Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (西山温泉慶雲館) is a hot spring hotel in Hayakawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 705 AD by Fujiwara Mahito, it is the oldest hotel and one of the oldest companies in operation. In 2011, the hotel was officially recognised by the Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world. It has been continuously operated by 52 generations of the same family (including adopted heirs) for over 1,300 years. The Keiunkan lies at the foot of the Akaishi Mountains. Since its foundation the hotel has had all its hot water sourced directly from the
Takanoyu Onsen on the river bank. Besides soaking in a spring fed ofuro, visiting an onsen provides an opportunity to experience several aspects of traditional Japanese culture, including the Japanese love of nature. Many hot springs are located in rural mountainous areas, and visiting an onsen allows one to leave the city and commune with nature throughout the four seasons, especially in the fall when trees are ablaze in color. Onsen inns are typically in the traditional Japanese ryokan (Japanese inn) style where one dons a yukata and sleeps in a futon on tatami mats. Onsen food is typically Kaiseki style that