The First Hotel in History Was a House with Hot Springs

16 Jul The First Hotel in History Was a House with Hot Springs

Although inns and lodgings have existed since ancient times, the first hotel officially registered as such is located in Japan and is still operating: the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, founded in the year 705. It’s near Mount Fuji and became famous for its thermal waters. What makes it even more fascinating is that it has been run by the same family for over 50 generations.

 It served as a resting place for samurai, emperors, and weary travelers seeking healing in its waters. Today, it’s a luxury hotel with traditional aesthetics intact, where you can sleep on futons and bathe in onsens just as people did 1,300 years ago. A living gem of tourism history, where rest has always been the main attraction.