Kinokuniya Jinpachi Ryokan Inn

The host even sent us off with two bottles of Doragawas special water, after giving us a map and explaining what we could do nearby. English was no problem, and we could choose when to eat. The bath is gorgeous and can be used privately, which worked perfectly for us as a couple. It’s not expensive, either, and the inn is right in the heart of Dorogawa Onsen. The ryokan has a peaceful, distinctive charm, and it’s authentic, clean, and beautiful. The food was very good. I can’t think of a single bad thing to say. I can only recommend this place!

The staff’s warm, thoughtful hospitality made the trip especially memorable, and I left with a wonderful experience I’ll remember for a long time. Thank you 😊 I hadn’t expected much from the facilities, given the historic look of this traditional ascetic lodging, but everything was kept spotless and I was very comfortable. The food was what impressed me most. Both meals were delicious, with generous amounts of local produce from the mountains and sea.

I stayed at Kinokuniya Jinpachi, where the owner was delightful and fun, and made us feel warmly welcome. The spring water is alkaline and simple, light, and left my skin feeling silky. The hot spring is open 24 hours, and the roomy open-air bath is private, so couples or families can relax together. I chose the peony hot pot for dinner. The wild boar was fatty, but the thick red meat was delicious without feeling too heavy. There were also shrimp, duck, and grilled salted sweetfish. Dinner and breakfast were both very satisfying. I visited Dorogawa Onsen in winter. At around 800 meters above sea level, it’s about 5°C cooler than the city, so bring warm clothes. The 300-year-old inn district is said to look like the world of Spirited Away. Paper lanterns give the streets a mystical glow at night. Along the Yamagami River, you can visit several places in a day: Ryusenji Temple, where legend says the dragon god came to bathe in the springs; Menfudo Cave, a 280-meter cavern with beautiful stalactites; Karigane Bridge, the longest suspension bridge on the Tenkawa River; Oharayama Observatory, with its panoramic view of Dorogawa Onsen; and the monorail known as Dorokko. From Shimoichiguchi Station on the Yoshino Line, the bus ride to Dorogawa Onsen takes about an hour and 20 minutes. You can also take the Kintetsu Railway Blue Symphony sightseeing express to Shimoichiguchi Station for a slightly more luxurious train ride. Come see Dorogawa Onsen’s mystical, retro townscape.

The owner was really pleasant, and my friend from overseas who came with us was so happy with the stay. The old building is well cared for, and the service is attentive. We ate delicious food, including freshly grilled salted ayu at Dorogawa Onsen, and would definitely stay again. P.S. There’s a special, warm hospitality tucked into the futon...🩷