Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

10/10

Exceptional

31 Oct 2025

Katie

Wonderful experience, completely fulfilling

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2025

Nicolas

El mejor hotel que fui en mi vida y eso que fui a muchos, cuarto súper espacioso, muchas piletas de aguas termales para relajar y vistas increíbles desde el cuarto y el complejo en el medio de la montaña

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2025

Cynthia

an authentic and unique Japan experience! We came two years ago and this time brought our Japanese-based son and daughter with us to stay for two wonderful days.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2025

casey

By far the most serene and peaceful experience of my life. I can’t overstate how accommodating the staff is. Our room was upgraded and we had a corner suite of 3 large rooms overlooking the mountains and the river. I was astonished how luxurious the rooms and food are. Each night we had an 8 course meal, each morning a huge breakfast. Honestly, it was too much food - that’s the only complaint I have! I felt terrible wasting even a bite of the exquisite, carefully prepared gourmet food.
I will be back to recharge and unwind in the hot springs. This was the highlight of our first 2 week vacation in Japan. I can’t get over how heavenly the property is. And it’s immaculately maintained. Such careful attention from the staff. What a gem. I feel so lucky to have experienced this magical place.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2025

Sekuini

Amazing hospitality. Food was incredible, and the onsens were awesome.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2025

MARIA

Thanks a lot for your kindness and hospitality.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2025

Jocelyn

Clean room, staff were very nice, spa clean, family friendly.Variety of food. Menu changes every day.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Matthew

Absolutely stunning property! Might as well be out of a movie or painting. The staff was incredibly hospitable and an impressive number spoke English. We had no trouble reserving a beautiful private onsen for our desired time. Dinner and breakfast are expansive and potentially adventurous for those not accustomed to more traditional Japanese food. Possibly the best place in the world to come meditate and relax.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2025

Rosa

Such a unique experience, you truly unplug while you’re here.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2025

Joy

We loved our stay here. Historic, incredibly beautiful location. Staff really make every one feel so welcome. Personal greetings and incredible attention to every detail.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Sep 2025

JASON

The oldest hotel in the world

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continually operating hotel in the world, and second longest running business, losing out (just barely) to a Japanese construction company.

How old, you ask? 1,320 years. No, that's not a typo.

For 1320 years, this traditional ryokan has been operating since its founding in the year 705. During those thirteen centuries(!), Keiunkan has hosted the likes of emperors, shoguns, daimyos, and all manner of Japanese noblepersons; from the highest to the lowest, the divine to the mundane, all the way down to a lowly ashigaru, such as myself, and my family, who had the privilege of staying here this week.

Situated in the stunning Hayakawa valley, this storied, four-storey hot spring retreat boasts multiple public and private, indoor and outdoor baths, on the first and fourth floors; the full ryokan experience (tatami mats, traditional futon for sleeping on the floor); traditional kaiseki dining with a la carte options; and an unrivaled aesthetic - misty mountains, lush forests, and a rushing river, all viewable from your large private suite which, in our case, included three rooms, in addition to the private restroom and ofuro.

The baths themselves are gorgeous and well-maintained. Some baths are public and gender-segregated, and flip their schedules for which gender is allowed to use them at which time, in twelve hour increments (i.e. one bath will allow men from 8am-8pm, and women from 8pm-8am).

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2025

Victoria

The shuttle ride up to the onsen is a treat in itself - beautiful views of Japans incredible landscapes.

The staff are incredible. The welcoming experience was the best we’ve encountered.

We enjoyed a private onsen and were awed by the beauty and peacefulness of it. The food was so fresh, exquisite and filling! The attention to detail from prepartion to serving of meals is unmatched. We really appreciated the patience of the staff to help us understand how some items are to be eaten.

The hotel itself is older and could use some updates. However, it is a gem and we hope to come back on our next trip to Japan.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2025

Evghenii

I had the incredible chance to stay at the world’s oldest hotel, and it genuinely lived up to its legend. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was stepping into a different era — not in a museum-like way, but in a quiet, living continuation of tradition.

