Yamamotoya Ryokan - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo

Nestled along the willow-lined Otani River, Yamamotoya Ryokan stands as a living testament to Japan's bathing heritage, welcoming guests since 1675 during the Edo Period. This 350-year-old inn, run by the same family for 16 generations, offers a rare glimpse into authentic Japanese hospitality while providing modern comforts following its thoughtful 2007 renovation.

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Located in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen—a town with over 1,300 years of hot spring history—Yamamotoya serves as your perfect gateway to experience Japan's most celebrated onsen culture in a setting where tattooed travelers can fully immerse themselves in the therapeutic ritual of public bathing without worry.

• Historic Legacy: Experience 350 years of unbroken hospitality tradition in a ryokan that survived earthquakes and embraced modernization while maintaining its authentic character
• Tattoo-Friendly Town: Enjoy complete access to all seven public bathhouses without covering your tattoos—a rarity in Japan
• Craft Beer Culture: Sample house-brewed craft beers from Yamamotoya's own microbrewery after your bath
• Scenic Setting: Stay in traditional rooms overlooking the willow-draped Otani River that runs through the heart of Kinosaki
• Complete Onsen Experience: Stroll through town in provided yukata and wooden geta clogs, experiencing the quintessential Japanese hot spring town custom
• Culinary Excellence: Savor seasonal kaiseki meals featuring local delicacies like premium Tajima wagyu beef and winter crab

At Yamamotoya, your bathing journey extends beyond the ryokan's walls into Kinosaki's famed seven public bathhouses, each with its distinct character and healing properties. The alkaline-rich waters (pH ~9.5) emerge from deep underground springs, offering therapeutic benefits that include soothing muscle pain, improving circulation, and leaving skin noticeably softer.

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Begin your onsen pilgrimage at Yanagi-Yu, just steps from the ryokan, where open-air baths nestle beneath swaying willow trees. Then venture to Ichi-no-Yu's expansive bathing halls or Sato-no-Yu's bamboo-surrounded outdoor pools. Between baths, pause on riverside benches in your yukata, creating the perfect rhythm of warmth and cooling rest that defines the traditional onsen experience.

✈️ Kansai International Airport → 🚄 Limited Express Haruka to Kyoto (75 min) → 🚄 Limited Express Kinosaki to Kinosaki Onsen Station (2 hours) → 🚶‍♂️ 8-minute walk or 🚐 free shuttle

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🚄 Kyoto Station → 🚄 Limited Express Kinosaki to Kinosaki Onsen Station (2 hours) → 🚶‍♂️ 8-minute walk or 🚐 free shuttle

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🚄 Osaka Station → 🚄 Limited Express Kinosaki to Kinosaki Onsen Station (2.5 hours) → 🚶‍♂️ 8-minute walk or 🚐 free shuttle

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn colors, and winter crab season). English-speaking staff are available to assist with booking and special requests.

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🌐 Website: https://www.kinosaki.com/en/

📞 Phone: +81-796-32-2411

📍 Address: 643 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan