Oldest Hotel in Japan

It’s no secret that Japan is one of the most amazing countries to travel to and is widely known for its culture, food, and stunning natural features. Since tourism is such an important part of this country, it’s no surprise that Japan is home to some old and fabulous hotels!

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the oldest hotels in Japan, where they’re located, and what makes them so incredible to visit.
Let’s get into it and take a closer look.

5 Oldest Hotels In Japan

5. The Tokyo Station Hotel

Photo Source: Booking.com

The Tokyo Station Hotel first opened in 1915 after the Tokyo Station opened a year earlier. Although business was slow at the beginning, things began to improve and pick up after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.

However, things began to change and slow down during the Second World War, and became more like a coffee bar and less like a hotel during this time. This was because the hotel was badly destroyed during the war, and was reconstructed and repaired over the next few years.

However, some years later after 1951, the Tokyo Station Hotel began to resume its business and eventually regained its former glory after the 1964 Olympics. At this time, it became one of the most prestigious hotels in both Japan and the whole world.

Did you know?

The Tokyo Station Hotel is a part of the Tokyo Station building, and in 2003, the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building was given the designation of Important Cultural Property of Japan.

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4. Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Honkan

Photo Source: Flickr

Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Honkan is another of Japan’s oldest hotels, and has existed for over 100 years! This hotel is known for its stunningly designed garden that features a lot of oak trees, Japanese cedars, evergreen trees, and various other kinds of flora.

It’s interesting to note that this hotel was founded by the Nishimuraya’s first generation. This took place during the Edo period, and the Ansei era.

Today, this hotel is best known for its hot springs and is widely considered to be a premium hot spring destination.

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Did you know?

Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Honkan has been praised by the noted literary figures Yosano Akiko and Shiga Naoya.

3. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is an onsen or inn that is located in the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan. This hotel is the oldest hotel in Japan and the entire world! It is also known for being the world’s oldest company that has been operating for several centuries, especially after it acquired a construction company called Kongō Gumi in 2006.

Since this hotel’s specific location is near the foot of the Akaishi Mountains and is also located near the Hakuho Springs, this hotel also gets its hot water from the springs! This means that its water is all naturally heated.

When this hotel was first started back in 705, it was started by Emperor Tenji, who was Japan’s 38th Emperor.

Since the hotel is known for getting its water from the local hot springs, it quickly became popular, and soon, bathers began traveling to this hotel from all over Japan. Over the years, it has been developed further and further, and officially became a ryokan in 2007.

Did you know?

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan was officially recognized as the oldest hotel in the world by the Guinness World Records.

2. Sennen no Yu Koman

Photo Source: Trip Advisor

When it comes to the Sennen no Yu Komal hotel, the word ‘oldest’ applies in several different areas! In addition to being the second oldest hotel in Japan, this hotel is also one of the oldest established businesses in the world and one of the world’s oldest companies that continues to exist in the 21st century.

It was first founded by Hiuke Gonnokami, and was first founded as an inn, and not a hotel. The inn was later passed down through 46 generations of Gonnokami’s family.

Thanks to documents from the Hiuke Family Heirloom Chronicle and the Mandala Chronicle, we know more about the history of this inn or hotel, and how it started.

Did you know?

The Sennen no Yu Koman’s history remains intact thanks to the two documents that its family members have passed down through the generations.

1. Hōshi Ryokan

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Hōshi Ryokan is one of the oldest Japanese hotels, and also one of the oldest hotels in the world. It’s quite interesting to note that this hotel was actually thought to be the oldest hotel in the world that was still operating until the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan hotel snatched the title!

This hotel was founded by a monk named Taicho Daishi over 1300 years ago. At the time, the people of the area believed that the monk who started this hotel started it after being under the influence and command of a mountain deity named Hakusan Daigongen.

They also believed that the hot springs that provided the hotel with water were a gift sent from the gods of the Hakusan Mountain. Over the years, the hotel has continued to follow the ancient traditions of using only naturally soured spring water, and today, it is recognized for being a hotel with one of the oldest operating hot springs in the entire world.

Did you know?

Hōshi Ryokan continues to hold the record for the world’s oldest family-run business.

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Conclusion

In this article, we took a closer look at some of the oldest hotels in Japan! If you haven’t noticed this already, we found it super interesting that most of the hotels on this list rely on nature to provide their guests with comfort and a luxurious experience, thanks to the natural hot springs that provide many of them with water.

We hope that you enjoyed reading this article, and that you will also visit one of these hotels the next time you’re in Japan!