How the World's Oldest Hotel Survived 1300 Years ★ ONLY in JAPAN

Keiunkan is the World's Oldest Hotel, the 2nd oldest business and their secret to surviving so long boils down to a simple explanation - but of course it's more complicated than that. This story will give you much insight into family businesses in Japan and why Japan has 9 of the top 15 oldest businesses in the world.
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a 3 hour drive past Mt Fuji, Fujiyoshida in Japan's southern Alps. It's hidden, very little competition, very little to do here but relax! Bring a book.
😎 Joe Hattab does Japanese hotels: • جربت أغرب فنادق بالياب... Joe came with me to film this hotel and his episode is an amazing overview of all the special hotels in Japan!
NOTE:
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first Shogun of the Edo era. I forgot to add the era in the narration. Japan had Shogun before Tokugawa.
00:00 INTRO
00:54 World's Oldest Hotel: Proof & Philosophy
03:13 The Hot Spring Water
05:04 The Stay Experience
07:30 The Food: Japanese Ryokan Meals
09:47 The History: 705 to 2023
11:57 The Future: 53rd CEO's Successor
Map: goo.gl/maps/FpC7CKLtVKjKKcXK8
URL: www.keiunkan.co.jp/en/
#onlyinjapan #worldsoldest #keiunkan

[@raymondcenteno5835]

I'm really amazed that the ryokan was able to continue operating despite all of the events that has happened: numerous natural disasters, succession issues, among others. I think it would be really cool to say that you've stayed at the oldest hotel in the world. Do they display the Guinness award in the hotel grounds?

[@onlyinjapan]

They do, they let me take it outside for the opening 😂 it’s at the reception desk.

[@zainmudassir2964]

Survived word war 2!

[@mikeohawk95]

Aka workd oldest hotel even to tokyos robotic attractions all ready to go, even as long lasting as Native American lands

[@larrylaffer3246]

It's definitely withstood whatever Murphy's Law could throw at it.

[@mikeohawk95]

@@larrylaffer3246 yet building was remade like the Buddha statue south of Kyoto n east of Osaka

[@posposu21]

2回泊まったことがあります。値段はそこまで高くありませんが、温泉も食事も部屋もサービスも、どれも一級品でした。とても良かったです。また泊まりに行きたいです。

[@kezbot2]

The ultimate example of business resilience 👏👏 what an incredible history

[@LoonaticOrbit]

Wow, the dedication the owners and employees have for this place is simply amazing to see.

[@onlyinjapan]

I’m so glad you noticed it. It’s so far from places like the supermarket and school, you really give up a lot to work here. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy hot springs but I can imagine hard to live. To do a 5 star classy job too says so much about the ryokan’s culture here.

[@carolineindacityphx]

This ryokan is a true testament to the phrase, changing with the times, and adaptability. Another great video. I watched the other episode by another KZbinr, but I liked this one because it was more personable. I especially enjoyed seeing Kanae and Leo, enjoying family time. Very sweet. ❤️😍🥰

[@JenS821]

John, I have been following your channel for years! You never fail to highlight Japan in a way that makes the county and its people, relatable but really providing a feeling of connection to others. From different prefectures, towns, cities, islands and history. I have learned so much. I wish the new owner continued success and I hope to one day visit his Ryokan.

[@onlyinjapan]

Thank you so much for watching for so long! I really loved making this and everything I put up - Japan is so awesome as a home (for 25 years) 🏡 and I’m glad we can share it together here ٩(^‿^)۶

[@helloall4400]

@@onlyinjapanhey John I’m also a long time follower of your channel. I served as a marine in Okinawa for 3 years and I would absolutely love seeing you do a bunch of videos on the ryukyu islands if possible. Thank you 🙏

[@tkyap2524]

Lasted since 705 AD. Fantastic feat despite upheavals of one kind or the other. When you stick to your core business, the chances of success are there.

[@persnikitty3570]

Simply amazing, and thank you for all you do for us. That water pressure was absurd, and testament towards how blessed they are with their location.

[@onlyinjapan]

They are trying to get the record for most water pressure I think 😂 💦

[@aryogono6338]

Just wow. 😮1300 years old. Literally over a milenia. Another perfect example of what you can find "Only in Japan". 👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽

[@jason_from_canada]

Such an interesting history! I really enjoyed musical choices as they fit the episode perfectly and really added to the stories being told. Thanks John! 👍♨

[@stanross6627]

Wow ! What an amazing legacy, over 1300 years old ! Definitely a bucket list place to visit! Best wishes on many many more years success!

[@dalejay8901]

A masterpiece! History, cultural tradition, economic case history - all woven together with superb editing.

[@Psychol-Snooper]

The production value of your videos is so high. The highest of any of my subscriptions by far. It's painful that you get so few views. It's clearly a sign that KZbin is failing it's creators and viewers.

[@onlyinjapan]

I need to post more and I’ll be finding some help with camera and editing this year to do that. Thank you for the sincere words and I’ve got many good stories coming up, many already filmed.

[@nunodeazevedo]

True, they are always promoting and recomending trending goofy videos

[@nunodeazevedo]

And Yes John u love your videos get them flowing ;) if I was a good editor I would offer my work and move there hehehe

[@Psychol-Snooper]

@@onlyinjapan I'm sure the IMPOSSIBLY rapid growth of AI will reach KZbin soon and will get the right content to the right users. I'm certain your efforts will pay off. I cannot wait for the future. :)

[@Psychol-Snooper]

@@nunodeazevedo The AI KZbin uses is rather old tech by AI standards, and you really have to "game" it to get it to suit your tastes. Even then, when they change something you might need to start again (a bit.) Make sure to tell KZbin AI that you are not interested in a video, or even not to recommend a channel if you know it's content you will NEVER like. Liking and disliking videos helps as well. I hope you don't mind me trying to be helpful. :)

[@Lifeperhour94]

What a beautiful hotel and such a humble proud owner.

[@xxdangergirlxx9719]

Wow, I just love hearing about the history of this place and really enjoyed this video. Now I need to make a trip to this Ryokan when I visit Japan.

[@DC9848]

Splendid episode, thank you for continuing to make these gems for us!

[@hellohi821]

Lovely video! What it takes for a business to remain for 1300 years, and a wonderful place to stay today. 👍

[@jkoadventures7401]

Excellent historical video! So much information in this episode, plus the video clarity is fantastic. Thank you for educating us about this treasure! 💞💞💞

[@01seiyer74]

素晴らしいです。お風呂と景色、シンプルな料理もよい。

[@Pebbles2639]

Thanks for the awesome video John great as always! I am definitely adding this to my bucket list! If I had known about this earlier I would of tried to squeeze it into my trip in a few days.

[@anthonylamesa7619]

This is so nice. In any other country, this kind of place would be an awful tourist trap. In Japan, it's still a strong business offering excellent value-for-money to guests.

[@astroboy3507]

Yes I remember on go 1,300 years old is quiet amazing history!!! We will be going to 🗻mt Fuji in about 8 weeks time!!! Nicely done vid John!!!👍🏻

[@spacejunk2494]

I can’t get enough of this story. I feel like your making this story a bit short. But I love stories like this, with such long history. I would of loved to see the inside of the old hotel. But if its gone, its gone.

[@onlyinjapan]

I’d have to do 1 hour or more to cover all 1300 years 😂 there are more old things in Japan than maybe anywhere else to tell stories about. I think this channel has a reputation for getting to the historical roots a bit more than others who might see it being boring. Nothing is boring if you have rocking music in the background 👨🏼‍🎤🤙

[@mmhope9411]

Thank you for sharing this with us! It's now become one of my favourite videos.

[@carstenfischer5098]

Thanks I immediately felt that this is a must see and do for 2 friends and I when We are going to Japan for the first time ever this April. I am falling more and more in love with this amazing country. Love from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@c0o1]

Yet another fantastic episode! Thank you very much for keeping us excited to return to Japan!

[@LeaningTowerOfCheese]

John I tell everyone I know about this channel in the hopes that they will come here and get hooked on your content the way I did. I really enjoyed the music you chose, especially during the stay experience. You honestly deserve way more attention for the work you're doing here. When I watch your videos I get motivated to learn more about Japan and I think that is why you are a great teacher.

[@arceus54321]

came here from the recent stream. great video john

[@TotallyTrivial-xm7qj]

Another great video, John! Amazed after this many years, you’re still able to find a hidden nugget like this. Great production value as always! How do we get your more subscribers?!

