I could not thank the Kobayashiya team enough, especially Ms. Yang, for the hospitality and kindness during my stay, going above and far beyond expectation for solving any problems I had in Kinosaki and ensured I had a unforgettable smooth vacation here, becoming the highlight of my trip to Japan, even after staying in a few high rated ryokans in other regions. I chose this residence initially as I was able to see from their Instagram that they had worked with an L.A. company working with young adults with Autism, Aspergers, Anxiety and ADHD. Not only was the English support amazing, I would also like to support them in finding creative outlets to do more as a hotel. The photos does not show justice to how beautiful, unique and comfortable the environment is. Clean rooms without a speck of dust. Wonderful lighting for a homely feeling. An exquisite dining environment with garden views. My room also featured a wonderful view over the famed Kinosaki river, observing the lanterns light up as the evening dawns. The “public baths” are actually a highlight of the residence. They are private onsen baths designed with simplistic brilliance, each with their own semi-open air gardens. You can lock the doors so you actually have the bath to yourself. I regret not spending more time in these baths. I understand how one might prefer not sharing the same bathing area with others, but if you are in Kinosaki anyways you’ll be sharing and soaking in the most amount of public baths in your life. Yukata and getas are provided for you for the most authentic Kinosaki experience, as the elegant clangs of getas ring through the night by locals and foreigners alike. Definitely worth more than a 2 star rating, the luxuries may not be present but the service and friendliness is second to none, and gave me an experience of a lifetime. P.S. I suggest not only looking via Booking.

Nothing. Everything was done perfect.

I can’t recommend this hotel enough! The staff is wonderful… they were so nice to talk to, they really helped us figure out where to go in the city, helped me figure out how to put on a yukata, just lovely people. The food here was immaculate. Some of the best food I’ve had on my trip to Japan. I had to take photos of everything! And the restaurant space is so beautifully designed. It’s sophisticated yet relaxing. That could also be due the soothing jazz music playing in the background, the dim and sleek lighting, and the Zen garden within view. And the rooms, my God! we rented a room that had a sunroom overlooking the canal and it’s definitely the room you should get. My husband and I spent a few hours there in the afternoons and mornings, playing cards and drinking tea and looking out at the trees and people. Can’t recommend this hotel enough!

Nestled in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen, this ryokan seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design elements, creating a captivating ambience. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a world where ancient traditions meet contemporary comforts, with a well-curated music selection enhancing your relaxation experience. The ryokan boasts three private onsen baths, providing a serene retreat for guests to unwind. Its prime location offers easy access to the famous public onsens of Kinosaki, perfect for leisurely walks around the charming town. Breakfast is a highlight, carefully prepared with local organic ingredients, allowing you to savor delicious Japanese cuisine while immersing in the beauty of the surrounding nature. The attentive staff extends a warm welcome, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. They provide complimentary Yukata robes and assist you in dressing, allowing you to explore the town with a traditional vibe. This ryokan promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen.

The owner and staffs recommend visiting in autumn or winter when Kinosaki is at its most beautiful and memorable.

Wonderful place and people! Everything was great. Arrived at peak sakura blossom and it was among the best places to see it on our trip. Staff recommendations about our walking routes and public baths were also very helpful. English language level of main staff members was high (the best we've met in Japan so far), so it made communication very easy. Adjusted breakfast for our needs and it was excellent both in terms of taste and experience. Will definitely come back again.

Some access to drinking water and tea in the evening apart from the vending machine would be great, but it was not critical for us.

We liked the friendly and tentative staff; ones at the front desk, dinning room, and especially the one who helped each of us to put on kimonos.

I've been to many Onsens through out Japan. This was the first time that I ate so much meat at both breakfast and dinner. Since Kinoseki is famous for crab during the fall and winter seasons, I was excepting to have crab for dinner. We did notice other customers in the dinning room eating crab set meal. I asked our waitress and was told that since I booked through Booking.com which only provides one option for Kaiseki dinner. The hotel actually offers three dinner options.

Since this is our first time staying in a Ryokan, we're glad to be entreated to a tour of the place ( read: common private baths within the Ryokan as there is no bath area in each room), choosing the yukata and in general easing into the culture of living in a Japanese inn. We enjoyed the fresh quality of the food served at each meal ( breakfast and kaiseki dinner), and really liked the location of Kobayashiya which faces the Otani River. It's a place of furnished with modern amenities and carrying a rustic charm that we hope to return to again someday. The staff who attended to us made sure to put our luggage in the room neatly, and were patient to lead us to the restaurant at each meal.

We have to use staircase only, going up and down, and use the common bath area for bathing - each of the 3 Baths comes equipped with the Japanese onsen though, so that's something to look forward to).

Located right beside the river in the center of Kinosaki Onsen, this beautiful hotel combines the traditional style of Japanese ryokans with modern design elements, creating a unique atmosphere. Our room was spacious, well equipped and made us feel welcome immediately. While the famous public onsens of Kinosaki are just around the corner due to the central location of Kobayashiya, the three private onsen rooms inside the ryokan present an ideal opportunity to start the day in a relaxing fashion or simply enjoy some privacy in between. The Kaiseki (dinner menu) and breakfast were included in our stay and we would highly recommend adding the option. The dishes were carefully prepared with fresh, local ingredients (especially the fish and seafood) and present the perfect opportunity to experience and savor traditional, Japanese cuisine. It was definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan. We would especially like to highlight the service provided during our stay. From the moment you arrive, everything is being taken care of, from providing the complimentary Yukatas and assisting you in dressing appropriately, taking the time to introduce and explain to you the dinner and breakfast menus, explaining everything about Kinosaki and its onsen culture or simply taking care of your room. You can simply relax and enjoy yourself.

Everything was perfect! Most of the staff speaks English and is very helpful and kind. The surrounding is beautiful and feels like a movie. The private spa is amazing and we had a great stay. Can't wait to be back to Japan soon :)

Nothing. Breakfast is at a very early time and is very different from western breakfast, so if you are not open to try different things I suggest not booking the breakfast. But for us it was an experience we wanted to do and we enjoyed it , the room where we had breakfast had an amazing view and such a relaxing vibe, so worth it!

I loved that Kobayashiya was comfortably stylish , historical , a ryokan for 11 generations, newly restored with modcons, well designed and traditional at the same time. Another plus, its centrally located. The staff was very courteous and the food was superb. Great attention to detail. Beautiful library! And great music. The owners were there to chat with us and gave us tips. It made our stay in Kinosaki Onsen extra special!

They forgot to tell us that there is a Kinosaki Onsen bus for guests staying at the Ryokan so we had to lug our bags around town upon arrival from the train station . They didn’t respond when we asked if there is a hotel shuttle or pick up when we inquired. Another thing. There were harmless stink bugs on the 1st night but when I brought it to the owners attention. The problem was solved.

Very good traditional Japanese hotel (Ryokan). Big, friendly room, we slept in a bed which was comfortable; Very friendly staff who will help you with recommendations of any kind; they are speaking good english; Japanese style breakfast exceptional - you are being served and explained what and also how you could eat it in a good way (we liked that very much); we were also there once for dinner and had the opportunity to have the "great crab" dinner (during crab season) - and this was really something you will remember lifetime; 3 private onsen (thermal baths) which you can use whenever it is free - you lock the door so that you are private; you can take your usual shower in the area in the onsen which is designed for you to get clean before entering the thermal water; do not expect a shower in your private bathroom

Nothing - everything was perfect