Tsuruya Ryokan
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 430 reviews
Tsuruya Ryokan sits in Kinosaki Onsen, offering a traditionally styled stay within easy walking distance of the town’s public bathhouses and the ropeway, and a short walk from Kinosaki-Onsen Station. The low wooden frontage and modest interiors reflect Kinosaki’s onsen-town character, creating a compact base for strolling in yukata along the willow-lined canal. As a ryokan with onsen Kinosaki, it blends communal hot-spring culture with practical modern comforts for travellers seeking a quietly focused bathing experience.
Guest rooms follow traditional Japanese layouts with tatami and futon or alternative bedding, and include air-conditioning, TV, Wi‑Fi and a small seating area. The property provides on-site bathing and a reservable private onsen for individual use; it also participates in the town’s public-bath ticketing so guests can visit multiple bathhouses without extra planning. Services include luggage storage, free parking and shuttle assistance on request; the ryokan is non-smoking, does not accept children, and has a tattoo‑friendly policy noted by visitors.
Meals emphasise seasonal ingredients from the Sea of Japan and local Hyōgo produce, typically presented as set courses or breakfast options that change with availability; dining is arranged to highlight regional seafood and mountain fare. Staff routinely guide first-time visitors through Kinosaki’s bathing customs, recommend walking routes and explain small local rituals such as boiling hot-spring eggs, making short stays straightforward and accessible. For travellers seeking a compact ryokan with private onsen Hyōgo and direct access to Kinosaki’s bathing circuit, this inn offers a simple, traditional stay centered on bathing culture and seasonal dining.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tsuruya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Many reviewers praised the warm, helpful and considerate staff, mentioning attentive service at check‑in, assistance with yukata and efforts to solve problems (e.g. finding breakfast slots or helping with onsen access).
Delicious traditional meals
Numerous guests highlighted outstanding dinners and Japanese breakfasts—described as plentiful, varied and a major highlight of the stay. Several said the meals were a standout part of the experience.
Excellent location and onsen access
The ryokan is centrally located in Kinosaki Onsen, close to multiple baths. Guests valued the convenience for visiting town onsens and noted the provided pass that grants access to several public baths for 24 hours.
Private baths and onsen-related amenities
Many stays included access to a private bath in the ryokan and extras like complimentary yukata, a basket to carry them, and an onsen pass. These facilities and conveniences were repeatedly appreciated.
Traditional, cozy atmosphere and clean rooms
Reviewers enjoyed the authentic, traditional setting—describing the place as warm, atypical and nicely decorated. Several noted rooms were clean, spacious and comfortable, and the property felt calm and relaxing.
Negative Reviews
Uncomfortable bedding and pillows
Multiple guests reported futons that felt too thin (sleeping nearly on the floor) and pillows lacking support; a few specifically mentioned pillows filled with small kernels that they found uncomfortable.
Guests sometimes must set up futons themselves
Some rooms required guests to install futons themselves, which several visitors disliked or found inconvenient compared with expectations for full service.
Building age and related issues (smell, stairs, low beams, thin walls)
The property’s age was noted: guests mentioned an older building with food/‘old’ odors in areas, low beams for tall guests, steep or worn stairs that can be difficult for elderly visitors, and relatively thin walls/floors affecting privacy.
Meal availability, pricing and booking inconsistencies
A few reviewers were frustrated that meals required advance reservations and that on‑site dining wasn’t always available without prior booking. Some felt the price/value was unfavorable compared with other Japan stays; one reported a booking discount (Genius) not being honored on arrival.
Room amenity issues in some cases
Isolated complaints included rooms without a private bathroom when expected, lack of bottled water, an outdated hairdryer in a private bath, and some rooms having views onto a neighboring wall rather than more pleasant scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms use futons on tatami and typical family room options sleep three or four guests; cots and extra beds are not available and the property states children are not allowed.
The ryokan has hot-spring bathing and small private baths that guests can reserve for exclusive use; the property also arranges access to nearby public baths.
A shuttle/transfer service is offered; you should contact the ryokan in advance to arrange pick-up and confirm details.
Tajima Airport is the closest regional airport (about 18 km away), and the ryokan sits in the Kinosaki Onsen area within easy walking distance of the town and the onsen station—confirm arrival plans with the property.
Staff are known to assist English-speaking guests and are helpful with local arrangements; contact the ryokan ahead if you need language support or specific requests.
You’ll get a traditional ryokan stay with tatami rooms, yukata, multi-course Japanese dinners and set breakfasts; notify the ryokan in advance about dietary needs or allergies.
The ryokan is in the Kinosaki Onsen district, ideal for bath‑hopping, local shops and strolls; nearby sites include local shrines and onsen-area walking routes.
Check-in is typically from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out from 07:00 to 10:00; the property asks guests to inform them in advance of arrival time and notes the entrance is closed overnight.
Private baths can be booked for individual or family use, but pets are not permitted on the premises.
The ryokan serves dinner and breakfast and there are restaurants, shops and convenience stores within walking distance; free on-site parking is available for guests.