Nishimuraya Honkan
9.7/10 (Based on 217 reviews )
669-6101 Hyogo, Toyooka, Kinosaki-cho Yushima 469, Japan
Nishimuraya Honkan is a historic ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen (Toyooka, Hyogo), about a 15-minute walk from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station, with limited-time shuttle service and free valet parking. The onsen facilities include multiple in-house hot spring baths with set opening hours, using mild saline spring water (heated and diluted). Some suites feature a private open-air bath, but these are filled with regular heated water rather than hot spring water. Guests can also reserve a private hot spring bath and spa treatments at the sister property Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei, reachable by complimentary transfer. Dining typically focuses on seasonal kaiseki, with breakfast served in a dedicated dining hall. A Japanese garden and small museum contribute to a calm, traditional atmosphere.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Amazing food (breakfasts and in-room dinners/kaiseki), often described as Michelin-level
- Exceptional, attentive, friendly and professional service; personalized touches (e.g., birthday/anniversary)
- Very clean, comfortable and beautiful rooms; good shower heat/water pressure; soft futons
- Beautiful historic building, gardens (koi/carp pond) and peaceful atmosphere; relaxing grounds and lounge
- Excellent onsen experience (private onsen/baths highlighted); good location with shuttle/free station transfers and access to town onsens
Negative reviews
- High price/very expensive
- Layout can be complicated; some rooms are far/awkward to reach
- Practical/comfort issues: thin/small towels; no large-size geta sandals; limited luggage storage; tatami bedding may need extra mattresses
- Some found meals below expectations or too long; one review said sister hotel meals were better
- Other minor issues: staff sometimes overwhelming; complicated check-in time; slight smell noted in one stay
Yuraku Kinosaki Spa & Gardens
9.6/10 (Based on 216 reviews )
669-6101 Hyogo, Toyooka, Kinosaki-cho Yushima 844, Japan
Yuraku Kinosaki Spa & Gardens (Yuraku / 湯楽) is a ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo, set slightly off the main onsen street in a quieter, wooded setting. On-site bathing focuses on natural hot-spring facilities, including gender-separated indoor baths and an open-air bath that alternates by schedule, plus reservable private baths with 40‑minute time slots booked at check-in. The ryokan is also known for seasonal private-bath themes such as fruit or floral baths. Meals are served on-site, with breakfast available and dinner offered by reservation in advance. Additional features include a lounge/bar area, garden spaces, and free on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Quiet, peaceful location (tucked by the forest) and close to town/public baths (e.g., ~5 minutes walk).
- Friendly, attentive, welcoming staff; helpful with tips, maps, shuttle/transport and other requests.
- Excellent food (multi-course dinners/kaiseki and breakfasts); some mention outstanding dining and accommodating dietary needs (vegetarian/no-meat).
- Onsen facilities praised: private and public baths on site (including flower bath; indoor/outdoor), clean and relaxing; some rooms/baths described as exceptional.
- Beautiful property/grounds: zen gardens, views from rooms, relaxing atmosphere; rooms described as spacious/clean with comfortable futons/duvets.
Negative reviews
- Some found the hotel’s onsens small/uncomfortable.
- Smoking smell in hallways due to nearby/designated smoking rooms/areas (though rooms often unaffected).
- Communication in English sometimes difficult; staff poorly speaks English (mentioned as common in Japan).
- Meals: some felt dinner rushed; others found Japanese dinner/breakfast not to their taste (e.g., too much raw fish; wanted Western breakfast/choice).
- Room-related drawbacks mentioned by some: hard pillows; no shower in room (or very basic for price); sound isolation not very good; room not made up during the day; beds/mattresses drifting apart.
Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei
9.5/10 (Based on 380 reviews )
669-6101 Hyogo, Toyooka, Kinosaki-cho Yushima 1016-2, Japan
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei is a traditional ryokan-style hotel in Kinosaki Onsen (Toyooka, Hyogo), set by a mountain forest. The main onsen facilities include gender-separated hot spring baths with open-air baths, plus a dry sauna and cold bath in each bathing area, and a refreshment lounge after bathing. The property also offers reservable private onsen spa rooms (design-themed) for a timed session. Some guest rooms feature private open-air baths; however, these are heated water rather than natural hot spring water, while the public baths use natural hot spring water. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, private dining rooms, massage treatments, a fitness gym, and seasonal pool access, with free parking available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Private onsen in the room / private onsen experience
- Onsen/baths described as beautiful, one of the best; quiet; hotel onsen superior
- Staff described as friendly, kind, attentive, helpful; room attendants praised
- Food praised (dinner/kaiseki, breakfast/buffet) as excellent/phenomenal/delicious
- Beautiful property: gorgeous lobby, great views (mountains/woodland/forest), spacious/clean rooms and facilities
Negative reviews
- High price / value not worth it; pricey
- Hotel is far from town/center; reliance on shuttle; shuttle stops can be confusing/hard to catch
- Dinner served in-room can leave a strong food smell
- Limited English spoken by front desk staff; children on premises reduced the serene feel
- Issues mentioned: fishy smell on one floor; Wi‑Fi signal not great in a corner room; no AC; breakfast criticized in some reviews; limited dining/a la carte options; welcome drink not covering soft drinks; mild food poisoning reported; weird green stuff under toilet sink
Ginka
9.5/10 (Based on 290 reviews )
669-6123 Hyogo, Toyooka, Oshima 1177, Japan
Ginka (Kinosaki Maruyamagawa Onsen) is a small ryokan in Toyooka, Hyogo, set on the banks of the Maruyama River, a short drive from the Kinosaki Onsen area. The onsen facilities include a large public bath with both indoor and open-air bathing, designed to face the river, plus two reservable private baths available free of charge in time slots. Guest rooms are Japanese-style and the property is known for river-view bathing, including hinoki (cypress) baths in-room in some categories. Dining focuses on Japanese kaiseki-style cuisine with seasonal regional ingredients, served in restaurant dining areas with options designed for added privacy. On-site services commonly include shuttle access from the nearest station and parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Calm, relaxing and serene location by the river with beautiful views
- Friendly, welcoming, attentive staff; good English communication mentioned
- Well maintained/spotless property; clean, comfortable and spacious rooms
- Onsen experience appreciated (private onsen free/available; relaxing baths with river view)
- Food often praised (delicious/excellent kaiseki dinners and breakfasts); plus extras like snacks/drinks/ice cream/yukata and shuttle service convenience
Negative reviews
- A bit far from the main onsen town; requires planning around shuttle times/advance booking and not walkable
- Some food complaints: dinner/breakfast considered overpriced or not good; limited variety for longer stays; service issues during meals (slow, missed items/drinks)
- Dietary requests not properly accommodated in some cases (vegetarian/dietary restrictions)
- Room/property issues reported by some: no hot water, dated/worn or needing renovation; poor value/overcharged
- Missing amenities/features for some guests (no safe; lack of storage space; wished for sanitary towels in room; accessibility difficulties due to no elevator)
Morizuya
9.4/10 (Based on 1161 reviews )
669-6101 Hyogo, Toyooka, Kinosaki-cho Yushima 417, Japan
Morizuya is a traditional ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen (Toyooka, Hyogo), set along the town’s central shopping street and well placed for walking to Kinosaki’s public bathhouses. On site, the property has natural hot-spring bathing, including a distinctive cave-like bath carved into rock and an open-air bath. The two baths can be reserved for private use on weekdays (with time limits), offering a quieter soak for couples or families. Rooms follow a Japanese style with tatami and futon bedding, and the atmosphere leans classic and intimate. Meals are served in a dedicated dining area, with Japanese breakfast and multi-course dinner featuring local dishes. Free parking is available for guests, and a free station shuttle is offered.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional, warm hospitality; friendly and attentive staff/owner who go out of their way to help (e.g., photos, rides, luggage help).
- Great private onsen/baths on-site (often available for private use) and relaxing onsen experience.
- Excellent meals, especially traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner/kaiseki; delicious and generous portions.
- Excellent central location near the public onsens and town sights; convenient for exploring.
