emperors, shoguns, daimyos, and all manner of Japanese noblepersons; from the highest to the lowest, the divine to the mundane, all the way down to a lowly ashigaru, such as myself, and my family, who had the privilege of staying here this week. Situated in the stunning Hayakawa valley, this storied, four-storey hot spring retreat boasts multiple public and private, indoor and outdoor baths, on the first and fourth floors; the full ryokan experience (tatami mats, traditional futon for sleeping on the floor); traditional kaiseki dining with a la carte options; and an unrivaled aesthetic - misty mountains, lush forests, and a rushing river, all viewable from your large private suite which, in our case, included three rooms, in addition to the private restroom and ofuro. The baths themselves are gorgeous and well-maintained. Some baths are public and gender-segregated, and flip their schedules for which gender is allowed to use them at which time, in twelve hour increments (i.e. one bath will allow men from 8am-8pm, and women from 8pm-8am).

The shuttle ride up to the onsen is a treat in itself - beautiful views of Japans incredible landscapes. The staff are incredible. The welcoming experience was the best we’ve encountered. We enjoyed a private onsen and were awed by the beauty and peacefulness of it. The food was so fresh, exquisite and filling! The attention to detail from prepartion to serving of meals is unmatched. We really appreciated the patience of the staff to help us understand how some items are to be eaten. The hotel itself is older and could use some updates. However, it is a gem and we hope to come back on our next trip to Japan.

I had the incredible chance to stay at the world’s oldest hotel, and it genuinely lived up to its legend. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was stepping into a different era — not in a museum-like way, but in a quiet, living continuation of tradition. The surroundings are stunning: mountains, rivers, pure silence. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and just be. The hot springs were a highlight — natural, healing, and beautifully maintained. I left feeling physically and mentally reset. Meals were exceptional — local, seasonal, prepared with real care and balance. You can tell this isn’t just hospitality, it’s heritage passed down through generations. The staff were some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. Discreet but always there when needed, with a level of attention that feels almost forgotten in today’s world. It’s more than a hotel — it’s an experience of Japanese culture, stillness, and deep respect for nature. I honestly hope my descendants can visit this place another 1,300 years from now. It’s worth preserving forever.

My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this ryokan. The food, service, and the onsens were fantastic. I will gladly come back in the future. A special shout-out to Thuy, who took care of us during our meals!

This is a once in a lifetime experience. Beautiful hotel built in the mountains above free flowing river. It was like taking a step back and getting a glimpse of Japan past. Highly recommend

Atmosphere, beauty, the service were top notch

Oldest hotel in the World

Far in the mountains, but nice.

A very enjoyable experience as the oldest hotel in the world. The food is a bit intense for foreigners, but excellently presented and flavorful nonetheless. Extremely professional staff. The room has beautiful scenery of the river and a cozy interior space.

Absolutely beautiful property, a timeless set up with an amazing view. The food provided was also phenomenal and very generous amounts