The surroundings are stunning: mountains, rivers, pure silence. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and just be. The hot springs were a highlight — natural, healing, and beautifully maintained. I left feeling physically and mentally reset.

Meals were exceptional — local, seasonal, prepared with real care and balance. You can tell this isn’t just hospitality, it’s heritage passed down through generations.

The staff were some of the kindest and most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. Discreet but always there when needed, with a level of attention that feels almost forgotten in today’s world.

It’s more than a hotel — it’s an experience of Japanese culture, stillness, and deep respect for nature. I honestly hope my descendants can visit this place another 1,300 years from now. It’s worth preserving forever.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2025

Marco

My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this ryokan. The food, service, and the onsens were fantastic. I will gladly come back in the future.

A special shout-out to Thuy, who took care of us during our meals!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2025

Andrea

This is a once in a lifetime experience. Beautiful hotel built in the mountains above free flowing river. It was like taking a step back and getting a glimpse of Japan past. Highly recommend

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2025

Christine

Atmosphere, beauty, the service were top notch

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2025

Fred

Oldest hotel in the World

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2025

Raymond

Far in the mountains, but nice.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2025

Anthony

A very enjoyable experience as the oldest hotel in the world. The food is a bit intense for foreigners, but excellently presented and flavorful nonetheless. Extremely professional staff. The room has beautiful scenery of the river and a cozy interior space.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2025

Amanda

Absolutely beautiful property, a timeless set up with an amazing view. The food provided was also phenomenal and very generous amounts

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2025

Si Kiu Vicky

Very nice and friendly staff. Everyone greets you as you walk by. The negative is that neither of the non-reserved outdoor baths have a locker to put our valuables. Some of the wood in the baths are a little slippery as well. Otherwise we had an amazing stay and I’ll come again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2024

Natasha

We loved everything, a family of 2 adults & 1 child it was an amazing experience everyone should do.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2024

Olgali

Wonderful stay

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2024

Joyce

There are 6 onsens total (2 outdoors, 2 indoors, and 2 private), everyone single one had amazing views. The staff is incredible and so accomodating! I love the personalized touches by the staff.
One downside is there are a lot of spiders and roaches outside (definitely none in our room) but that's not a hotel issue and unavoidable since the onsen is in a pretty remote area.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2024

Andrei

A beautiful relaxing onsen. The food was fantastic. We stayed for a couple of days in-between cities to rest from all the hustle and bustle. Not a sigle regret for staying here. We will definitely come back for a much longer stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2024

Helen

Amazing experience

Traditional Japanese onsen. Amazing Japanese food (some not for the faint hearted). Onsen amazing.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2024

Concetta

Spectacularly amazing experience in the oldest operating hotel in the world!!! The customer service was exceptionally outstanding!!! These professionals made us feel incredibly special with their warm welcome and attention to detail. Thank you to all at the extraordinary Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2024

Marcelo

perfect and quiet. 10 for service. needs a bit of updating but also great as it is. excellent food. have a car if you stay more than one night or stay in, nothing around but nature

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2024

Lucille

This was one of the best experiences I’ve had traveling. The onsen was incredibly beautiful, clean, and serene, and the staff were extremely attentive and helpful. The food especially stood out as one of the best meals I’ve had in Japan. I highly, highly recommend this onsen!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2024

Katherine

Incredible service and absolutely delectable dinner and breakfast multicourse meals. We took a train to Minobu station and were picked up promptly at 1:40 pm for a scenic ride to the onsen. The hot spring pools were on the hot side, so I could only soak for a few min at a time. The entire place was clean and the view out the room wonderful. The dining experience was exceptional. Far better than the fancy pre fixe place in the USA. Price was super reasonable! Can’t recommend this place enough for a romantic retreat.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2024

Hureen

awesome location! Amazing staff! We had an incredible dinner and breakfast experience. We would love to come back again. The staff went above and beyond to help us experience an authentic Japanese cultural experience. Wish the checkout time was extended by hour or two. The time felt very short for a day’s visit.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2024

