Most historic properties in Japan are owned by prominent families and are passed from generation to generation. One of the oldest guest establishments in Japan, Nishimuraya Honkan was established by the first generation of the Nishimuraya family. It dates back to the late 19th century, to the Edo period's Ansei era. Over the years, the ryokan has been a popular hideout among literary figures, such as Shiga Naoya and Yosano Akiko. It's no wonder that writers love to spend time at the serene property, surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors have also appreciated the ryokan for its onsen facilities, derived from the historic Kinosaki Onsen, which was highly praised by Dr. Shutoku Kagawa for its health benefits.

An annex building called Hiratakan was constructed in 1960 to expand the property. Although built almost 100 years after the main building's construction, the annex building features gorgeous traditional architecture. Today, the ryokan has been welcoming guests for around 165 years, with the 6th generation of the family managing it. It even won the Heritage 2021 trophy presented by Relais & Châteaux and Blancpain.

Design and Architecture

Nishimuraya Honkan's main building features Sukiya-zukuri architecture, while the annex boasts an original variant of it, Hirata Sukiya, the brainchild of Sukiya architectural master Masaya Hirata. The annex is filled with artwork that's refreshed from time to time. Each room is uniquely designed to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. There's a Shoin-style (architectural style from the Muromachi period) room, as well as Japanese-Western-style rooms. You'll find transoms, tatami mats, shoji (paper) screens, and sudare (blinds) typical of traditional ryokans. The rooms at the annex come with pocket cupboards as well. Almost all the units offer excellent views of the lush garden.

Relish Japanese-style kaiseki (multi-course) meals at Nishimuraya Honkan. The ryokan serves traditional delicacies such as Matsuba crab and Tajima beef, which are must-tries for every non-vegetarian guest. You'll also taste locally sourced Tajima Koshihikari rice and fine sake. Head chef Etsunobu Takahashi takes care of the menu and guarantees top-notch service.

Seasonal kaiseki

The menu is updated seasonally to accommodate the freshest ingredients. Just like the season itself, the spring menu is a visual treat, featuring colorful items such as sashimi and bamboo shoot dishes. Summer brings with it fresh seafood that you can relish in a comfy yukata (kimono-like cotton robe). Tajima beef is also available during the summer. In autumn, you can feast on red snow crabs and delicious Matsutake mushrooms, while winter is welcomed with Matsuba crabs and Tajima beef.

Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast in the historic dining hall, Senrei, which comes with rich woodwork, a coffered ceiling, lots of space, and ample natural light. You can pick between a Japanese-style or a Western-style breakfast and take in the architecture of this Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

Reservations: Reservations can be made on the ryokan's official website.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Nishimuraya Honkan is an ideal choice for history and culture buffs. You don't even have to leave the property to indulge in the area's heritage, as the ryokan offers a museum featuring artwork and artifacts from the bygone era. These include calligraphy and paintings by Shikō Munakata and Kazan Watanabe, pottery by Rosanjin Kitaoji, and local crafts such as Kinosaki traditional straw crafts. There's a lobby lounge on site called Seigetsuro, where you can mingle with fellow guests over a cup of tea.

You can also socialize or relax in one of the three hot springs baths. Enjoy soaking in Kinosaki Onsen's therapeutic waters in a Japanese-style or Chinese-style bath in the main building or the bath in the annex. The bathhouse offers both indoor and outdoor baths enhanced by the aroma of cypress wood. The covered outdoor bath, called Fukuno-yu , is inspired by Chinese design.

Nature lovers will have the beautiful garden to explore, with its pine trees, koi ponds, and stone statues. You can also immerse yourself in public hot springs such as Ichino-yu and Goshono-yu. Active guests can go hiking, cycling, or canoeing nearby.

Other Celebrations

While the ryokan may allow small, private celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries, it doesn't accommodate large-scale events such as weddings or receptions. For further clarification, you can contact the management via phone or email.