Visiting Kinosaki Onsen with Family

Japan is known as one of the safest & cleanest countries in the world, and it’s decidedly unique landscapes, cities and rich culture make it an ideal travel destination for families.

Nishimuraya Honkan & Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei and the public hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen are welcome to guests of all ages. Children ages 5-0 stay for free when sharing bedding & meals with other guests. There are also options available:

Yukata 550 JPY / night / child (smallest size = 90 cm height)
Futon 2,200 JPY / night / child
Child’s Dinner 3,300 JPY / night / child
Breakfast 1,650 JPY / night / child
*prices inclusive of 10% consumption tax
*futon available for Japanese-style guest rooms only.
*smallest yukata is 90cm height (just under 3ft)

Discount rates are also available for older children, age ranges 6-9 yr old or 10-12 yr old. Book directly on our hotel web sites to enjoy these rates are contact us to inquire about booking them.

Families may also enjoy a private hot spring experience by booking the private onsen spa facility of Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei.

Japanese-style private hot spring / Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei

A family of 4 can enjoy a 70 min private session for 8,800 JPY (incl. tax). NOTE: reservations recommended / available only for staying guests of Nishimuraya Honkan or Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei.

The hot spring baths of Nishimuraya Honkan, Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei & the public baths of Kinosaki Onsen are gender separated. Children should enter accompanied by a parent. Below are some tips for bathing with toddlers.

Move with care and watch out for slippery spots.
Toddlers should always go into the bath accompanied by an adult. Be mindful of deep areas.
Make sure child goes to bathroom before going into the onsen.

Regarding dining, for many younger children the volume and exotic tastes of kaiseki dinner may be a little a much. Japanese children staying at ryokan often enjoy “okosama-lunch” which rather than being lunch is just another word for a kid’s dinner set menu.

Kids Dinner Set / Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei (sample only)

The option to order is often available on the when booking directly with the ryokan. If you have made your reservations by another means, try to contact the ryokan to inquire about availability.

Besides the public hot springs, what activities are there for families to enjoy in Kinosaki Onsen? Surprisingly, a lot.

The Kinosaki Onsen ropeway is a short 7 min ride to the top of Mt Daishi (where there is an observatory & cafe).

Genbudo cave park is very close to Kinosaki Onsen (within bicycle distance or a few minutes by taxi). The impressive columnar joint formations are themselves a terrific sight, and there is also mineral & rock & fossil museum to explore.

Kinosaki Marine World is a large aquarium 10 mins by bus from Kinosaki Onsen. It has a large indoor and outdoor exhibits.

The Oriental White Stork Park is another great location with a mix of indoor and outdoor sights.

Takeno Beach is another popular spot. Just 10 min by train from Kinosaki Onsen, and then a 15-20 min walk to Takeno Beach. Official swimming season runs from mid July to late August.