Cornelius

Very peaceful. Incredible views. Excellent and friendly staff. Food was good and your skin will become soft from the Onsen. I highly recommend!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2024

Christian

This ryokan is intended to be a place you go to relax. There isn’t a lot to do by design, other than eat, sleep, onsen, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in comfort. We did half-board and the food is fantastic. The staff were very nice. The onsen were beautiful, especially the open air one on the fourth floor. There are six or seven onsen total including the three private ones.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2024

Hollie

Loved this property! Everyone is so friendly, the view is breath taking, the onsens are amazing, and the food is wonderful! This is a bucket list hotel.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2024

Dewalin

The springs were amazing and very warm! The staff while serving the meals was top-notch!

If you have the opportunity I'd suggest staying for more than 1 day and doing some hiking/exploring along the river. Beautiful scenery!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2024

Andres

Traditional classic Japanese hotel, experience of a life time. Dinner and breakfast included in fare. Complimentary water and coffee in hotel grounds. Clothing and slippers given at check in. Many varieties of natural spring onsen (with schedules for men and women). You get 30 mins of private onsen included in the fare (as a couple). Quiet, peaceful. Recommended.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2024

Jamie

Cannot rate highly enough!!

Will 100% be recommending this to everyone we know. This place was INCREDIBLE. The dinner/breakfast presentations are vast and delicious, the spas are stunning, and the staff was absolutely wonderful. It’s an easy train ride from Kyoto/Tokyo and there is a daily shuttle service that you can book with the hotel. This was such a fun and genuine experience. Highly recommend!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2024

ezekiel

A truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2024

Tuan

Beautiful facities. Great customer service. It's cool to know i visited the oldest hotel in the world.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2024

Unique

The staff and the room were stellar. It was truly an amazing stay. The staff was so kind and courteous. Our attendant was so sweet. The food was delicious but very traditional, and she took the time to show us how to eat it or what sauces to dip what in. The rooms were very spacious and clean. It was an overall wonderful experience.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2023

ROY

If you are wanting a truly unique experience of a Japanese oven in the most natural of settings then this place is magnificent. The dinner and breakfast is something to be experienced and the onsen baths are awesome overlooking nothing but nature.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2023

Chieh-An

Super unique experience--ancient onsen with a semi-modern hotel. All of the staff were incredibly attentive, helpful, and willing to make our stay amazing. Multiple public onsens and bookable private onsens. The hotel trusts you to know how it all works. Most of the water in--for everything from drinking to bathing--is the hot spring water that somehow felt cleansing and healthy.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2023

Chokpitak

Suit for family and couple with no small kid otherwise u might not b able to finish the dinner course or even breakfast coz sometime kid can’t be neat and tidy during those time. A a bit more older is great. Everything just great as the way it should. This was my 2nd time here. Love it here

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2023

Gillian

Should have stayed longer
Food fabulous
Staff exceptional
Beautiful area
Well looked after

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2023

Mark

We had a very enjoyable stay and plan to go back. Foreigners should be prepared to have very sumptuous traditional Japanese meals. The building is getting a little run down, but it's still very nice. The baths are wonderful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2023

Courtney

The staff was very polite and accommodating. The rooms were beautiful and well equipped. The hot springs were so relaxing. The nature and tradition was wonderful. I highly recommend it.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2023

Andrew

Was amazing going to a place with so much history, can't fault anything. Staff were helpful and informative, rooms traditional, food great. No complaints at all

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2023

Will

Distinctive, unique, historic, amazing place! I hope to return one day. Thankfully as a vegetarian (I let them know ahead if time) I enjoyed delicious meals as well.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2023

DAISUKE

This property was very far from the city, so it took us some time to got there. Therefore, the surrounding area was very quiet and the hot springs were great,I and my wife were very relaxed.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2022

Brenda

This hotel is definitely a place to experience Japanese hospitality. Included were kaiseki meals that we did not expect, wagyu beef included. The outdoor private onsen was a luxury. It is a very remote and private retreat….

Leisure Partner