Are you up for a serene escapade just a few hours from Kyoto? Kinosaki Onsen boasts fantasy-like surroundings, stunning historic architecture, and relaxing hot springs for a memorable getaway. Plus, tourists rarely visit this place, so it seldom gets crowded!

Kinosaki Onsen is best traveled by foot, so you can take photos of the town’s waterfalls, lush trees, and rivers. We highly suggest renting wooden sandals and traditional Japanese robes to blend in with the locals.

Why not stay in customary ryokans or Japanese guesthouses to get the most out of your trip to Kinosaki Onsen? They are not only unique but also allow you to appreciate the true local culture.
To help you out, we listed 12 of the best and most stunning ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen. Let’s talk about each ryokan’s amenities facilities, and why you should book them on your next trip to Japan.

1. Morizuya

Morizuya is one of the top ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen because of its premium experience. This traditional inn is praised for its fantastic location near the mountains, impeccable service, and spacious rooms with complete facilities. Moreover, Morizuya has public and private onsens for all guests.

What you will like even more about this ryokan is the traditional kaiseki meal every dinner. You can choose whether to have it in your own guestroom for privacy or join other guests in the dining hall. The private onsen baths are also available for reservation on weekdays.

If you decide to reserve a room, you get a free pass to all of Morizuya’s 7 onsen baths. Additionally, if you’re traveling alone, you can ask any staff member to take beautiful photos of you!

Book It Here: Morizuya

2. Nishimuraya Honkan

One of the oldest ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen, Nishimuraya Honkan, is about 150 years old and promises a luxurious experience. You can reach it by walking 15 minutes from the Kinosaki Onsen station.

Nishimuraya Honkan has a huge public bath for everyone. But if you’re willing to pay more, you can reserve a room with an open-air bath surrounded by a Japanese garden. This five-star ryokan also features spacious rooms with courtyard views. Plus, the surroundings feel moist, making you feel relaxed while lounging.

In addition to traditional rooms with tatami mats and futon bedding, Nishimuraya Honkan offers one of the best dinner meals in Kinosaki. Experience authentic Japanese cuisine made with fresh seasonal vegetables and Matsuba crab, available from November to March.

Book It Here: Nishimuraya Honkan

3. Mikuniya

Looking for something more affordable? Mikuniya is perfect! This accommodation also offers an authentic Japanese experience. Despite being small, Mikuniya has the most convenient location to explore the entire Kinosaki Onsen. Plus, it’s only 250 meters from the train station, so it’s perfect if you travel heavily!

All rooms at Mikuniya are decent-sized, with shoji screen doors and tatami flooring. You can also enjoy a private onsen experience with three on-site onsen baths. Should you want more privacy, Mikuniya allows guests to reserve all three baths free of charge.

Room reservations come with a free Japanese breakfast buffet and authentic dinner. For nearby tourist attractions, be sure to visit Kinosaki Marine World and Kinosaki Ropeway.

Book It Here: Mikuniya

4. Kinosaki Onsen Hanakouji Saigets

Kinosaki Onsen Hanakouji Saigetsu is all about an authentic cultural experience. Located within walking distance from the station, this ryokan boasts accessibility and affordability, making it ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.

What you will love the most about Hanakouji Saigetsu are the spacious rooms. This traditional Japanese inn is also suitable for families and large groups of friends. Despite being 2-star and less luxurious than the other options on this list, its kaiseki dinner and seasonal breakfast are top-notch. Plus, this ryokan’s Slumberland mattresses will certainly give you the best sleep!

Kinosaki Onsen Hanakouji Saigetsu is also near several cafes and restaurants. It’s also near Takenohama and Kirihama Beaches, perfect for adventure seekers.

Book It Here: Kinosaki Onsen Hanakouji Saigetsu

5. Sinonomesou

Sinonomesou is known for its hot spring baths, traditional Japanese meals, and big karaoke rooms. The futon beds and tatami floors in all the rooms allow you to experience how the locals rest and relax. However, no private bathrooms are available; only shared bathrooms are available.

You can also visit popular local tourist attractions nearby, including the Kinosaki Marine World, Kinosaki Ropeway, and the Zenbu Cave. But if you prefer to stay in the ryokan and unwind, we recommend booking a massage or exploring the Japanese garden. A hot spring bath is also available for private reservations.

If you’re booking this ryokan, remember to try out breakfast and dinner meals that showcase authentic Japanese cuisine. All vegetables are harvested from Sinonomesou’s organic farm.

Book It Here: Sinonomesou

6. Kinosaki Yamamotoya

If you want a unique ryokan with a more personalized experience, Kinosaki Yamamotoya is the one. It’s not as big as the other ryokans on this list, but its customer service is definitely remarkable.

