Kinokuniya Ryokan

I travelled extensively around Japan before arriving here, and I can honestly say this was an 11/10. Without a doubt, the best stay of my entire trip. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel incredibly welcome. Everyone was warm and genuinely hospitable. A special mention to Hatta, who went above and beyond to make my stay memorable. Everything about this ryokan felt authentic. Wearing a yukata around the property, enjoying a traditional Japanese breakfast served by the sweetest elderly ladies (it felt like being looked after by grandmas!), and sleeping in a beautifully traditional room made for such a unique experience. I had one of the best nights’ sleep of my trip. The property itself is simple and modest, yet immaculately clean, beautifully maintained, and full of traditional Japanese charm. It doesn’t rely on luxury—it wins you over with its authenticity, warmth, and attention to detail. Do not miss the dinner. They thoughtfully prepared a 7-8 course vegetarian kaiseki meal for me, and it was hands down the best meal I had in Japan. Every course was beautifully presented and showcased traditional Japanese cuisine. I also experienced both the public onsen and treated myself to the private onsen, both of which were incredibly relaxing. With a bus stop just metres away, it’s very easy to explore the surrounding area. This wasn’t just my favourite hotel in Japan—it was the highlight of my entire trip. I would return in a heartbeat.

Nothing - sadly I could only stay for 3 nights.

The food was exceptional, and the whole dining experience was really unique. The provided yukata was a lovely way to get into the spirit of the place. The staff were also lovely. The baths were warm and relaxing and I appreciated the information about the mineral composition of the baths, as it was a key point for me that the baths should be natural hot springs. The room was large and comfortable, and I had everything I needed provided.

The garden area surrounding the outside baths were a little unkept, with discarded plant pots and weeds which made it feel less luxurious.

We booked private onsen. It is very nice. Water is very hot so be aware. 30-45 mins is more than enough to enjoy it. Dinner was incredible. Had a lot of traditional japanese food I wasn't able to find elsewhere. It was delicious.

One of the lights in our room wasn't working properly - it lights up in the middle of the night on its own. We had hotel staff came by to remove the bulb. They also compensated us for the inconvenience.

Traditional lodging, private onsens, yukata

Aging facilities, no restaurants nearby, dated