Q&A

What are the benefits of the open-air bath “Kin Onsen”?

Kin Onsen is rich in iron ions and is a brownish ferruginous spring reminiscent of the golden spring of Arima Onsen. It is said to be beneficial for anemia, chronic digestive disorders, and hemorrhoids. Because it also contains a high level of salt, it is considered effective for muscle and joint pain and sensitivity to cold, and shares the characteristics of chloride springs, which are known as all-purpose hot springs. Please enjoy your bath while gazing out at the sea stretching out before the open-air bath and the countless stars at night.
(Notice)
Because this hot spring contains a high concentration of beneficial minerals, entering the pool directly after bathing in Kin Onsen leaves these components on your body. If they remain, they may cause damage to the pool’s filtration system, so please be sure to rinse off your body before using the pool. For this reason, entering the pool directly from Kin Onsen is strictly prohibited.

What are the benefits of the indoor bath “Gin Onsen”?

We particularly recommend the indoor Gin Onsen. It is rich in metasilicic acid, which has a moisturizing effect on the skin, and is known as a “beauty bath” or “beautiful skin bath.” Metasilicic acid is a natural moisturizing ingredient also used in skincare products for hydrated skin; it promotes cell turnover and helps condition ceramides. Because it leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky, Gin Onsen is especially popular with female guests.

What do the “Hot,” “Normal,” and “Lukewarm” bath settings mean?

The hot spring water in our ryokan is piped directly into each guest room, so you could say it is “your very own private hot spring.” You can adjust the temperature to your liking by pressing the three temperature buttons provided in the bathroom.
Hot: 43.5°C　　Normal: 41.5°C　　Lukewarm: 36.5°C
*Settings may vary depending on the season, such as in winter.

What are the room types, and how many guests can each accommodate?

We have seven villas in total: Sora, Hoshi, Oto, Migiwa, Umi, Iro, and Nagisa. Each is a completely private, whole-building retreat accommodating 1 to 3 guests, and every villa is a 120㎡ Japanese-style room.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in begins at 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00 the following morning.

What can you tell us about the interior design and the view?

Each villa is furnished with carefully selected, modern designer furniture from Japan and abroad. Every room offers a sweeping, tranquil view of Miyazu Bay.

Is the sea in front of the terrace a private beach?

No, it is not a private beach. The Tango area of Kyoto is a region rich in nature and long-standing traditions, and the coastline is open to the public. For this reason, you may occasionally see people passing by, and boats may go past as there are uninhabited islands and long-established fishing villages nearby. If you are concerned about this while using the open-air bath, please close the doors for privacy.

Is the pool heated?

Yes. A heated pool is available in three villas only: Sora, Hoshi, and Oto.
・4/1–11/30: 38,720 yen (tax and service charge included) per room
*If you have a preferred water temperature, please let us know in advance. *Please note that we do not provide swimsuits.

Our other four villas — Migiwa, Umi, Iro, and Nagisa — each have their own unheated pool.

Can I go beyond the pool area?

No. To prevent accidents and injuries, access beyond the pool area is strictly prohibited.
(Please refer to the In-house Services Guide.)

Can I use the bath and pool if I have tattoos?

Yes. Because every bath and pool is completely private to your own villa, guests with tattoos are welcome without any concerns.

What does “sleepwear” refer to?

Our ryokan provides two types of garments. “Sleepwear” is the room wear prepared for you to relax in your room and to use as pajamas at bedtime. For going outside your room—to meals, the lobby, and other areas—we provide a yukata and short coat (hanten) as in-house wear. Please enjoy using each according to your needs.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout every villa and the entire property.

What appliances and equipment are in the room?

Every villa comes equipped with air conditioning, a private toilet, a bath, a television, a refrigerator, an electric kettle, and a hair dryer, along with a full range of premium amenities.

What if I would like drinks other than those in the room refrigerator?

A room service drink menu is provided in your room, so please feel free to dial 9 for the front desk. You can choose from a variety of wines, champagne, and soft drinks.

Can I smoke? Are the rooms non-smoking?

All indoor areas of the property, including guest rooms, are non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only on the outdoor deck area. An ashtray is provided on the shelf on the deck wall, so when you smoke, please do so on the deck. We do not sell cigarettes on site; thank you for your understanding.

Can I send my luggage?

We can arrange courier service for you. If you wish to send luggage, please contact the front desk by dialing 9.

Are sweets and drinks in the lobby lounge complimentary?

Yes, during your stay this is one of our popular complimentary services.
Check-in is from 15:00, and until check-out at 11:00 the next day, the offerings change depending on the time of day.
Please enjoy them together with the fantastical washi artworks of Ms. Eriko Horiki.
■ Welcome Time → 15:00–17:30 / Soft drinks, sparkling wine, fruit juices, desserts
■ Mini Bar Time → 19:00–22:00 / Homemade fruit liqueurs, wine, Kyoto spirits (shochu, sake, etc.), whisky, snacks
■ Morning Time → 08:00–11:00 / Kyoto brand teas and roasted green tea, Tango sweets
(Notes)
・The above is current as of June 2024.
・Offerings are subject to change depending on the season.