[@CameronDyerCreative]

I love how you always show such traditional amazing places that dont get put out often!! Keep up with the great videos 😁

[@krystalshepherd4582]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@tylerarriola1831]

Been enjoying your videos since the old channel days, John. They’ve always transported me to Japan for some minutes out of my day, so thank you and keep making content! One day I hope I can leave California and travel around Japan and stay at Nisiyama and learn about all the history. ♥️

[@em0jr]

Thanks for sharing this treasure. I have to put this on my list of, "Places to Visit".

[@F0bius]

Tom Scott released a video on the hotel two weeks ago 🙂

[@onlyinjapan]

It was a good video. I filmed this more than 2 months ago and was surprised to see it 😂 I hope this video added to it in a new way. No story that’s 1300 years old can be covered in 13 minutes or less. I believe having two voices on this is an asset to viewers. Keiunkan is such a humble place, they deserve a lot of attention for their hard work.

[@jmorin6620]

If my son gets stationed in Japan, I know where I'm going on my next international trip. So neat!

[@Chalo-ng3nv]

That was beautiful. Thank you

[@awesomejust100]

incredible! Great story telling once again John!

[@Blake44b]

Fantastic episode. I've always loved this type from you.

[@anantnarayandash4629]

Thanks John for these amazing videos.

[@ma.esther9637]

My favourite country. Never get tired visiting this beautiful and peaceful country. Best of the best❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Brandania_moble]

Adding to my visit list for next year! Thank you 🥰

[@robertdubois2685]

Great video John, nice to see you and family getting a short vacation while enjoying the ryokan and hot springs.

[@aakashnand6700]

Your videos are informative. Please keep them coming more frequently

[@jarihult]

Interesting video ,the hotel itself still looks great 😎Thank you for sharing John 🙂👍!!!

[@jasoncheung2386]

Thanks a lot for this great video! Hopefully someday I can go visit this place.

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Wonderful work. Thanks for sharing it. ✌️

[@johnwakamatsu3391]

I have watched your videos for a number of years and enjoy seeing different parts of Japan. I thank you for posting this video and reminds when I visited Beppu in 2011.

[@bobfranklin2572]

Fantastic to see you and the family having such a genuinely nice time. You covered the history with fantastic detail and respect too as always. Another masterpiece by John! 🫡

[@onlyinjapan]

We loved it and Kawano-san’s kindness turned our family into regular customers!

[@liibeebee532]

Such a great video John!😍

[@SarelBezuidenhout]

I really appreciate this Video! It's nice to learn some history about Japan!

[@vasilikonstan]

John! I loved it! You did such a great job putting this together. The pacing, the cinematography, the story... It was a pure delight to watch and I will definitely have to watch it at least one more time.

[@bronp1457]

John, we have watched your content for years and you never disappoint. We are heading back to Japan April 15 and so excited. Your videos kept us going through covid. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@jayland1507]

This hotel interview is amazing!

[@malakangel9322]

John , it’s always a delight to watch your unique perception of Japan!

[@rolandomichel2070]

JD, another great job and well done sir! Thanks for the heads-up to this very unique stay, will put it on my list... growing longer by the week!

[@CptFitzgerald]

The stories you find are always so amazingly good. I've been watching your content for at least seven years and you still blow my mind. How do you do it?

[@zakkwylde72]

Great and interesting video John! so much history there!!! would be great the spend a weekend there...

[@csh182]

I absolutely love your videos Mr. Daub! Always very informative and entertaining! Can’t wait till the next one. I’ll be visiting Japan this summer, and I hope to run into you, take it easy.

[@PuddingPop41]

Fantastic video JD!

[@michaelcasino8517]

I don’t know why this channel doesnt have million subscribers? Awesome vid

[@onlyinjapan]

I started over. We’ll get there again ٩(^‿^)۶

[@meloon5876]

Thk u for showing this awesome historic inn. Will definitely go

[@kimt9978]

How such meticulously produced and high quality interesting videos such as this one doesn’t have ten times the views is a mystery and a shame. KZbin should be promoting this high quality content and the excellent channel Thank you for such wonderful videos

[@garcurran5079]

Such a wonderful narrator and editor, love these episodes, suits you John

[@007007gf]

Wonderful historic onsen. What a room with private onsen and a serene view. Food with gold. Poor Joe with the fish. Kanae and Rio looked happy. Great video. Thanks John.

[@glynnpooke]

John I love how you find fantastic stories I never knew. Amazing Place and owner.

