Overview

Yamamotoya is a 350-year-old traditional Japanese ryokan located along the willow-lined Otani River in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen. The inn’s history dates back to the Edo period, making it one of the most long-standing accommodations in this hot spring town, which itself has over 1,300 years of bathing tradition. From your room, you can admire the gentle flow of the river, watch people strolling in yukata and wooden geta clogs, and take in the peaceful atmosphere that makes Kinosaki so beloved.

The inn’s location is ideal—you are only 600 meters from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station, and just steps away from Ichinoyu, one of the town’s famous public bathhouses. This central position makes it easy to explore the town’s charming streets, bridges, and seven public baths while enjoying the hospitality and comfort of a historic ryokan.

Accommodation

Yamamotoya offers 15 Japanese-style guest rooms in three main styles:

• Special Room – Features a private half-open-air bath and views of a rock garden. A peaceful space for up to four people.
• Japanese Style Room – Overlooks the Otani River and its willow-lined banks. The sound of passing geta adds to the charm. Suitable for up to four guests.
• Japanese-Western Style Room – Two connected rooms, one with four single beds and the other with two futon sets, accommodating up to six people. Perfect for families or larger groups.
• Large Japanese Room – A spacious 15-tatami layout for 5–7 people, ideal for group stays.

Each room blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with comfort, ensuring a restful stay whether you are here for a short getaway or a longer retreat.

Dining

The head chef, with over 40 years of culinary experience, prepares full-course Japanese meals using the freshest local ingredients from the Tajima region. Dinner often includes locally caught seafood, seasonal vegetables, and premium Tajima wagyu beef—renowned as the origin of Japan’s most prestigious wagyu brands.

In winter, the highlight is Matsuba snow crab, served in a complete course that includes crab sashimi, grilled crab, and hot pot. Throughout the year, the menu changes to reflect seasonal ingredients from the Sea of Japan and the surrounding mountains.

Breakfast is designed to be both healthy and satisfying, incorporating fresh regional produce to give you an energizing start to the day. For vegetarian guests who are also pescatarian, fish can replace meat in the meal course.

Craft Beer

One of Yamamotoya’s unique features is its in-house microbrewery. Using the pure water and clean air of Tajima, the brewery produces four types of beer: a crisp pilsner, a smooth white beer, a rich stout, and a red ale specially crafted to pair with local crab dishes. Guests staying on weekdays receive special beer offers, making it the perfect way to enjoy local flavors alongside your meal.

Onsen and Private Baths

Yamamotoya offers three bathing options:

• Men’s Bath – Includes an indoor bath and an open-air barrel tub, with views and fresh air to enhance your soak.
• Ladies’ Bath – A calm space featuring Kinosaki’s soft hot spring waters and “Mirable” ultra-fine mist shower heads for an added touch of luxury.
• Private Open-Air Bath “Senyu” – Available by advance reservation, this bath is perfect for couples or those seeking complete privacy.

The ryokan warmly welcomes guests with tattoos in both private and public baths. You can also request a free pass to enjoy all seven of Kinosaki’s public bathhouses during your stay.

Facilities

• Spacious dining room with Japanese design elements
• In-room dining option for private meals
• Yukata rental service with over 100 colorful designs for strolling around town
• Souvenir shop with local products and gifts
• Central location ideal for sightseeing and bathhouse-hopping
• Free shuttle service to and from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station

Activities

Kinosaki Onsen is best experienced by walking through town in a yukata, visiting each of the seven public bathhouses, and exploring nearby attractions such as Onsenji Temple and the Kinosaki Ropeway. Seasonal highlights include cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-covered scenery in winter.

Additional Features

• Established during the Edo period with 350 years of history
• Central riverside location with scenic views
• Seasonal menus showcasing Tajima beef and Sea of Japan seafood
• Original craft beer brewed on-site
• Private and public onsen facilities, all tattoo-friendly