Ichidaya
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 96 reviews
Ichidaya is a small Japanese‑modern inn tucked on the willow‑lined main street of Kinosaki Onsen. Renovated in 2023, the property operates on an intimate scale with nine guest rooms combining traditional tatami layouts and mixed Western/Japanese options. The property features two in‑house hot spring facilities reserved for guests, a ceramic bath and a Towada stone bath; guests book these private slots at check‑in, making it a ryokan with private onsen in Kinosaki, Hyōgo. An electronic Yumepa pass can be arranged to visit the town’s six public bathhouses.
Rooms come with essentials such as Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, television, refrigerator and a bidet‑equipped restroom, while traditional comforts include a yukata and futon bedding. When meals are included, the inn serves seasonal multi‑course menus in a private dining room or in‑room; dinner often requires advance arrangement and typically highlights local seafood and Tajima beef. Female guests may borrow colorful yukata from March to October. A small lounge overlooks the street and provides complimentary coffee, a quiet place to plan an out‑spa tour of the town.
The bathing offering emphasizes privacy: the in‑house ceramic and Towada stone baths suit small groups or couples and can be reserved at no extra charge, while the Yumepa card enables entry to the town’s circuit of public onsen. A short walk from the local station, Ichidaya pairs updated interiors and practical amenities with traditional service, making it a compact ryokan with private onsen in Hyōgo Prefecture for travelers seeking an authentic onsen stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ichidaya
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Multiple guests highlight very friendly, helpful and accommodating staff who assist with meals, yukata, luggage storage and special requests, contributing strongly to the ryokan experience.
Excellent central location
The property is in the heart of Kinosaki, a short walk from the train station, shops and public bathhouses; guests appreciated being able to explore the town and return easily, and some noted views by the canal.
Authentic ryokan experience and private onsen
Reviewers enjoyed the traditional elements (yukata, geta, tatami rooms), in-house private onsen that can be reserved, and easy access to the town's seven public bathhouses — many called the onsen clean, relaxing and a highlight of the stay.
Delicious multi-course kaiseki meals
Guests praised the quality and variety of kaiseki dinners and breakfasts — many enjoyed fresh seafood and seasonal items (crab, Tajima beef). Meals are often served in-room or in private dining and described as tasty and memorable.
Clean, comfortable rooms and thoughtful amenities
Reviews repeatedly mention spotless, recently renovated rooms that are comfortable and well equipped; small extras such as coffee, ice cream, ice water, umbrellas and helpful touches were also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Portion sizes and cost of meals
Several guests found the kaiseki dinners to be extremely large — too much food for some visitors — and noted that meals can be expensive or overwhelming for European appetites.
Futon beds are firm
Multiple reviewers noted that the traditional futon beds are hard, which is typical for ryokans and may be uncomfortable for some guests, especially over multiple nights.
Noise from town, trains and other guests
Some guests reported hearing street and train noise from the nearby station and the general bustle of town; others mentioned footsteps from rooms above, so light sleepers should be aware.
Yukata sizing and wooden sandals
A few guests found the provided yukata small and the wooden geta sandals uncomfortable; one review recommended bringing personal footwear for longer walks.
Stairs and distance to some facilities
Guests pointed out that some rooms are on higher floors with many stairs (important for those with mobility issues), and that the furthest onsen or facilities can require a bit of walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ichidaya has a mix of Japanese-style and hybrid rooms suitable for couples and small groups; some Japanese rooms sleep up to four on futons while twin rooms suit two guests. The property is small (around nine rooms), so larger groups should contact the ryokan to discuss arrangements.
The ryokan offers two in-house hot spring baths that are available for private use; please reserve a private bath when you check in. Guests can also use the town’s public baths with a digital pass provided by the ryokan.
Ichidaya is a short walk (about 5–6 minutes) from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station; there is a local shared shuttle service run by the ryokan association at the station. The nearest regional airport is Tajima Airport, roughly an 11-mile drive from the town.
Staff at Ichidaya can assist in English to varying degrees, and many guests report helpful English communication; contact the ryokan in advance if you need specific language support.
Traditional multi-course kaiseki meals and breakfasts are offered, with seasonal specialties such as local crab and Tajima beef at certain times of year; meal plans are usually part of room packages and dinner should be reserved in advance. Meals are served in private dining areas or in-room depending on the plan.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Please notify the ryokan of any expected late arrival.
The property does not typically offer full-house privatization, but private onsen reservations and private dining rooms are available for guests depending on your booking. Contact the ryokan directly to discuss special requests and availability.
The ryokan does not advertise pet-friendly rooms; please contact them directly if you require confirmation. There are local shops and small supermarkets within walking distance in Kinosaki Onsen town.
Ichidaya sits on Kinosaki’s willow-lined main street beside Jizo-yu and provides easy access to the town’s seven public baths, local eateries, souvenir shops and nearby beaches. The ryokan also lends yukata for strolling the town to enhance the traditional onsen experience.
Most visitors explore on foot in yukata and sandals, using the ryokan’s digital pass to hop between the public baths; local buses and taxis serve nearby attractions and connections to the train station. The ryokan lounge and staff can advise on routes and timing for sightseeing.