The Gallery Inn Tsubakino Ryokan

Tsubakino, with its pure classical Japanese exterior and interior architecture, has been welcoming visitors and admirers for over 80 years. It is also called the "Gallery Ryokan" for the original artwork displayed throughout the main and annex buildings.

Drawn by the late inn master, these portraits of kind smiling stone Ksitigarbha (a bodhisattva who looks over travelers and children) were drawn with the hope that all who saw the portraits would find solace and be uplifted from any troubles they may have.

This gem of a ryokan is conveniently located with in walking distance to many of Kinosaki's attractions. Located just around the corner from the inn is "Jizo-no-yu", one of the seven public open-air bath houses.

Why not spend a memorable time and experience the traditions of Japanese culture here with us?

The main and annex buildings are set a short distance away from the bustle of the main street and are connected by an underground passage. The purely Japanese architecture of the rooms have a quiet and zen like atmosphere leaving guests feeling fully relaxed. The annex building also features Japanese style rooms that look out onto a Japanese garden for an even more traditional feel.

The guest rooms in the annex building each come with their own private restrooms, however the restroom for the rooms in the main building are located outside the rooms in the main corridors.

Guest Review

"The rooms and the building were beautifully maintained. The classic Japanese feel added to the already relaxing ambience. I would love to stay here again and try one of the garden rooms." -Meghan, Colorado, USA

Located in northern Hyogo-prefecture, Kinosaki is surrounded with the richness of nature. Tall mountains to one side and the other sided by the Maruyama River, which flows out into the nearby Sea of Japan. Its generous natural surroundings provide our chefs with an abundance of fresh natural ingredients all locally grown, raised and caught from the rolling hills and farmlands to the sea that they proudly serve in our culinary dishes. Each meal filled with traditional Japanese dishes with an original flare.

Crab, fish, and shrimp are just a few seafood items that are caught fresh in the nearby fishing port of Tsuiyama. In winter top brand crab, such as Tsuiyama Crab and Snow Crab, are a popular menu item.

Tajima beef cattle are raised in an environment rich with clean air and water. The reason Tajima beef is awarded the highest grade amongst Japanese beef cattle is because it is the cattle from which Matsuzaka Beef, Kobe Beef and Omi Beef come from.

Keeping in mind the health and wellness of our guests we implement a menu of macrobiotic meals. Contracting with local farmers, Tsubakino's produce and meats are all produced and purchased locally. Every morning our chefs choose freshly picked fruits and vegetables to be used in our unique dishes.

Guest Review

"The staff was very accommodating for my dietary restrictions. Everything had a very refreshing taste and was beautifully presented. The staff were very nice about telling us about each dish. " -Suzannah. Iowa,USA

Located within Tsubakino are two Japanese style hot spring baths. One is called "Chyoraku" and has an open-air bath with jacuzzi. The other called "Kouchyou", the wooden bath is made from Japanese cypress and has a view of a small Japanese garden.The baths are segregated, one bath for men and the other for women. The bath assignments switch in the morning giving guests a chance to experience both. The baths are open from 3pm-11:30pm and 7am-9:30am.

	"Sarasa-no-Yu" The first of its kind in Kinosaki, micro sized bubbles fill the bath giving it a milky color. The oxygen rich bubbles sweep down into your pores pushing out any dirt and oil, leaving your skin feeling smooth and velvety. A very popular choice with our female guests wishing to feel a little extra pampered.

"Kazahana-no-Yu" An open-air bath with a wooden deck looking out onto Higashiyama Park and a refreshing breeze. You can feel and smell the warmth of this Japanese style bath as the warm spring water brings out the soothing fragrance of the Japanese cypress.

True Japan experience.
Kinosaki is know as the "Town well suited by yukata". Tsubakino would like to offer the ladies a chance to experience this first handed and have a chance to dive into Japanese culture. Ask our staff about renting a traditional yukata set and to help you choose from over 200 differently colored and patterned yukata (summer cotton kimono). Once you have chosen your yukata feel free to ask our staff to assist you in putting it on. Now you are ready to explore the hot spring town in traditional fashion. Don't forget to slip on a pair of geta (Japanese wooden sandals) and grab a basket at the front for your personal items, on your way out. Yukata rental-1050JPY/yukata

Guest Review

"Wearing the yukata was a lot of fun. It was even better than dressing up like Geisha in Kyoto because you are actually allowed to walk around freely and visit the shops and restaurants while wearing them. The staff were kind enough to show us how to put them on, so we knew how to redress ourselves after visiting the bath houses." -Meghan, Colorado, USA

A great way to record and share your travels with family and friends.
In the main building behind the gift store is a corner where guests can make their own original post cards. Wouldn't it be fun to send you family and friends a personal post card of your travels?

Just a few blocks down from Tsubakino is "Gallery Hana Tsubaki". An adorable art gallery, cafe, and gift shop. Inside visitors can see, up close, the original art works of Hiroshi Tsubakino. At the gallery you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a warm conversation Mrs. Tsubakino, a very friendly and cheerful person.

"Hearing the history of this family business gave the whole experience a very sweet and personal feeling, and a deeper appreciation for the beautiful artwork there."

Hiroshi Tsubakino was inspired to create these heart warming paintings during his long hard struggles with cancer and heart disease. One day on a walk near the hospital where he was being treated at, he happened accross a small stone statue of a Ksitigarbha. Gazing into the Ksitigarbha's kind face he suddenly found him self feeling reassured and a wave a strength to help him through his illnesses. He found solice in his paintings and was reminded of how lucky he was to still be alive. In the gallery you can see his original works including his very first and last piece.

The art gallery is open from 9am to 5pm, doors close at 4:30pm.

*We offer free passes with unlimited usage to the seven open-air public bath houses in Kinosaki Hot Springs to all of our guests staying with us.
**There is an oblibated hot spring tax of 340JPY that will be automatically charged to your stay.