Visiting a hot spring resort is a must during your stay in Japan! One highly recommended destination is Kinosaki Onsen, situated in Hyogo Prefecture in the Kansai Region.

Kinosaki Onsen has recently become extremely popular among international visitors, whether they're experiencing hot springs for the first time or rediscovering Japan. In fact, over the past six years, the number of overseas visitors to Japan has reportedly increased 45-fold!

So, what makes Kinosaki Onsen so beloved? What kind of inn should you choose? And what exactly is a hot spring resort?

Miyu Shimada, the author of this piece and an experienced tour guide and hot springs enthusiast, provides all the details you need to know about the different types of accommodations and how to select the perfect one for your stay.

Traditional onsen ryokan inns, as the name suggests, are accommodations that are either located in a hot spring town or that include their own on-premises springs. Simply put, these inns are for more than just sleeping - they’re places where visitors can enjoy hot springs, meals, hospitality, and all kinds of other services that make the visit itself part of the travel experience. Unlike other hotels and dormitories, the appeal of an onsen inn comes from its warm hospitality and connections as only such an accommodation can offer.

Among the nearly 3,000 hot spring resorts in Japan, Kinosaki Onsen stands out as a favorite among international visitors. With a history spanning 1,300 years, it’s one of the most famous hot spring resorts in the Kansai Region.

It gained international recognition when it was featured and awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2013. Since then, Kinosaki Onsen has actively promoted itself to international visitors, making it an increasingly appealing travel destination for visitors from all over the world.

Despite Kinosaki Onsen’s 1,300-year history, the town faced near-total destruction during the North Tajima Earthquake of 1925, which caused extensive fires that ravaged the town’s wooden houses. After that, the plan was to rebuild the town with stronger concrete buildings with the help of government subsidies.

However, the people of Kinosaki chose to revive and preserve the town as it has always been, intentionally rebuilding the wooden structures in an attempt to restore its historical vibe. Thanks to the efforts and sentiment of the old town's residents, Kinosaki was restored, and continues to be loved and preserved to this day.

Around 2013, Kinosaki began a concerted effort to attract international tourists. Rather than merely increasing the number of foreign-language signs, the town focused on face-to-face customer service despite the language barrier. This approach has helped to preserve the town's authentic Japanese streetscape, which visitors love.

It has also encouraged the residents to engage actively with one another, fostering an atmosphere of friendly interaction and openness that has transcended barriers and made the town a welcoming destination for guests from all over the world.

Kinosaki Onsen is easily accessible by train or bus from popular Kansai region destinations like Osaka and Kyoto, with direct routes and no transfers. Another advantage is the town’s compact size, allowing visitors to get to most major attractions on foot (or by rental bicycle, if you prefer).

Kinosaki Onsen is home to nearly 80 different ryokan inns. About 70-80% of them are medium-sized inns with 5-20 rooms, with the remaining (albeit less common) options being larger accommodations with 30 or more rooms or single-building rentals.

Kinosaki Onsen is known for its outdoor bath culture. Those located inside the inns are called “indoor baths,” while “outdoor baths” refer to the public bathhouses throughout the town.

Because of this, most inns don’t typically have their own large baths, as guests tend to visit the public bathhouses for their spaciousness.

The town embraces the idea of the entire town being one big hot spring resort, making the inns part of a larger experience rather than standalone facilities.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options at local restaurants and souvenir shopping at the numerous stores.

No matter which inn you choose, your stay is guaranteed to be uniquely Kinosaki, with its hot spring experiences, personal interactions, and warm hospitality. Below are some things you may want to consider when making your choice.

Amongst the many inns at Kinosaki Onsen, Morizuya stands out for exceptional reviews and high ratings from international guests. Established over 100 years ago, Morizuya is truly a leading ryokan, especially when it comes to welcoming guests from abroad!

“Our first international guest was a honeymooning couple from Italy. Although we didn’t understand a word of English, let alone Italian, there was one thing we did know: we wanted to make their once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon a memorable experience, and help them enjoy Kinosaki to the fullest.

“We worked hard to accommodate their requests to the best of our abilities. Ultimately, they were so satisfied with our services that they told us they would tell their friends all about us! Thanks to this, we now get many visitors coming in through word-of-mouth referrals!”

Mr. Hachisuka, the owner of Morizuya, tells us his story.

The owner’s hospitality includes taking commemorative photos of visitors immediately upon arrival and offering attentive, personalized service, demonstrating his genuine desire for his guests to enjoy their time in Kinosaki.

His thoughtful approach has won over many, resulting in numerous reviews describing their stay as a truly special experience, and expressing a desire to return.

“You could think of the entire town of Kinosaki Onsen as one giant inn! So rather than limiting your time to this accommodation alone, we encourage visitors to explore everything else the town has to offer, including its dining and shopping.