Until what time can I go out?

For security reasons, the ryokan’s entrance and lobby building are locked from midnight (0:00) to 7:00 a.m. If you plan to go out during these hours, please inform the front desk in advance.

Do you offer wake-up calls?

To allow you to spend your time freely without being bound by everyday schedules, we do not install an automatic wake-up call function in the rooms; instead, alarm clocks are provided. If you would like a telephone wake-up call, we will be happy to assist—please contact the front desk by dialing 9.

Do you provide newspapers?

Yes. Every morning, we deliver a free copy of the Yomiuri Shimbun to your room doorknob (except on newspaper holidays).

Where are meals served?

All meals are served at our dedicated in-house dining space, set around a counter where you can watch our chefs at work.

What style of cuisine do you serve, and what's your wine selection like?

Rather than following any single culinary category, our style draws out the very best in each ingredient. We also offer an outstanding selection of wines from around the world, carefully chosen to complement the cuisine.

Can I order additional dishes?

Although our course meals provide ample quality and quantity, we may also have daily recommendations or rare items available. We also offer a small à la carte menu to accommodate various requests, so please feel free to ask our staff if you would like something additional.

Can you accommodate food allergies or vegetarian guests?

Yes, we can. Please let us know in advance when you book.

Can I have wine I bring in served at dinner?

If you would like to bring your own beverages—whether wine or other drinks that we do not carry, or something of special significance—please consult with us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. Feel free to contact us.
※For wine served in the restaurant, a corkage fee of 10,000 yen (excluding tax) per bottle will be charged. For wine brought into your room, the fee is 5,000 yen (excluding tax) per bottle.
※Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any damage to brought-in wine or glassware; this service is available only to guests who agree to these conditions.

Can I enjoy Taiza crab in winter?

Yes. During crab season, from November through March, guests return from all over Japan in search of this legendary delicacy.

What seasonal ingredients do you serve from spring through autumn?

We serve fresh, rare seafood you can only find in this region—including torigai (ark shell), rock oysters, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), and amadai (tilefish).

Does the menu change for multi-night stays?

Yes. From your second night onward, we serve a different dinner menu featuring the finest ingredients sourced that day.

Is breakfast Japanese-style?

Yes, breakfast is Japanese-style. However, for guests staying multiple nights, Western-style breakfast is also available from the second morning onward. We serve a “body-friendly breakfast” featuring Amanohashidate Koshihikari rice lovingly grown by local farmers, Kyoto miso blended to our own recipe, local eggs from Ine Town, our homemade dried fish, and more.

Can children stay at the ryokan?

Only children of junior high school age and older may stay with us.

Do staff speak English?

We communicate using a translation app.

Do you have anything special for anniversaries?

Yes—our anniversary plan can include surprises such as sparkling wine, a portrait cake, or a balloon flower arrangement.

Is parking available for guests?

Yes. We have free parking on site reserved for guests, with space for up to two vehicles per villa.

Are there any sister properties or villas nearby?

Yes. We operate several luxury villas in the area, including Auberge Villa SOSO, Auberge Villa Kuon, and Ruriha.

Do you offer airport transfers?

Yes. This is a paid service, with the fare calculated based on actual highway tolls and fuel cost. As it's fully reservation-based, please email us at yoyaku@hoshino-oto.jp or note your transfer request when booking—availability may be limited depending on our schedule. Transfers to and from nearby stations such as Amanohashidate Station are, as always, available on request.

Can I get here without a car?

Yes. A paid transfer service is available from the airport or Kyoto Station (fully reservation-based—please confirm by email or note it when booking), and transfers to Amanohashidate Station are complimentary. If you'd rather make your own way, the nearest station is Amanohashidate Station, about a 23-minute taxi ride from the property (around 40 minutes by bus). From Kyoto Station, a limited express train takes about 2 hours to Amanohashidate Station, followed by another 20–40 minutes by car or bus. By car, the drive from Kyoto Station takes about 1 hour 55 minutes.

Are there any recommended spots for viewing Amanohashidate?

Yes. About an 8-minute drive from the property, Kasamatsu Park offers a famous northern viewpoint—look at Amanohashidate upside down through your legs, and the sandbar appears to transform into a dragon ascending to the sky. On the south side, you'll find Amanohashidate itself, where you can walk along the pine-covered sandbar; Amanohashidate View Land, reached by chairlift or monorail; and Chion-ji Temple, dedicated to the deity of wisdom (each about a 24–25 minute drive).

Can I visit the boathouses of Ine?

Yes, it's about a 17-minute drive. Ine is a fishing village famous for its funaya—boathouses built right at the water's edge—and it's a popular day-trip destination for many of our guests. We can also arrange an Ine Bay cruise; please feel free to ask if you're interested.