Why Keiunkan (The Oldest Hotel In The World) Is Basically Time Travel

Tucked into the shadowy Akaishi Mountains, Keiunkan has been pouring mineral-rich hot spring water since—wait for it—705 AD. That’s over 1,300 years of uninterrupted bubbles! Imagine medieval samurai plotting battle strategy mid-soak or aristocrats penciling in a “me-time” retreat centuries ago. Today, you get the same healing waters and mountain serenity that drew guests from every era.

🔥 Fascinating Stories & Historical Guests

This place isn’t just old—it’s practically a celebrity hotspot of yesteryear:

Samurai & Shoguns: Word has it Takeda Shingen (the ultimate warlord strategist) and Tokugawa Ieyasu (the guy who kicked off the Tokugawa shogunate) both dipped into these pools to recharge their warhorse legs.
Imperial Vibes: Even Emperor Naruhito has made the journey here, trading palace pomp for riverside calm. No paparazzi, just pure zen.
Surviving the Elements: Fires in 1909 & 1916, a rockslide in 1925, a monster typhoon in 1982—Keiunkan shrugged off each disaster, moving its main hall three times yet never losing its soul. Talk about resilience!

That secluded mountain hideaway? Totally saved the day, keeping the inn tucked away from too much outside drama.

👪 The Family Legacy

For 52 straight generations, a branch of the founding Fujiwara family (plus a few adopted heirs, thanks to the Japanese mukoyoshi tradition) kept Keiunkan’s torch burning bright. They handed down not just the building, but the art of omotenashi—that heartfelt, anticipatory hospitality Japan is famous for.

Fast forward to 2017: no one in the bloodline was up for running the place, so long-time GM Kenjiro Kawano stepped in. He isn’t a Fujiwara by birth, so they incorporated as Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Ltd., but rest assured—the family spirit and top-notch service never skipped a beat.

🛌 Staying Like a Local: Ryokan 101

Keiunkan’s 37 rooms are pure classic Japan:

Tatami & Futon: Rollin’ out your futon on tatami floors is half the fun.
Shoji Screens & Moon Terraces: Paper walls that glow at sunset, plus private terraces perfect for a full-moon selfie.
Private In-Room Onsen: Yep, each room has its own hot spring tap. Pro tip: reserve your outdoor bath ASAP at check-in!

🌊 Wellness on Tap: The Hot Spring Experience

Six baths in total: four open-air with mountain panoramas, two indoors for cooler nights. All crafted from ancient cypress and natural stone. The verdict? Skin that feels baby-soft and stress that slides right off.

Healing Powers: Mineral magic at its finest.
Nude Only: Japanese onsen etiquette is strict—clean up in the wash area, then slip in au naturel.
Private Slots: Book a 40–60 minute rotenburo session for two (or four, if you’re feeling social).

🍣 Food, Fun & Cultural Pit Stops

Kaiseki Dinners: Multi-course feasts starring local Koshu beef, seasonal veggies, and artful plating that’ll make your “foodie” friends jealous.
Japanese Breakfast: Miso soup, grilled fish, rice, pickles—fuel for forest hikes!
Workshops: Try your hand at ikebana flower arranging or kanji calligraphy—hello, new hobby.
Nature Walks: Stroll along the riverbank or meander through forest trails; the soundtrack of birdsong and rushing water is unbeatable.

🚗 Getting There & Booking Tips

Book Early: 37 rooms = high demand. Peak cherry blossom (late March–early April) and fall foliage (mid-October) slots vanish fast.
By Car: 2.5–3 hours from Tokyo, plus free valet.
By Train: JR Shinjuku → Kofu (Limited Express) → Minobu Line to Minobu Station → free shuttle at 1:40 PM (reserve ahead).
By Bus: Direct from JR Shizuoka if you’re coming from Nagoya or beyond.
Check-In/Out: 3 PM in, 10 AM out.

Time for some Time Traveling?

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan isn’t just a place to crash—it’s a living legend. Whether you’re soaking under a moonlit sky, savoring kaiseki art, or tracing the footsteps of samurai, you’re diving headfirst into 1,300 years of history. Pack your sense of wonder—history class just got steamy!

See you in the springs! 🛀✨