Japanese Guesthouse Kinosaki Wakayo (Female Only)

This guesthouse was seriously stunning. To give context, I always prefer staying at hotels but if this option is not available, I tend to book apartments. Guesthouses tend to be my last option but I would definitely prioritise / repeat a stay in this lovely house without a doubt. On arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the two owners and told about the house rules (all sensible). They taught me how to set up my futon bed (which was super comfortable) and reminded me how to wear the yukata. They also gave me a map and explained the different onsens in town. I had a private room which was massive and beautiful. It was well equipped with a mirror, some hangers and aircon. The sinks and the toilet were just outside my door so super convenient. The shower was downstairs (which I used once) but actually, I soon discovered that if you go from onsen to onsen, you will be showering in the public baths. I was a solo traveller and I always felt super safe around Japan, but in this guesthouse I was somehow looked after. There was a warmth that I can't really explain.

Nothing to add.

The property was in the perfect location. It was about 7-10 minute walk from the station and around all the popular onsens but a little bit away from the canal (2 minute walk) so less crowded and felt more homely. Our host was so wonderful and friendly and she took the time to tell us how onsens worked in the town and gave us a map and provided all the things we needed. Onsen robes, shoes and a basket along with small towels and a plastic bag for them. We enjoyed the shared kitchen and living room with perfect aircon, since we were there in summer we appreciated it! Thank you so much and we can’t wait to stay with you again in Kinosaki

No complaints or suggestions of improvement from us! We loved it all.

Lovely historic house with beautifully curated furniture etc. Good shared facilities (kitchen, lounge room), huge bedroom and lovely little garden outside. Yukatas, shoes and bag loaned as in the (much more expensive) ryokans in town, so you can get dressed up to stroll around town and to the onsens. Friendly staff. I loved the women- only atmosphere.

Was fine and comfortable for me, but the bed are traditional Japanese futons on tatami floor, and seating in lounge is also floor level - your knees will get a workout. Only downside is the noise from other rooms - the first 2 nights i was the only guest and the house was peaceful, the 3rd night inconsiderate neighbours chatted till midnight and from 6am and I could hear EVERYthing through the walls. Suggest there is a 'quiet time' curfew of say 11pm - 7.30am that staff make sure all guests are aware of.

Good location: two blocks (1-minute walk) from the main road, and close enough to the onsens. The staff are extremely helpful and kind. They provide cool yukata and geta you can wear to walk around the onsen town. I felt safer staying in an all-female ryokan.

The walls are super thin so I could hear coughing and talking in the room next to mine, which made it difficult to sleep even with earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones. The locks on the doors are very loud so I would wake up when someone down the hall locked/unlocked their door. Soundproofing is virtually nonexistent; don't stay here if you're a light sleeper or sensitive to noise.