But what makes Kinosaki Yamamotoya truly remarkable and memorable is the on-site brewery. Everything is homemade, including the famous cold local beer. We totally recommend trying this one out after exploring Kinosaki Onsen in your Yukata robe.

Kinosaki Yamamotoya also has free shuttle services to reach Kinosaki Onsen, but the station is only a few minutes away by foot. You may also try out Kinosaki Yamamotoya’s own hot spring bath. If you didn’t get any yukata, the ryokan can provide one.

Book It Here: Kinosaki Yamamotoya

7. Onishiya Suishoen

Onishiya Suishoen’s traditional Japanese architecture adds to Kinosaki Onsen’s charm. The ryokan is affordable and convenient, and it can even offer free shuttle services from the train station.

This three-star ryokan features a hot spring bath, a hydromassage pool, and a sauna. Guest rooms are also spacious and covered with tatami mats. Moreover, you can also book massage services for a more relaxing experience. If you want to explore outside, Toyooka is excellent for cycling and hiking, with bike rentals everywhere.

Onishiya Suishoen takes pride in serving delicious, authentic Japanese meals. Although they are not free with room reservations, it’s worth paying extra to try them out.

Book It Here: Onishiya Suishoen

8. Sensui

Sensui is another budget-friendly, three-star ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen. A free shuttle bus picks you up from the station, but you can also choose to walk for 5 minutes. Japanese and Western rooms are available, varying in interiors, window views, and overall architecture.

A shared bathroom is available for all guests. But don’t worry, all the rooms also come with private toilets. There are no public onsens, but three private hot-spring baths are available for reservation. Additionally, guests can receive free onsen passes to Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public baths.

If you book this place, don’t forget to try the ryokan’s traditional multi-course dinner. Get to taste local dishes like the snow crab and the Tajima beef.

Book It Here: Sensui

9. Tokiwa Bekkan

Tokiwa Bekkan may be the simplest ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen. The design is very straightforward, with traditional Japanese decor and intricate interiors. This three-star ryokan accommodation features huge rooms with garden views and a complimentary Japanese breakfast.

Besides the free breakfast, Tokiwa Bekkan’s traditional kaiseki dinner is also to die for! Everything is served fresh, with local ingredients harvested from nearby Japanese farms. If you prefer staying in the ryokan instead of exploring Kinosaki Onsen, Tokiwa Bekkan also has its own hot spring baths to keep you warm.

Book It Here: Tokiwa Bekkan

10. Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan Tsubakino

Ryokan Tsubakino is another ryokan located near the train station. The spacious guest rooms, with natural lighting and tatami floors, are a treat for the eyes. The common areas are also maintained properly, with decorated interiors that make this ryokan a treat for the eyes.

Ryokan Tsubakino features skiing, cycling, and bath-hopping around the area. Plus, you also get a free pass to enjoy the seven public hot spring baths at Kinosaki Onsen. The dining halls for lunch and dinner are different, and you can enjoy full-course kaiseki meals.

Book It Here: Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan Tsubakino

11. Utsuroi Tsuchiya Annex

Utsuroi Tsuchiya Annex screams cozy and welcoming in its charming and sleek esthetics. It combines the classic ryokan structure with modern architecture, wooden furniture, and large open windows. From the outside, tourists often mistake this for a cafe. But once you head inside, you will immediately recognize that it’s still a traditional Japanese guesthouse.

All rooms feature traditional furniture, tatami floors, and a hanging eggchair where you can lounge in from the balcony. How can we forget that Utsuroi Tsuchiya also has the softest futon bedding set, giving you the best sleep after a long day of exploring?

This ryokan also features cozy hot spring baths for all the guests. For a more relaxing experience, we recommend booking the onsens beforehand.

Book It Here: Utsuroi Tsuchiya Annex

12. Yuraku Kinosaki Spa and Gardens

Last on our list is a 4-star ryokan, whose interiors make you feel like you’re in a historical Japanese movie. Yuraku Kinosaki Spa and Gardens is only five minutes from the station, but you can also take advantage of the ryokan’s free shuttle service.

Yuraku Kinosaki Spa and Gardens is famous for its top-notch customer service, on-site massage services, and Japanese kaiseki course for dinner. Outdoor and indoor public hot springs are also available, but you can also book a private onsen bath if you prefer your alone time.

Book It Here: Yuraku Kinosaki Spa and Gardens

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Besides enjoying Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public hot spring baths, you also deserve to experience an authentic Japanese vacation by staying in a ryokan nearby. Fortunately, Kinosaki Onsen has just the right amount of ryokans.

Have you stayed in any of the ryokans mentioned above? Let us know your experience in the comments below!

Thinking of visiting other onsen towns in Japan? Check out our guide to the best ryokans in Noboribetsu Onsen, the best ryokans in Arima Onsen, the best ryokans in Kusatsu Onsen or also the most beautiful ryokans in Yufuin Onsen!