Hitomaru Kadan
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 16 reviews
Hitomaru Kadan is a long-established ryokan tucked in Akashi, Hyōgo, combining traditional architecture with carefully restored interiors and a small garden. Guest rooms follow Japanese styling with tatami, futon or low furniture and select suites that look onto the garden; many rooms offer private wash areas and classic lacquered-wood details. The property operates as a compact, service-oriented inn with parking and property-wide Wi‑Fi, presenting a measured, authentic stay for visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Akashi.
Bath facilities combine a small public open-air bath, a steam or wooden tub and rentable private baths for couples or families. The water is described locally as mineral-rich and linked to the region’s hot-spring tradition; bathing hours and private-bath bookings are managed by reception, and staff can arrange single-use slots to accommodate guests with tattoos or those preferring solitude. Additional amenities include a sauna and modest communal spaces for reading or tea; the bathing areas are arranged to preserve privacy and seasonal views of the garden.
Kaiseki dining emphasises Akashi’s seafood — sea bream, octopus and conger eel appear regularly — with multi-course meals served in private dining rooms or delivered to the room on request. The inn runs day-use plans that combine a meal with hot-spring access and can be booked for small celebrations; chefs adapt menus to seasonal catches. Located within easy reach of the Akashi Strait and local train connections, the ryokan provides a quieter alternative to city hotels and functions as a well-located ryokan with private onsen in Hyōgo for travellers exploring the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hitomaru Kadan
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere
Multiple guests praised the ryokan’s historic, traditional character and calm setting, describing an immersive Japanese experience with woodwork and period decor that enhanced their stay.
Excellent cuisine (dinner and breakfast)
Several reviews highlighted very high-quality meals — carefully prepared dinners with explanations from staff and generous Japanese breakfasts (bento), repeatedly described as delicious and a highlight of the stay.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were consistently noted as kind and helpful, providing clear guidance about facilities, assisting with meal arrangements and making guests feel well cared for during their visit.
Spacious, comfortable rooms
Guests reported large room volumes on tatami, good sleeping comfort on traditional bedding for many, and overall cleanliness; one room felt like an apartment in size and layout.
Onsen and practical amenities
The onsen was appreciated (including acceptance of tattooed guests), and reviewers mentioned additional conveniences such as free parking and in-room air purifiers that helped allergy sufferers.
Negative Reviews
Some areas/furnishings feel aged
A few guests noted that certain elements (carpets, chairs, general areas) looked worn and could benefit from refreshment or minor updates to modernise the property.
Futons perceived as thin by some
While rooms were spacious and many slept well, at least one reviewer found the futons not very thick, reducing perceived mattress comfort for that guest.
Onsen good but not outstanding for all
Several reviewers found the baths pleasant and adequate, but not extraordinary — appreciated overall but not universally described as exceptional.
Menu not well adapted for children
One guest mentioned that the fixed menus were not very child‑friendly, which may be an issue for families travelling with young children.
Occasional booking/meal confusion
There were reports of unclear communication about meal inclusion at check‑in (a reservation mix‑up that was ultimately resolved), suggesting the need for clearer confirmation procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hitomaru Kadan offers traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futon bedding; many room types accommodate up to four people on futons and there are family-room options, with some rooms featuring private bathrooms.
Yes — the property has indoor and open-air hot spring baths and also offers private-bath options for guests who prefer privacy.
Private onsen and private day-use bathing rooms are available subject to prior reservation and limited availability; contact the ryokan before arrival to book a slot.
Public-bath entry may be restricted for guests with tattoos; guests with tattoos are advised to reserve a private bath or a room with its own bathing facilities.
The ryokan can arrange station pickup by prior request — contact the property to confirm and schedule a shuttle from JR Akashi Station or to discuss alternative transfers.
Kobe Airport is roughly 32 km away; nearby sights include the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Okura Beach, Akashi Fish Market (Uonotana) and the Akashi Planetarium, all reachable by short drive or train.
Japanese is the primary language; staff can handle basic English via booking platforms, but guests may find a translation app helpful for detailed requests.
The ryokan serves seasonal kaiseki dinners focused on local Akashi seafood (sea bream, octopus, etc.), often in-room or in private dining spaces, and an Asian-style breakfast is provided.
Check-in is from 16:00 to 20:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the property enforces a curfew and guests cannot enter or leave after 22:00.
Pets are not accepted; free on-site parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi are available, and the ryokan is close to convenience stores and the Uonotana shopping street for groceries and local shops.