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Confirm / Cancel ReservationYamamotoya is a 350-year-old traditional Japanese ryokan located by the willow-lined river in the center of Kinosaki Onsen town
Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring resort town that features around 80 traditional ryokan inns.
Yamamotoya is one of only a dozen or so inns located along the Otani River, which is a symbol of Kinosaki town thanks to its beautiful willow-tree lined banks.
From the comfort of your room you can take in relaxing views of the river and willow trees, and also enjoy the sounds of people passing by in traditional wooden geta clogs.
Kinosaki Onsen has a rich history, dating back over 1300 years, and Yamamotoya is one of the most long-running inns in the town.
As such, we strive to welcome our guests with the perfect blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern amenities, ensuring they can enjoy a unique and relaxing experience.
Main Features of Yamamotoya
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- Central location in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen Town
Yamamotoya is conveniently located, situated along the willow-lined river bank that is the symbol of Kinosaki Onsen Town. This allows guests to put on a traditional yukata robe and wooden clogs, and step out into the streets to enjoy the atmosphere of the hot spring resort. Furthermore, our inn is located just 600 meters from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station, from where guests can use a free shuttle bus to and from the hotel.
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- Full-course Japanese cuisine incorporating a variety of local Tajima ingredients
Our head chef has over 40 years of experience, and uses his knowledge of the local area to procure the finest local ingredients. We hope you will enjoy the unique and exquisite Japanese dishes, using items sourced from the bountiful sea and fertile lands of the Tajima region.
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- House-brewed beer made from 100% malted barley
Yamamotoya runs a craft beer brewery that utilizes the pure water and clean air of Tajima to produce 4 kinds of fine beer.
On offer are a Pilsner (Bier des Himmels), a White Beer (Bier des Flusses), a Stout Beer (Bier des Meeres), and also a Red Ale (Bier des Schnee) that was specially formulated to go well with crab, a popular local dish in winter.
Indeed, all of them make for a fine accompaniment to food, so we recommend trying them with your meal. Weekday guests can even receive a complimentary glass of beer during their stay.
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- Traditional yukata robe fitting & rental service
Kinosaki Onsen Town is perfect for wandering around dressed in a traditional yukata robe. In addition to the regular yukata robes which bear the inn's name, other colorful types are also available. In total, over 100 types of yukata robes are available for rent. The proprietress or service staff will assist you in putting on the robes correctly. Men's yukata are also available. (Rental fee is 1100 yen, including tax)
350-Year History
Established back in the Edo Period. Yamamotoya has 350 years of history and tradition.
Yamamotoya has been in business for 350 years, and is one of the most long-established ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen Town. The hotel building itself is a three-story wooden structure, and is located in the heart of the town, right next to the famous Ichinoyu Hot Spring Bath-House. The design of the present inn remains consistent with that which followed reconstruction work after the 1925 Great North-Tajima Earthquake, when many parts of the town were renovated including the public bathhouses, arched bridges, and the river banks lined with willow trees. Since our establishment back in the 17th century, we have always believed that “Yamamotoya exists only because Kinosaki Onsen exists” and this sentiment is at the core of everything we do. To that end, we hope our guests can enjoy the town to its fullest.
Kinosaki Hot Springs - Over 1300 Years of History
Kinosaki Onsen is now over 1300 years old.
The history of the hot springs at Kinosaki dates back to 717, when the monk Dochi Shonin came to Kinosaki to help people suffering from incurable diseases of the time. Legend has it that he received a vision from Shisho Myojin, the area's guardian deity, and after performing prayers for 1,000 days, the healing hot spring water suddenly gushed forth from the ground.
It is also said that the main temple at Kinosaki, Onsenji Temple, was founded by Dochi Shonin. Enshrined inside is the Kannon Bodhisattva, which was sculptured from wood of the same tree as that used to carve the main deity at Hasedera Temple in Nara.
In ancient times, visitors to Kinosaki would have to seek permission from the deity at Onsenji Temple before being allowed to bathe in the town's sacred hot spring waters.
Each of the resort town's public hot-spring baths has its own unique story and history.
