Onishiya Suishoen

The onsen was quiet and spotless, and the inner garden was beautiful. I also loved the one-of-a-kind massage. More than anything, the crew made the stay: they were helpful, respectful, friendly, and so sweet. I’m incredibly grateful I got to spend time here. If you want a traditional Japanese place with a traditional Japanese mindset, don’t miss it. Simply flawless. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you so much Onishiya Suishoen!!!

The only things I liked were the hotel Onsen and the really good hairdryers there. Otherwise, I would NOT recommend staying here. We paid 970 Euro’s for 2 nights including dinner and breakfast, and it felt like we lost both our money and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The room had plastic mats instead of proper tatami, and the “Ryokan” felt old and worn, unlike the photos. It sits beside a busy road and a large parking lot, so there was none of the atmosphere you’d hope for. Smoking rooms are part of the hotel, and we often smelled smoke during dinner and in the hallways. The food looked lovely but was underwhelming, without much flavor or the harmony I expect from Japanese cooking. My husband and I both had upset stomachs after dinner. He later developed a high fever, was throwing up, and had stomach trouble, so we suspect food poisoning. When we told the staff, they didn’t respond. We asked for rice and something gentle on the stomach, but they didn’t provide it. Communication was a major problem throughout: most staff were foreign and didn’t speak English or Japanese, and even Google Translate couldn’t solve it.

What stood out most was how kind and welcoming every staff member was, not just polite. One woman at the front desk spoke great English and made the stay special. She patiently answered our questions, offered and arranged dinner choices without pressure, and helped with everything we needed. We never learned her name, but she really made our visit. Our spacious room was quiet, pristine, and comfortable, with thoughtful details and cozy futons that let us sleep well after long days walking and bathing. The property was beautifully maintained, and the koi courtyard had a calming feel. The on-site onsen was just as well kept, with more variety than the public baths in town. The cold bath and open-air onsen made it our favorite Kinosaki bathing experience. For the rooms, onsen, and service, this ryokan is excellent value. I’ve stayed at an onsen in Hakone that cost 3X as much, and I preferred this one. Can’t recommend it enough.

The food was amazing, and I had both dinner and breakfast twice during my two nights. It was absolutely worth it. My room was beautiful, the baths were relaxing, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and knew their stuff. The hotel is a little farther from the main town than some places, but it’s only a 10min walk or a 5 min ride on the hotel shuttle.