Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei

Truly top class, a really fine establishment that I would put alongside the best 5-star hotel brands, probably even better. Loved everything about this hotel, everything seemed so well thought out, from the comb and toothbrush amenities they provide in the room, to the curated items at the gift shop, and the onsen provided for guests (which everyone should check out). The hotel staff were excellent and put service at the very core, while checking out I had someone run to catch me as I had left a shirt behind in the wardrobe. After I left I regret not buying some items at the gift shop, and the staff gladly attended to my request to purchase items from the shop even though they did not run an online business. Talk about going above and beyond for their guest, even though they are technically no longer guests. A big appreciation to Collin, Jing and their team. It makes me want to stay at their sister hotel Nishimuraya Honkan, which we did not manage to stay this time as we had kids. The next time I am back I will definitely stay at a Nishimuarya establishment, and I wish there were more like these places around.

This was honestly one of the best Japanese experiences I’ve had. The hotel was so serene and achieved everything I have expected from an Onsen experience. The service was above and beyond and the whole team put in so much effort to make our stay memorable. If you’re looking for a getaway in the heart of nature, this is it. Make sure to book a private Onsen in advance if you want to have that experience. The hotel gives you the Onsen pass so all of the public baths are also accessible. The morning buffet was great. We also came across a market set up in front of the hotel and were able to purchase fresh persimmon.

I stayed 2 nights at Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei and it was absolutely the highlight of my 3-week trip to Japan. The service was exceptional and the hotel staff went above and beyond to help me plan a surprise engagement to my partner in their beautiful forest chapel on the hotel grounds, along with a special tea and flower arrangement. I’d like to thank Jing and Nishikawa in particular for their help with photos and set-up on the day of, which went perfectly. I will cherish those memories for a lifetime. Special mention to our room attendant Myai as well who was exceptionally attentive, friendly, and accommodating in our room and dinner service. The rest of my experience at the hotel has already been well described by others as a true 5-star experience. I will also just highlight for others to remember to check out the hotel’s onsen in addition to the many excellent public baths in Kinosaki Onsen, as it was very well-equipped with both indoor and outdoor hot/cold baths, a sauna, and a lovely private garden setting outside.

This is the single best hotel I have ever stayed in. It was for our honeymoon and we really could not have picked a better ryokan. We stayed in the traditional Japanese room and found it to be exquisite. The tatami floors provide a naturally warm scent when the hotel doesn't have incense burning and the futons are firm but comfortable. I regret that we only used the onsite onsen the very last day of our stay because it was gorgeous and less busy than the public ones. The staff is also beyond compare. They go out of their way to make you comfortable and keep things running smoothly. Most of our trip to Japan only had a vaneer of service (a lot of polite smiles but zero help or direction for even the simplest needs) but that is not the case here. Here, it actually feels like the staff really care. They were wonderful and all of our interactions with them were memorable and pleasant. The worst part of our stay was leaving, because we hated to say goodbye to such a wonderful experience.

The rooms smell like fish. The smell is so bad we had to leave early. We understand that this is ryokan and traditional eating style but having food served in the rooms has left a permanent fish smell in the entire hotel on the floors with the rooms. The main level is okay. When you check out they will charge you a large tax for using onsen that they do not warn you about upon booking. The town is pretty but do not recommend this property at all. We did onsen in Hakone and had a much nicer experience. They will also charge you a large tax for the town when you check out even if you don’t use the onsen and they do not warn you of this anywhere. Don’t waste your money.

Best ryokan I stayed at. Better than Hakone. Book the private onsen rooms! Totally worth it!!! Staff greeted you warmly and the in suite kaiseki dinning with a dedicated staff that spoke english was a +++. The hotel onsen was honestly better than the public baths (2 of the best ones were under renovation ) Wish there were more towels in room. I felt bad calling front desk so never did haha. Also the washroom bamboo floors were spiky where the chairs dragged. Tatami room felt amazing. Tranquil view from room. Hotel lobby was grandiose. Morning buffet was good but not amazing. Overall, I would recommend this hotel to anyone willing to walk or shuttle bus a bit into Kinosaki town. Would love to come back again! 5/5

Luxurious. Stunning rooms, stunning lobby and even an in-house onsen. Everything was comfortable and staff went above and beyond. The meal was delicious, elaborate and of very high quality. It's a bit of a walk to the centre of town but a shuttle bus is provided.

This hotel truly exceeded our expectations. The staff were very welcoming and the service was top-notch. We stayed in a room with a private bathroom designed in a charming traditional style, which added to the overall experience. The traditional dinner was absolutely delicious — highly recommended. Upon checkout, the hotel arranged for our luggage to be delivered to the station, giving us the freedom to enjoy the city before our departure. We would definitely return on our next visit!