“And if they have any specific requests for places to visit, we’re more than happy to make recommendations and assist with reservations!”

“I was born and raised in this inn, and have trained in other locations as well as visited other hot spring resorts.

“This made me realize that Kinosaki offers the authentic Japanese elements, such as culture and history, that many international visitors seek.

“That's why I encourage guests to stay here and immerse themselves in the lifestyle, culture, and art that the people of Japan have cultivated over the years.”

For example, experiences such as sleeping on a futon in a Japanese-style room, wearing a yukata, taking a relaxing soak in the springs both in the morning and at night, and enjoying the inn’s seasonal and local delicacies served right in your room, are all quintessential ways to enjoy your time at a Japanese onsen ryokan.

But what truly makes your experience a memorable one is the attentive support, care, and interaction with the proprietor and staff as only an onsen inn could offer.

Check-in at Morizuya differs from hotels abroad, where you simply confirm your reservation and get a key.

Instead, you’re welcomed in as if you have just returned home, with warm greetings and a genuine reception after a long journey. Morizuya even offers a special welcome service that includes a Japanese tea ceremony!

“Walking around town in a yukata is a classic Kinosaki Onsen experience, and many inns provide yukata for their guests. However, at Morizuya, you can rent not only a yukata for your stroll, but authentic kimonos, as well! All our rental kimonos are rare and traditional garments not commonly seen these days, making it a remarkable service, even for our Japanese guests.”

Each room is adorned with different decorations and wooden interiors.

Lounging around under the kotatsu, a Japanese-style heated table, is one of the highlights of winter.

It’s also common for inns to provide tea and sweets (known as welcome sweets) in the rooms.

Sipping tea on the porch while admiring the townscape is a truly peaceful experience.

The outdoor baths are wonderful, while the indoor baths allow you to relax in a more intimate environment with just your family and friends.

Here are some questions and concerns you may have about finding and choosing the perfect ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen.

Q: Can I bathe in Kinosaki Onsen if I have tattoos?

A: Yes! Visitors can bathe in any of the seven public hot springs in Kinosaki Onsen, even with tattoos. Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan’s few tattoo-friendly hot spring resorts. However, note that some inns may have rules against tattoos in their own large baths, so be sure to check with them first.

Q: Can I get a ticket for the outdoor baths at the inn?

A: Many inns offer plans that include tickets for the outdoor baths, so those who have booked such a plan will receive their tickets upon checking in. Guests without these tickets will need to pay the admission fee separately for each bath, or purchase the 1-day Unlimited Outdoor Bath Ticket that allows access to all of the outdoor baths.

(*Please note that these tickets are not available at the Tourist Association information desk.)

Q: Do the inns have their own baths, or are there only outdoor baths?

A: Yes, each inn has its own bathhouse and private baths, and some even offer baths in the guest rooms. Available facilities vary from inn to inn, but we recommend enjoying both the indoor and outdoor baths for the full experience!

Q: Do the inns provide amenities?

A: Yes, Japanese hot spring inns provide a full range of amenities. Most offer bath and face towels, hot spring towels, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, slippers, yukata, and footwear such as geta and sandals (some may offer separate pajamas).

Shampoo & conditioner, body soap, and hair dryers are also available at the outdoor baths. However, note that there are no towels at the outdoor baths, so you will need to bring your own, or rent a towel for an additional fee.

Q: I have large luggage. Will I need a car to get around?

A: Not at all! Kinosaki Onsen is a compact town that can be easily explored on foot, so it’s not necessary to rent a car.

There’s also a free check-in bus that waits in front of the station in accordance with express train arrivals from the Keihanshin area. (Note that they only provide transport to accommodations that are registered with the hot spring association.)

There are also plenty of luggage storage services and lockers available around the station, including at the Kinosaki Onsen Tourist Center, so you won't have to worry about carrying around any bulky luggage with you.

Q: Do any of the inns accommodate solo travelers?

A: Yes, there are many places that offer one-person plans, so booking an overnight stay for yourself should not be a problem!

Q: Is there a beach near the inn?

A: Yes, there’s a beach called the Kei-no-hama Beach, located about 4 km from the station, roughly an 8-minute drive away. However, note that the beach is only open in the summer and closed for the winter.

Many of Kinosaki Onsen’s inns boast charming, traditional exteriors and historic buildings that are well-maintained and pleasant to stay in.

So whether you’re looking for a convenient spot for exploring the town, a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle, an inn with amazing indoor baths, or a private one suitable for families with children, Kinosaki Onsen is sure to have the perfect accommodation for you!

In cooperation with: Morizuya Ryokan

English translation by: Krys Suzuki