Kiraku

We enjoyed all 7 hot springs, along with the hotel's two special barrel baths, and the meals were superb. Dinner and breakfast were served in a private room marked with our room name rather than a number. The staff weren't fluent in English, but we managed to communicate well. There wasn't a ride available for our arrival, though they arranged a free shuttle van to the station when we checked out. It's a pity we visited in summer, since the winter set meal includes the famous giant crab.

The inn is fairly new, renovated, and modernized. Staff are attentive and very friendly, and the clean in-house public baths are great. Dinner was especially good, with a nice range of dishes and generous portions, served in a private dining space for each guest. For just 100 yen, they sent our luggage to kinosaki onsen train stop, which made it easy to walk around the small town. I did notice some cigarette smell in my room's lobby despite being told it was a smoking-free zone. Aside from that, everything was perfect.

It's a cozy hotel with really delicious food. The staff weren't very good at English, but they were all kind, sweet, and generous. I'd definitely like to visit again.

The food served in the room was incredible, and the ryokan itself was very nice. The private onsen is small compared with those at other ryokans. People were warm and ready to help, though only a little basic English was spoken, so be prepared for a real Japanese experience.