Kinosaki Onsen TSURUYA Ryokan

We drove there, and the hotel attendant guided us to the complimentary parking near the ropeway station. We used the ryokan’s Onsen Pass to visit the seven onsens in Kinosaki, and the hotel lent us umbrellas for the evening rain. You can also reserve a private onsen for 40 minutes each night. We stayed two nights from December 12, 2024, as three people, in a second-floor room facing the front. We’d booked dinner and breakfast. The first night’s crab dinner had grilled and steamed crab, which was delicious; we ordered hot sake since it was about 7°C outside. The second night was a tasty beef meal with grilled beef and shabu shabu. Emerson served us very well. Breakfast was different each morning. On the first day we ate at Utsuroi Tsuchya Annex Cafe, a former fire station with a modern feel, a cozy atmosphere, an art gallery and a nice toast set. The next day’s Japanese-style breakfast at the ryokan was equally delicious. It was a relaxing Kinosaki stay.

For what we paid, this was a great value traditional ryokan. The private onsen came with our package, and though it was a little dated, it was clean and spacious. The room was roomy, quaint and tidy, and the staff treated us kindly and gave clear instructions. They even helped book a restaurant in another town. The food was delicious, especially the beef. I’d definitely recommend adding the ryokan meal package.

The peaceful room had a simple, old-fashioned feel that took me back to quieter times. The staff were wonderfully friendly and helpful, spoke a little English, and did their best to assist. They showed us to the room and explained how to wear the yukata. Dinner is well worth having if you can, especially for the crab dishes. Breakfast is served at the nearby Utsuroi Gallery and was incredible. The stay includes an onsen pass for all seven public baths. Tsuruya Ryokan was an amazing stay, and I’d recommend it for couples or families.

The room was quiet, comfortable and peaceful, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. They gave me a pass for all seven onsens and lent me a yukata and basket for walking around the traditional streets of Kinosaki onsen. The ropeway is very close and takes you up the mountain for a great view over town. I really enjoyed staying at Tsuruya Ryokan and would recommend it.