A Luxury Stay at Nishimuraya Honkan
One experience you should have while in Japan is staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan. Thus, the ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen, which is a quick trip from Kyoto or Osaka, will give you a luxurious experience that will pamper and refresh you!
As denoted by the name, Kinosaki is the onsen district of the city of Toyooka, Japan. Onsens are the traditional Japanese baths, typically with water from natural hot springs. Kinosaki Onsen has been regarded as one of the best onsen towns in Japan, with over 1,400 years of onsen history.
During our time in Kinosaki Onsen, we stayed at Nishimuraya Honkan which we will be covering our experience in this luxury ryokan in this post. However, if you are looking for another place to stay in Kinosaki Onsen or things to do in Kinosaki Onsen, check out this post.
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How to Get to Kinosaki Onsen
From Osaka: Take the JR Kounotori line from Shin-Osaka station to Kinosaki Onsen Station (estimated time: 2h 48min)
From Kyoto: Take the JR Kinosaki Limited Express line from Kyoto station to Kinosaki Onsen Station (estimated time: 2h 45min)
From Tokyo: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama if using the JR pass) from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station no later than 10:30AM in order to reach Kinosaki Onsen before 4:00PM. From Shin-Osaka station take the JR Kounotori line to Kinosaki Onsen Station. (estimated time: 5-6h)
However, we didn’t take these routes because we were coming from Hiroshima, so we took the Shinkansen to Himeji Station then took the Hamakaze JR line to Kinosaki Onsen.
After you arrive, Nishimuraya Honkan has a complimentary shuttle bus that will pick you up from Kinosaki Onsen Station and take you directly to the ryokan. Just be sure to contact them ahead of time to let them know your approximate time of arrival.
Our Stay at Nishimuraya Honkan
With a history of 150 years, Nishimuraya Honkan is a luxurious ryokan with onsen (some private), exquisite dining, beautiful gardens, and an onsite museum. The museum features a collection of paintings, photographs, and artifacts from the past history of Nishimuraya Honkan as well as the town of Kinosaki Onsen too.
We wanted to have a day of relaxation between all our days of heavy travel in Japan, and staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan was the perfect way to do so. We elected to splurge on a room with a private garden and onsen so we wouldn’t have to book specific times to enjoy a private onsen and add to the romance of staying in an onsen town. But there is an onsen that is public for hotel guests to enjoy at any time.
READ MORE: Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan
Check-in Process & Staff at Nishimuraya Honkan
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the staff of Nishimuraya Honkan at the train station where staff collected our bags and drove us on their shuttle bus to the ryokan. When we got to the ryokan, we checked in with a staff member and arranged your meal times and other additional on-site experiences we wanted to enjoy.
An example of their helpfulness and hospitality can be best described in a situation that occurred during our stay. When checking in, we found out our train ticket was booked for early the next morning, and would not be able to enjoy our traditional Japanese breakfast due to the departure time. Staff assisted us in rearranging our train ticket so we were able to stay longer and enjoy this experience!
Interior at Nishimuraya Honkan
After checking in, we were shown around the ryokan before visiting our room. The lobby of Nishimuraya Honkan has many seating areas to relax and a cozy bar area that was available to all guests.
Kinosaki Onsen prides itself on its craftsmanship and local goods, therefore having a gift shop inside a ryokan is extremely common. There are beautiful linens, pottery pieces, fans, chopsticks, and food goods that are all available for purchase in the gift shop.
READ MORE: Things to Do in Kinosaki Onsen
The Gardens at Nishimuraya Honkan
Something else that is very special and unique to Nishimuraya Honkan is its on-site gardens. The gardens are perfectly manicured and very tranquil to spend time in. There is a place to pray, enjoy the koi fish, and walk around while gazing at the beauty of the garden.
Our Room with Private Onsen at Nishimuraya Honkan
If you are looking to have an experience of ultimate luxury and romance, we recommend staying in a room with a private onsen. We stayed in the Hatsune room with an open-air bath which was quite spacious and had an on-suite private bathroom, large vanity including toiletries, and an outdoor shower.
Bathroom vanity of the Hatsune Room. 
Small kitchenette area and mini fridge next to the toilet area of the Hatsune Room. 
Seating area by the garden in our room. 
Private onsen in our room at Nishimuraya Honkan
Nishimuraya Honkan also provided us with Yukata to wear while we were out and about or to wear while relaxing in our room. In the evening after dinner, your table and chairs are removed and your futon beds are placed on the floor and fluffed.
Kaiseki Dining at Nishimuraya Honkan
During our stay at Nishimuraya Honkan, we elected to have traditional Japanese meals in the form of Kaiseki dining. Kaiseki is a multi-course dinner that often features small portioned, artistically arranged seasonal dishes.
Overall, we found the food to be wonderful and such a unique dining experience. A few of the traditional dishes we tried were uni (sea urchin), sazae (horned turban sea snail), and chirimen jako (young salted dried sardines or anchovies).
Starter from our kaiseki meal. 
A selection of seasonal meats, seafood, and vegetables to grill. 
A hot pot with seasonal fish, vegetables, and meat. 
Soup and sashimi set. 
Grilled fish and a variety of sides. 
Fresh, seasonal fruit on a sweet gelatin and green tea.