- Traditional ryokan atmosphere and rooms (cozy, spacious/clean), plus extras like yukata/kimono and tea ceremony.
Negative reviews
- Futons/beds and pillows can feel hard or thin (sleeping on the floor uncomfortable for some).
- Some rooms/areas had unpleasant smells (e.g., smoky genkan near smoking area; room smelled like “cooking daikon”).
- Property is traditional/historic and can feel dated; stairs can be difficult; narrow hallways and low room height for tall guests.
- Onsens/baths can require waiting when occupied; bathing/shower setup may not be in-room (e.g., no hot water in room, only in onsen areas).
- Service/communication issues mentioned by some: slow responses on Booking.com messages; occasional language/understanding difficulties; meal pacing felt rushed for one guest.
Arimasansoh Goshobessho
9.4/10 (Based on 60 reviews )
651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 958, Japan
Arimasansoh Goshobessho is a villa-style ryokan in Arima Onsen (Kobe, Hyogo), set in a quiet, wooded hillside area slightly away from the busiest lanes. Accommodation is arranged in independent “thermal suites,” designed for privacy and a slow pace. The onsen experience centers on Arima’s iron-rich, mineral hot spring (often referred to as “gold” spring), offered as in-room baths in the suites, with additional shared bathing available on site. A private thermal room is also part of the stay concept, intended for post-bath relaxation such as quiet reading or meditation. Dining focuses on seasonal local ingredients from Hyogo, with a kaiseki-style approach and private dining options. Facilities also include a library salon and on-property spaces designed for calm time between baths and meals.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- In-room onsen / personal hot spring was amazing
- Great/attentive/friendly staff and service (including pickup/car rides)
- Beautiful, peaceful, serene property and relaxing atmosphere
- Food was delicious (incl. kaiseki; private meals mentioned)
- Comfortable, clean, spacious rooms/villas with great amenities (e.g., dry sauna, well stocked, large)
Negative reviews
- Guests wished they could have stayed more nights / stay felt too short
- Asked to confirm all meals multiple days in advance
- Price felt too high / not worth the money
- Conveyor belt/moving walkway to rooms felt dangerous (child’s foot got caught); also a long walk to reach rooms
- Some room/comfort issues: little natural light; needed an extra closet light; carpet (moquette) disliked; rooms’ layout felt strange
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
9.3/10 (Based on 651 reviews )
651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 1364-1, Japan
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama is a ryokan in Arima Onsen (Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo), set on a quiet hillside about a 10-minute walk from the main hot-spring streets. The onsen experience focuses on guest-only private baths: eight reservable private hot-spring rooms are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, including indoor baths and open-air baths. Both Arima’s famed “gold” and “silver” waters are offered across the private baths. Dining is available by reservation, with a Japanese kaiseki dinner and set breakfast served in non-smoking private rooms within the restaurant. Rooms combine tatami seating with either futon or beds, and the property offers free parking plus a free shuttle to the local station/bus stop.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Amazing, attentive, friendly and helpful staff; excellent service (including making restaurant reservations).
- Private onsen/spa facilities are beautiful, clean, easy to reserve (multiple indoor/outdoor options).
- Convenient free shuttle service (to/from train/bus stations, town/restaurants, ropeway); quick pickup.
- Rooms described as spacious, comfortable, clean; some rooms have private hot spring baths and good views.
- Food/breakfast praised by several guests (including kaiseki and private-room breakfast); free laundry mentioned.
Negative reviews
- Bathroom could have been better (one review).
- Maintenance/room issues reported: toilet not working requiring room change; some equipment dated/old; air-regulating machines loud.
- Some cleanliness/housekeeping complaints: fingerprints on windows, wall stains, ceiling stains; toiletries appeared partially used; empty disinfectant bottle (one review).
- Location/access concerns: far from station or takes time by public transport; a bit of a walk/uphill if not using shuttle.
- Service/operations criticisms: futon setup delay; staff inflexible/strict in one case; onsen reservations limited to 45 minutes and/or in-person booking; dining options/dietary preferences limited or food perceived overpriced/not as good by some; no pajamas/western breakfast not available; no public bath mentioned by some.
