Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei
9,5/10 Exceptional - Based on 380 reviews
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei sits within a forested tract on the edge of Kinosaki’s strolling district and combines contemporary comfort with traditional ryokan service. The property offers a mix of Japanese-style and Western-style guest rooms, suites with separate living areas, and tatami rooms that open onto private garden views. Public facilities include multiple thermal bathing options—indoor and outdoor baths, a cold plunge and a dry sauna—alongside seasonal amenities such as a garden pool and spa treatments, making it a considered choice as a ryokan with onsen in Kinosaki for travellers who want both accessibility to the town’s seven public baths and on-site relaxation.
The hotel maintains a small collection of bookable private onsen spas set against the mountain forest; three distinct styles are presented—Japanese (Gingetsu), Balinese (FU-RO) and Chinese (Rinsen)—each with its own lounge and a rock sauna or heated-stone feature, and reservations are required for exclusive use. A number of higher-category rooms and a suite offer private open-air baths, though in-room open-air baths are noted as being supplied with regulated heated water rather than direct natural spring discharge, while the shared guest onsen uses the property’s hot spring source. These options position the property as a ryokan with private onsen in Hyōgo for guests seeking privacy without leaving the grounds.
Dining follows seasonal kaiseki principles with a focus on local Tajima ingredients, and the hotel operates both a traditional Japanese dining service and a Western-style restaurant for more casual meals. Practical amenities include on-site spa treatments, massage services, a fitness area and complimentary bicycles for short local transfers, with a sister property nearby that provides additional communal hot-spring baths. The overall layout emphasizes quiet rooms looking out over trees and gardens, attentive service at check-in and mealtime, and straightforward access to the willow-lined canal and the onsen-town experience on foot.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Hot…
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Many guests highlighted very caring, helpful and professional staff—warm welcome, attentive service across reception, restaurant and onsen, assistance with arrival/train schedules, and flexibility handling special requests.
Outstanding onsen and bathing facilities
The in‑house onsen received frequent praise as top‑quality—beautiful, quiet, with multiple baths (including private options), pool and extra amenities (towels, onsen coupons) and easy access to the town’s public baths.
Excellent, refined dinner experience
The multi‑course tasting dinners were repeatedly described as exceptional and creative, using fresh ingredients and served in private dining areas; several guests enjoyed varied menus on multiple nights.
Authentic, spacious Japanese rooms and comfort
Rooms (Japanese style and tatami/futon setups) were noted as large, well equipped and very comfortable; guests appreciated the traditional atmosphere, quality bedding and services like yukata provided with instructions.
Helpful guest services and convenient extras
Guests valued extras such as a free shuttle service, bike rental, lounge/bar, massage chair and clear arrival information. Onsen passes, yukata/rental and other touches made exploring Kinosaki easier and enhanced the stay.
Negative Reviews
Pricey for some travellers
A number of guests noted the stay is expensive; while many felt the cost was justified by the quality, price remained a concern for some.
Breakfast (and occasional dinner) limitations
A few reviewers found the breakfast lacking in variety or quality, and at least one guest reported difficulty securing a dinner reservation despite requesting in advance, indicating occasional limitations in meal availability.
Location and shuttle limitations
The hotel is somewhat removed from the town center and the station; although a free shuttle runs regularly, guests reported limited shuttle hours, confusing pickup points and sometimes needing taxis—making independent access to town less convenient for some.
Limited English and occasional noise from families
Some guests were surprised by limited English at the front desk. A few also noted that families with children on site can reduce the sense of serenity at times.
Minor maintenance/odour issues reported
Isolated reports mentioned a slight fishy smell on a floor and other small nuisances, suggesting occasional minor maintenance or odour issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers Japanese-style rooms (futons), twin and suite options; many Japanese rooms sleep up to 6 guests on futons while twin rooms suit two. Choose a room type based on party size—family rooms and suites are available.
Guests have free access to the ryokan’s gender-separated communal onsen and may also visit Kinosaki’s public baths with hotel privileges. The hotel operates multiple indoor and outdoor baths for staying guests.
Yes — the hotel offers a small number of private onsen (different styles) for staying guests; reservations are required and availability is limited. Private baths accommodate small groups and are booked in time slots.
Yes — a complimentary shuttle runs between the property and Kinosaki-Onsen Station with several afternoon and evening departures and limited morning departures; notify the hotel if you plan to use it. The shuttle shortens the walk from town to the forest-side hotel.
Kinosaki-Onsen is reachable by JR limited-express trains from Osaka or Kyoto in about 2.5–3 hours, or by limited express bus; there are also flights between Osaka Itami and nearby Tajima Airport with onward transfers to Kinosaki. From the station most hotels run a free welcome shuttle to your ryokan.
The hotel provides English-language information and reception/reservations staff assist international guests; many guests report helpful English support at check-in and for basic arrangements. Contact the reservation desk in advance for special requests or detailed language needs.
You can expect kaiseki-style dinners or Western options, in-room or private dining for some plans, and complimentary yukata for strolling the town and public onsens. The ryokan also provides cultural touches such as tatami rooms, evening futon service, and optional spa treatments.
The willow-lined canal, seven public onsens of Kinosaki, local shops and restaurants are in town and easily reachable; the ropeway and some onsen buildings are a short walk from the station. Guests commonly stroll in yukata to visit multiple public baths and local eateries.
Check-in is normally from mid-afternoon (around 15:00) and check-out is late morning (around 11:00); the hotel can usually store luggage before check-in or after check-out. If you need early arrival, late departure or assistance with transfers, notify the hotel in advance.
Pets are generally not accepted at traditional ryokans; contact the hotel directly if you have a specific request. Convenience stores and small supermarkets are available in Kinosaki town within a short walk or a quick shuttle ride from the hotel.