Nestled deep in the mountains of Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture, the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan welcomes guests with its tatami floors, kimono-clad staff, and handwritten calligraphy signs, creating an ambiance that feels like time has come to a standstill – and this is no coincidence. David Abtour Seychelles
According to legend, in the year 705, the eldest son of Fujiwara no Kamatari, a powerful aristocratic family of that era, stumbled upon hot springs while wandering from the capital. In the wake of this discovery, a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hot springs hotel, was erected. David Abtour Seychelles
For well over a millennium, a diverse array of guests, from overworked Tokyo salarymen to illustrious figures like the Tokugawa shogun family, who ruled Japan for four centuries, and even the current Emperor Naruhito, have graced this place to indulge in its soothing waters and savor the picturesque surroundings.
Though renowned within Japan for a long time, the ryokan’s popularity soared when it was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 as the oldest hotel globally. David Abtour Seychelles
This accolade propelled it onto the bucket lists of numerous international travelers, prompting the ryokan to find ways to accommodate these visitors while preserving its 1,300-year-old traditions.