Kinosaki Onsen Kawaguchiya Honkan
9.3/10 (Based on 252 reviews )
669-6101 Hyogo, Toyooka, Kinosaki-cho Yushima 274, Japan
Kinosaki Onsen Kawaguchiya Honkan is a traditional Japanese ryokan located in the center of Kinosaki Onsen, along the Otani River near the Taiko Bridge. The property has onsen facilities on site, with separate men’s and women’s communal baths open from 4:00 pm to 9:00 am the next morning. It also offers a reservable private open-air bath, booked in 45-minute time slots. Meals are served at the in-house dining venue “Benten,” with seating arranged for a more private setting. Practical services include free parking, a free shuttle to/from Kinosaki Onsen Station, Wi‑Fi, and coin laundry. Some rooms offer riverside views.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Excellent, friendly, helpful and supportive staff (some English-speaking; explanations for onsen/yukata; recommendations).
- Great central location in Kinosaki (close to onsens and town; walkable from station; convenience store nearby).
- Rooms described as clean, comfortable, nicely designed/traditional Japanese vibe; some rooms spacious and/or recently renovated; balcony/terrace views (mountains/street/river).
- Onsen experience appreciated: private onsen available; onsen pass provided; yukata/towels/geta/basket provided; onsen-hopping made straightforward.
- Good food mentioned by some: excellent Kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast; breakfast with local ingredients; good value.
Negative reviews
- No lift/elevator / stairs only (also one report of broken elevator).
- Shared/public bath/onsen described as dated and needing renovation/TLC.
- Some comments about the building/facilities being dated and needing deep clean/new carpet; stains; non-smoking but smoke smell in hallways; smells on 3rd floor.
- Curfew at 11pm noted as potentially inconvenient.
- Room comfort/space issues: small room or not enough space to open luggage; futon/pillow uncomfortable or stiff; air felt stuffed/no air recycling.
Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo
9.2/10 (Based on 981 reviews )
651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 858 , Japan
Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo is a historic ryokan in Arima Onsen (Kobe, Hyogo), located in the hot-spring town area. The main focus is its onsen bathing: the property uses Arima’s kinsen (iron-rich “gold” water) as free-flowing hot spring water. Bathing options include gender-separated indoor baths, plus a semi open-air bathing area designed for meeting up while keeping bathing separate. For more privacy, a reservable private bath facility is also available (time-limited sessions, fee applies). Cuisine centers on seasonal kaiseki-style courses rooted in the ryokan’s “Yamaga” cooking tradition, using regional ingredients from Hyogo and local seafood. Rooms are individually designed in a traditional setting.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Extremely kind, welcoming, attentive staff; impeccable service
- Authentic/traditional historic ryokan experience; well preserved, beautiful property
- Onsen (Kin-sen/golden water) described as comfortable/pleasant/relaxing; some mention sauna/open-air section
- Food highlights: kaiseki dinner and breakfast described as spectacular/creative/well presented/fresh; complimentary coffee/drinks for children after breakfast; great coffee room
- Very convenient location (souvenir shops and bus terminal in front; close to town/transportation)
Negative reviews
- Cold public bath area and in-room shower facilities in winter; room air felt dry due to heating
- Noise issues: thin walls/paper-thin soundproofing; noise from upstairs/other guests/children
- Some rooms lack private shower/bath (shared bathroom); bathroom not recently updated; some rooms dim
- Onsen criticisms from some: small/single pool; limited facilities (no cold pool/garden/fresh-air rest area); private onsen may be a short walk away
- Value/experience concerns: expensive/overpriced; kaiseki dinner quality underwhelming for price (e.g., fish overcooked/tough beef/lack of Kobe beef); some complaints about service/omotenashi (wait for pickup, rushed meals)
Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan
9/10 (Based on 357 reviews )
651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 318 , Japan
Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan is a traditional ryokan in Arima Onsen (Kobe, Hyogo), set in a quiet, nature-oriented hot spring town. The main onsen area features large public baths with both indoor and open-air sections, plus a sauna; the open-air bath is known for views toward the surrounding mountains. For private bathing, three themed reservable baths are available (cypress, wine, and a semi-open-air cave bath). Korokan’s hot spring water is a sodium chloride spring, heated from the source. Beyond bathing, the property offers spa and beauty treatments, an evening noodle shop, and a bar lounge (when operating), creating a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Food, staffs, rooms and facilities are all great!
