How the World's Oldest Hotel Survived 1300 Years โ˜… ONLY in JAPAN

Published 2023-03-30
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.

๐Ÿ˜Ž Joe Hattab does Japanese hotels: ย ย ย โ€ขย ุฌุฑุจุชย ุฃุบุฑุจย ูู†ุงุฏู‚ย ุจุงู„ูŠุงุจุงู†ย -ย 14ย ูŠูˆู…ย ููŠย ...ย ย  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?entry=yt
URL: www.keiunkan.co.jp/en/
#onlyinjapan #worldsoldest #keiunkan

All Comments (21)
  • 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?
  • @kezbot2
    The ultimate example of business resilience ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘ what an incredible history
  • @posposu21
    2ๅ›žๆณŠใพใฃใŸใ“ใจใŒใ‚ใ‚Šใพใ™ใ€‚ๅ€คๆฎตใฏใใ“ใพใง้ซ˜ใใ‚ใ‚Šใพใ›ใ‚“ใŒใ€ๆธฉๆณ‰ใ‚‚้ฃŸไบ‹ใ‚‚้ƒจๅฑ‹ใ‚‚ใ‚ตใƒผใƒ“ใ‚นใ‚‚ใ€ใฉใ‚Œใ‚‚ไธ€็ดšๅ“ใงใ—ใŸใ€‚ใจใฆใ‚‚่‰ฏใ‹ใฃใŸใงใ™ใ€‚ใพใŸๆณŠใพใ‚Šใซ่กŒใใŸใ„ใงใ™ใ€‚
  • 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 YouTuber, but I liked this one because it was more personable. I especially enjoyed seeing Kanae and Leo, enjoying family time. Very sweet. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿฅฐ
  • @LoonaticOrbit
    Wow, the dedication the owners and employees have for this place is simply amazing to see.
  • @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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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! ๐Ÿ‘โ™จ
  • @aryogono6338
    Just wow. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ1300 years old. Literally over a milenia. Another perfect example of what you can find "Only in Japan". ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ
  • @c0o1
    Yet another fantastic episode! Thank you very much for keeping us excited to return to Japan!
  • @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.
  • Excellent historical video! So much information in this episode, plus the video clarity is fantastic. Thank you for educating us about this treasure! ๐Ÿ’ž๐Ÿ’ž๐Ÿ’ž
  • 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.
  • @dalejay8901
    A masterpiece! History, cultural tradition, economic case history - all woven together with superb editing.
  • @DC9848
    Splendid episode, thank you for continuing to make these gems for us!
  • @mmhope9411
    Thank you for sharing this with us! It's now become one of my favourite videos.
  • @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.
  • @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!
  • 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.