湯宿ささくら
9,6/10 Exceptional - Based on 35 reviews
湯宿ささくら (Yuyado Sasakura) is a compact, century-old ryokan nestled in Kinosaki's onsen district. The house preserves Taisho-era character while offering a recent renovation that refreshed public areas and dining spaces. With seven guest rooms arranged in traditional Japanese styles and one modern hybrid, the property balances tatami rooms and contemporary comforts. Its central position makes it practical for guests planning an onsen itinerary; the property functions as a ryokan with onsen Kinosaki visitors often use when combining private bathing and the town's external baths.
Bathing at the ryokan centers on reservable kashikiri (private) hot-spring baths within the building; reservations allow undisturbed soaking, while separate shared shower facilities are maintained for morning use. The water is drawn from the local spring network typical of the town, and staff provide guidance on etiquette and onsen-hopping routes. For travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Hyōgo, this property offers direct access to both its own enclosed baths and short walks to the town's historic public baths, making back-and-forth visits straightforward.
Meals focus on local seasonal produce, with menus that highlight coastal and mountain ingredients — tempura and crab feature regularly in the house's offering — served in a mix of private dining spaces and communal areas. Small-scale service includes loaned yukata, a garden and a relaxed lobby with complimentary coffee, and staff arrange luggage assistance and local tips. Practicalities include standard check-in in the mid-afternoon and morning checkout; the intimate scale and central location suit travellers wanting an authentic, unhurried onsen stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 湯宿ささくら
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, friendly service
Multiple guests praised the hosts and staff for being very warm, helpful and attentive — assisting with luggage, check-in, explaining onsen etiquette and providing yukata and small onsen kits.
Great location — close to station yet quiet
Reviewers noted the ryokan is only a short walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station and centrally located near shops and restaurants while being on a calmer side street, making it convenient for onsen-hopping.
Authentic ryokan and onsen experience
Guests enjoyed the traditional atmosphere, garden and onsen-related offerings (private onsen option, on-site onsen and passes for public baths). Many valued the availability of yukata and assistance for onsen-hopping.
Clean, comfortable rooms with useful amenities
Rooms were described as tidy and comfortable with tatami areas, fridge/freezer, fast Wi‑Fi and complimentary bottled water; some rooms had pleasant window seating and good storage space.
Good value and helpful extras
Several reviewers felt the stay offered better value than expected. Staff flexibility (holding luggage, allowing earlier check-in when possible) and small touches were noted as enhancing the overall stay.
Negative Reviews
Noise / limited soundproofing
Some guests experienced loud talking from other guests in common areas late at night and noted rooms have limited sound insulation, which affected sleep for a few visitors.
No en‑suite shower or bathtub in rooms
As advertised, rooms generally do not include a private shower or bath — some guests mentioned this and explained it requires using public baths or reserving a private onsen.
Reception hours / early check‑in requires notice
A few reviewers warned that the reception may be closed at certain times, so guests needing an early check‑in should inform the property in advance to avoid issues.
Limited English support
A small number of guests noted that English support can be limited; while staff were described as friendly and helpful, non‑Japanese speakers might need patience or minimal language assistance.
No elevator / stairs only
The ryokan has no elevator, so guests with heavy luggage or mobility concerns should be prepared to use stairs or arrange luggage forwarding or station lockers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has a small number of rooms (seven) with room types ranging from 2-person twin and compact Japanese rooms up to suites that can accommodate 6–8 guests.
The property offers on-site hot spring facilities including reservable private baths; guests also receive access to the town’s external bath system with a multi-day onsen pass during stays.
Private (kashikiri) baths are available by reservation, but internal private baths are generally not available in the early morning when only shared showers are provided; guests are encouraged to use the town’s external baths in the morning.
No regular hotel shuttle is listed; the ryokan is a short walk from JR Kinosaki Station (about 5–10 minutes) and taxis are available for airport transfers or other onward travel.
The nearest airport is Tajima Airport (about 17 km); major airports such as Itami/Osaka are reachable by train or scheduled airport/bus connections to Kinosaki followed by a short taxi or walk to the ryokan.
Staff primarily speak Japanese but are reported to assist international guests in basic English and with arrangements such as onsen advice and local directions; contacting the ryokan in advance helps for specific requests.
Meals focus on local, seasonal ingredients—examples include Tajima beef and regional crab—served as set multi-course dinners and breakfast options; some meal plans are seasonal, so availability may vary.
The ryokan sits in central Kinosaki, roughly a one-minute walk from Jizo-yu and about five minutes from JR Kinosaki Station, with the town’s famous external baths, shops and walking streets all within easy walking distance.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 with last arrival around 20:00, and check-out is in the morning (approximately by 10:00, with some listings showing 07:00–10:00); luggage can be stored at reception before check-in.
Pets are not accepted at the ryokan, there is no on-site parking so guests should use nearby paid parking, and convenience stores and small supermarkets are within walking distance for basic supplies.