- Beautiful hotel tucked in the valley, close to town but far enough away to be peaceful.
- Great indoor and outdoor baths; can also try their connecting sister hotel’s baths.
- Room was very clean and spacious; food was amazing; breakfast and dinner served in the room by a sweet attendant.
- Very old school hotel with helpful, friendly staff; there are 3 onsen areas within the hotel (one with a small sauna).
Negative reviews
- Location is slightly further from the station (but walkable).
- Could not book dinner upon arrival; has to be pre booked.
- Pillows could be improved.
- The air conditioner in the room is outdated and difficult to adjust.
- Wifi was weak / little to no functional wifi.
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nishimuraya Honkan | 9.7▲ | 217 | 5▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.8▲ | 9.9▲ | 9.9▲ | 8.8 | 9.8▲ |
| 2 | Yuraku Kinosaki Spa & Gardens | 9.6 | 216 | 4▼ | 9.8 | 9.8▲ | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.3▲ | 9.8▲ |
| 3 | Kinosaki Onsen Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei | 9.5 | 380 | 5▲ | 9.7 | 9.8▲ | 9.8 | 8.9▼ | 8.7 | 9.8▲ |
| 4 | Ginka | 9.5 | 290 | 5▲ | 9.8 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.6 |
| 5 | Morizuya | 9.4 | 1161▲ | 4▼ | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.8 | 9.1 | 9.5 |
| 6 | Arimasansoh Goshobessho | 9.4 | 60▼ | 5▲ | 9.9 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 9.3 | 8.1▼ | 9.5 |
| 7 | Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama | 9.3 | 651 | 5▲ | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.6 | 9.0 | 8.6 | 9.5 |
| 8 | Kinosaki Onsen Kawaguchiya Honkan | 9.3 | 252 | 4▼ | 9.7 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.8 | 9.3▲ | 9.3 |
| 9 | Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo | 9.2 | 981 | 5▲ | 9.6▼ | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| 10 | Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan | 9▼ | 357 | 5▲ | 9.6▼ | 9.3▼ | 9.3▼ | 8.9▼ | 8.5 | 9.1▼ |
FAQ
Nishimuraya Honkan is a standout if you want a refined, historic ryokan atmosphere in Kinosaki Onsen. It offers in-house hot-spring baths using mild saline water and a calm setting enhanced by a Japanese garden and small museum. You can also arrange a private hot-spring bath and spa treatments via its sister property with a complimentary transfer.
Arimasansoh Goshobessho is ideal if having a private onsen in your own suite is a priority. The stay is built around villa-style thermal suites designed for privacy, with Arima’s mineral-rich “gold” hot spring water in-room. Seasonal kaiseki dining emphasizes local Hyogo ingredients and can be arranged in a private setting.
Ginka is a great choice for a serene, riverside ryokan experience near Kinosaki. Its indoor and open-air hot-spring baths are designed to face the Maruyama River, and private baths can be reserved for a quieter soak. Meals focus on kaiseki cuisine with seasonal regional ingredients, and shuttle support helps with access.
Morizuya is well placed right along Kinosaki Onsen’s central shopping street, making it easy to stroll to the public bathhouses. On site, it offers natural hot-spring bathing with a distinctive cave-like rock bath and an open-air bath. The atmosphere is classic and intimate, with Japanese-style rooms and multi-course dinners served in a dedicated dining area.
Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo is a strong pick for an authentic Arima Onsen experience centered on iron-rich “gold” spring water. It’s a historic property with source-flowing baths, plus the option to reserve a private bath for more privacy. Dining highlights seasonal kaiseki rooted in the ryokan’s traditional Yamaga cooking style.