[@suleymardominguez5703]

Hello John! I have been following your journey across Japan since 2015. Your family is so beautiful and I feel so emotional time has passed by so quickly. I am now 21 years old and I am finally starting to plan my trip to Japan. Hopefully soon after I graduate from university. Thank you so much for all the videos and resources that will help with my journey too.

[@gypsywilkerson197]

Wow, amazing! A definite must visit!

[@adrianac3258]

Thanks for this video what an amazing place and history ❤

[@densha63]

I just love the dedication to quality! I have not tried visiting a ryokan even if I have visited Japan for 3x times now. This looks so relaxing. Incredible story of the hotel as well.

[@marijusofficial]

Thank you so much for such video

[@Multi2794]

awesome video !

[@kennixox262]

Looks so relaxing. Looking for my next trip to Japan.

[@jrco1010]

thank you for sharing! hope to visit this ryokan someday!

[@Rowdysnake]

Wow! I just saw this video but it’s so crazy, I actually stayed here just a few days before you posted the video! It was an amazing night, definitely loved reserving the private Onsen for myself.

[@onlyinjapan]

Oh wow! I’m sure the staff is happy to be busy again. All hotels / ryokan struggled without international travelers. Glad you had a great time!

[@BelloBudo007]

Ryokans are one of my most favourite things about Japan. The first is undoubtedly the Japanese people. They are marvellous. A Ryokan has Onsen & wonderful Japanese people working there. Therefore it's a 'must do' for every trip to Japan. The history & location of Keiunkan excites me. I will certainly try my best to visit.

[@andrewfranklin8574]

Wow!! The hotel has witnesses so many era and still stand. No words can describe it.

[@biancajune8963]

Very informative and fun to watch. I'm amazed with the history and also on how important the water source was along with the focus to run the hotel. Amazing indeed.

[@onlyinjapan]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@armandharaidun7637]

Great and high quality info. Thank's John. Greetings from Romania !! 👍👍

[@onlyinjapan]

Thanks! Just talked with my friend in Cluj! I hope we can visit soon. I need more Țuică ٩(^‿^)۶ and good sarmale! 🇷🇴

[@ASmallPoop]

Place looks super relaxing!

[@davidlenders7649]

What an amazing piece of true Janese history. Arigato. ❤🙏

[@annafieduna9588]

Loved it. I certainly will try to stay there when I come to Japan

[@onlyinjapan]

Please do! Very friendly staff and the baths and food are wonderful - it really is an adventurous getaway to Japan’s southern alps! The village next to it is really nice for lunch, world heritage recognized cafe there.

[@shannondore]

What an amazing place. Just to stay somewhere with so much history but then you have the hot spring baths and that beautiful view. Absolutely stunning.😊

[@lilmaxAlarcxn]

lovely

[@Overly_nourished_entity]

Wow! That’s amazing!

[@RoCCo_CarmeLL]

Superb video.. Wish it would be longer

[@DanOnTheGo1]

Great video 😊

[@migzllander91]

this should be added to my life's bucket list 🙏

[@yilunyou7391]

We simply need more frequent videos from you John!🤩

[@onlyinjapan]

Working on it!

[@TryinaD]

Just watched this after Tom Scott’s video! Love to see this more in depth narration

[@lvjungle2840]

Wow amazing!

[@sketchyniso]

what a awesome spot, that natural hot water is so cool lol id for sure go try look in that cave

[@varnlestoff]

I love open air hottubs, etc. The contrast between chilly air and hot relaxing water is the best. If you've never felt a cool winter breeze rush past your shoulders as you sit in hot water, you need to some day.

[@MrSifaperdire]

I hope you had a relaxing time wirh your beautiful family, I envy you a lot for everything you can see and experience! Thanks for the video though

[@wendyshoowaiching4161]

Wow! Amazing

[@sharalynn5242]

That looked exactly like the room I stayed in! Number 305!

[@kakusei3672]

Such a good episode wish it was longer

[@onlyinjapan]

It could have been 😂 maybe I’ll post the full interview in my 2nd channel, ONLY in JAPAN GO ٩(^‿^)۶ it’s super interesting

[@Mishka305]

love your videos

[@chibikkotravels]

I love visiting onsens although as a fussypot, i always look for all you can eat 😅 lovely video.

[@deenzmartin6695]

interesting. i hope they continue to stay in business for a very long time.

[@satao6463]

I'd loved to work there❤. It's history is truly impressive!