A Japanese hotel, opened way back in the year 705, has hosted travelers, samurai, emperors, powerful shoguns, and modern tourists alike. Today, it is run by the 52nd generation of the same family
Many companies like to boast about their longevity. You’ve probably seen signs like “since 1975” at the entrance to a restaurant. Alcohol brands do this too, with labels such as “100 years of tradition”—or more. Of course, in some cases, only the name of the company remains unchanged while ownership has shifted multiple times. That raises the question: is it even the same company anymore, beyond just the brand? Imagine a family-run restaurant passed down through generations, only to be sold to someone unfamiliar with its traditions—soon enough, quality drops significantly. Is it still the “same restaurant” if the name hasn’t changed? Hard to say.
Keeping a business stable and maintaining loyal clients over decades is a huge challenge. So much changes over time: economic crises come and go, entire economic and political systems evolve. That’s why businesses love to emphasize longevity—it signifies resilience and quality.
Today, however, we’re talking about a level of endurance far beyond “a century-old beer.” We’re talking about a company in the traditionally demanding hospitality industry. Running a hotel successfully requires everything to be in perfect order, and any drop in quality can quickly become known and lead to a loss of guests. That’s always been true, which makes this story all the more fascinating.
The hotel in question is Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan. As the name suggests, it’s located in Japan. “Onsen” means “hot springs,” indicating a hotel visited for both health and relaxation. “Nishiyama” translates to “western mountain” (the hotel is located at the foot of Mount Akaishi). But the most intriguing part of the name is “Keiunkan,” which refers to the Keiun era in early 8th-century Japan, during the reigns of Emperors Monmu and Genmei.
So, this is a hotel that preserves Japanese tradition from 1,300 years ago? Not just preserves—it originates from that time. The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan hotel was built in 705 CE and has been continuously open since then. Not only that, it has remained in the hands of the same family for 52 generations.
In fact, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is the world’s oldest still-operating company.
Interestingly, it claimed this title in 2006 after overtaking another even older Japanese company—Kongō Gumi, a construction firm founded in 578. But Kongō Gumi ran into financial trouble in 2006 (after 1,428 years of operation!) and was absorbed by the Takamatsu Construction Group.
This makes Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, by most accounts, the oldest still-operating business in the world. It is located in a picturesque mountainous region of Yamanashi Prefecture, and over its 1,317 years of business, it has hosted everyone from ancient samurai to modern tourists.
Originally built as a resting place for travelers and soldiers passing through the area, the hotel has been passed down from parent to child, and the current owners represent the 52nd generation. Over the centuries, the hotel has gradually modernized and expanded—but never so much as to lose its original charm.
Though it’s larger now than it was in 705, much of its atmosphere and appearance remain intact. The Hakuho hot springs and the surrounding mountains, of course, are unchanged.
The hotel was founded by Fujiwara Mahito, the son of an aide to the 38th Emperor of Japan, Tenji. Remarkably, the hotel opened before Japan even had its first official coinage—back then, people paid for lodging with rice or arrows.
Since then, the nearby Hakuho hot springs have been considered a source of health and longevity. The water is rich in volcanic minerals, giving it special properties.
Staying at the hotel today is a unique experience—essentially stepping into 13 centuries of Japanese history. Many members of imperial families stayed there, including Emperor Tokugawa Ieyasu in the 16th century. Interestingly, his biggest rival, Shogun Takeda Shingen, also stayed there at the same time. (Shoguns were feudal military leaders in Japan, often more powerful than the emperor himself.)
To understand just how old this hotel is, consider this: it was built at a time before Buddhism had fully spread across Japan. As Buddhism gained prominence, its influence was seen in the hotel’s architecture, including the addition of statues that are still visible today.
Each room in the hotel is supplied with hot spring water through an underground pipe system. The design preserves the ancient aesthetic: low seating, extensive use of wood, and features from the original blueprints by Fujiwara Mahito.
Guests sleep on futons placed on tatami mats, and cushions known as zabuton are used for sitting. Furnishings are minimal—low tables, known as kotatsu, add comfort and tradition.
The hotel has 37 rooms, a restaurant, and a moon-viewing platform. The stargazing here is excellent, unlike in most Japanese cities where smog obstructs the night sky. The smallest room contains 12 tatami mats. Each mat is precisely 0.9m x 1.8m in a strict 1:2 ratio, anthropologically designed. The staff wear Nibu-Shiki kimono, a style originating from the 8th century. The hot spring system pumps 1,630 liters of naturally heated water per minute, rich in minerals and sourced directly from underground volcanic springs, consistently maintained at 40°C.
This story is truly fascinating—and it’s no surprise it takes place in Japan. Japan’s deep respect for tradition has clearly played a role in this hotel’s survival to the present day. While not the only ancient hotel still operating, it is the oldest. Others include Koman in Hyōgo Prefecture, built just 12 years later, and Hōshi Ryokan in Ishikawa Prefecture, opened in 718. All three are still welcoming guests.
So, are all the world’s oldest still-operating businesses located in Japan? Many are, but Europe has its share too. Germany’s Staffelter Hof winery and guesthouse has been in operation since 862, and France’s Château de Goulainewinery has operated continuously since the year 1000.
Longevity in business is always impressive—but in the case of family-run businesses like this one, it’s absolutely remarkable. Just one reckless heir could have squandered it all, or buried it in debt. Perhaps loyalty to tradition and legacy is also passed down, strengthened generation after generation, enough to withstand the tests of time—whenever they may come.
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