Hotel hospitality to travellers have been a feature of the earliest civilizations. In Greco-Roman culture and ancient Persia, hospitals for recuperation and rest were built at thermal baths. Japan's Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, founded in 705, was officially recognised by the Guinness World Records as the oldest hotel in the world. During the Middle Ages, various religious orders at monasteries and abbeys would offer accommodation for travellers on the road. The precursor to the modern hotel was the inn of medieval Europe, possibly dating back to the rule of Ancient Rome. These would provide for the needs of travellers, including food and
Wakura Onsen Wakura Onsen Wakura Onsen has existed as a resort for 1,200 years. It was originally discovered by a fisherman who noticed an injured crane bathing its wing in the warm water. Mention of the onsen was first made in early Heian period documents, but full scale development dd not begin until after improvement of access by railway in the Meiji period. The center of Wakura Onsen is the "ryokan" Kagaya, a 20-floor hotel capable of holding approximately 1,300 guests. The onsen has two other hotels and 34 "ryokan." Other hotels and "ryokan" in the vicinity include: Wakura Onsen is approximately