Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (西山温泉 慶雲館), based in Hayakawa-cho, Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県早川町), is recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest continually-operating hotel/inn. It was established in 705 A.D., and has been run by the same family for over 52 generations! While it’s a historic property, it’s actually far more contemporary in both its architecture, decor and furnishings than one would expect. This is the unfortunate result of a massive typhoon that swept through the area around 60 years ago, and devastated the area (as well as Keiunkan itself.) The current property was built in 1997. Due to the typhoon, there is very little history that we felt when staying here. No exhibits, no ancient antiques, scrolls, lacquerware, paintings or anything else that would suggest that Keiunkan truly is one of a kind. Also keep in mind that there is almost nothing else to do in the area; it’s in the middle of nowhere – the nearest tourist spot is Minobusan Kuon-ji Temple, and even that is at least a 30 minute drive away.
That said, as a ryokan, it’s pretty decent. The Kitadake Suite (北岳) that we booked is the top room in the property, and comes equipped with a magnificent open-air outdoor Onsen (natural hot springs) bath and has most of the amenities that one would expect when staying at a relatively modern upscale hotel.