READ MORE: Dining Guide for Japan
Other Information for Nishimuraya Honkan
Address: Japan, 〒669-6101 Hyogo, Toyooka, Kinosakicho Yushima, 469 西村屋 本館
Cost of rooms: 45000 JPY – 55000 JPY/night (check current rates)
While our visit to a Kinosaki Onsen was brief, we enjoyed every moment of this beautiful town far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and deep into the mountains of Japan.
23 Comments
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January 11, 2016 at 5:09 AM[…] After getting a good nights rest, we packed up and headed to the hotspring town Kinosaki Onsen (Toyooka)! (click here to read more) […]
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October 23, 2016 at 9:11 PM[…] After getting a good nights rest, we packed up and headed to the hot spring town, Kinosaki Onsen. […]
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November 7, 2016 at 11:37 AM[…] Upon first glance uni almost looks like an orange animal tongue which, of course, will immediately put some people off. However, uni is considered a luxury in Japanese culture and has a rich, creamy texture. Unlike what you would normally expect, it’s not at all “fishy.” We were warned by many people to steer clear of it because of it’s pungent taste but were pleasantly surprised at how mellow it was upon trying it fresh at a ryokan we were staying in. […]
Chrysoula
November 19, 2016 at 2:22 PMThat is a lovely city. I love natural baths but I didn’t have the time to visit one when I was in Japan. Although I love tasting traditional things everywhere I go, I would prefer a continental breakfast!
kallsypage
November 19, 2016 at 9:55 PMIt was a beautiful experience! The natural baths are an added bonus to this quaint town. If you do visit this specific ryokan they do have a “Westernized” breakfast option that would be what you’re hoping for. 🙂
Vicki
November 20, 2016 at 12:12 AMI love your photos of the Japanse Gardens – the green and the details are just beautiful. And you’re room looked pretty special too! I can’t wait to get to Japan and experience an Onsen for myself!
kallsypage
November 20, 2016 at 10:37 AMThank you Vicki! It was a cooler, slightly rainy day when we were there which made the green of the garden pop even more. We loved it! The room was a splurge but well worth it for the experience. I hope you are able to visit and experience this as well!
Raghav
November 20, 2016 at 12:38 AMSuch a lovely post and amazing photos. Japan has always fascinated me the most and I hope to travel there once again in the future. I was there as a kid so not many memories from that trip. I actually saw and TV episode on Onsen and since then have been intrigued about the area. Certainly looks like a must visit place.
kallsypage
November 20, 2016 at 10:36 AMThank you very much! Japan has been our favorite country thus far. The people are so considerate and the culture is fascinating to us both; especially Logan as he is part Japanese. I hope you’re able to make a return trip soon!
Christina
November 20, 2016 at 5:02 AMThere’s something special about spending time at a Japanese onsen. The traditional bathing rituals are timeless and the gardens are beautiful. I think it’s a chance to rebalance your soul.
kallsypage
November 20, 2016 at 10:35 AMI completely agree with you Christina! We had been walking nearly 20-25 miles each day prior to our time in Kinosaki Onsen so it was incredibly nice to unwind here for a short while.
mags
November 20, 2016 at 5:34 PMThis looks like such a great traditional Japanese city. I love all of the koi ponds, they’re so peaceful.
kallsypage
November 21, 2016 at 10:50 PMWe enjoyed the koi ponds as well. This town was far from typical and had very little tourism except that of Japanese people coming from nearby cities. It was very nice to get away from the urban hustle and bustle for a short while.
Mr Mike
November 20, 2016 at 9:20 PMI always thought those outfits were kimonos. But the name yukatas sounds so much cooler! The private onsen sounds wonderful! Great trip 🙂
kallsypage
November 21, 2016 at 10:48 PMYou’re actually right as well! Kimonos are typically make from silk, while Yukatas are made from cotton and are more typically worn in the summer months as the fabric is lighter. 🙂
We LOVED having the onsen right in our room, it was very beautiful and the light rain we had that day was soothing as well.
Thanks for reading!
Carmen
November 21, 2016 at 9:27 AMWhat a lovely 24 hours! Those gardens look beautiful. Also, how cool to have a hot spring in your room! Lovely, thanks for sharing 🙂
kallsypage
November 21, 2016 at 10:46 PMIt was quick but a much needed relaxing day. The gardens were so lush and green due to the light, drizzling rain which honestly, we didn’t mind so much! Thank you for reading! 🙂
Anne @TravelTheGlobe (@TTGLOBE4L)
November 22, 2016 at 2:33 AMI loved Japan when we went skiing there. Disappointing however we did not have enough time to visit a onset and I would really love to return in order to do so. Looks fab
kallsypage
November 25, 2016 at 11:04 AMAnne, I’m glad you enjoyed Japan as well! We were there during the summer so we didn’t get to ski but would love to go back and try it there! We’ll have to swap places. 🙂
vishalgmr1971
November 22, 2016 at 2:17 PMLovely city, full of greenery and a lot of good people and not to forget talented visitors.
kallsypage
November 25, 2016 at 11:03 AMIt really is! I take it you’ve visited before? 🙂
Carla Abanes
November 22, 2016 at 9:10 PMI can totally live there! Loved the koi pond and the gardens. I don’t know how you can stay for only 24hours. Should stay longer but I bet it was expensive?
kallsypage
November 25, 2016 at 11:02 AMCarla, I completely agree with you. A little over 24 hours wasn’t nearly enough. The onsens vary in price but yes they can be costly which is why we opted for a one night stay. 🙂