New Kameya Main Building

Shin Kameya Honkan: A Masterwork of Sukiya Architecture in Kinosaki Onsen

Standing gracefully along the willow-lined banks of the Otani River in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen, Shin Kameya Honkan is a three-story wooden ryokan that embodies the refined artistry of one of Japan's greatest sukiya architects. Designed by the renowned Hirata Masaya and completed in 1959, this inn was the first building the master craftsman created in the storied hot spring town of Kinosaki. Registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2015, Shin Kameya Honkan offers visitors a rare opportunity to stay within a living piece of Japanese architectural heritage while enjoying the timeless pleasures of one of Japan's most beloved onsen destinations.

Historical Background

Kinosaki Onsen boasts a history spanning more than 1,300 years. According to legend, the hot springs were first discovered when an injured stork was observed healing its wounds in the warm waters. The town's formal founding is attributed to the Buddhist monk Dochi Shonin, who is said to have prayed for one thousand days until hot water finally gushed forth in 720 CE at the site now known as Mandara-yu bathhouse.

The town suffered devastating destruction during the Kita-Tamba Earthquake of 1925, which leveled much of the district. However, the resilient townspeople rebuilt their community with remarkable speed, centering the reconstruction around the public bathhouses and establishing the charming streetscape of traditional ryokan, willow trees, and arched bridges that visitors admire today.

It was during this era of post-earthquake renewal and subsequent growth that Shin Kameya Honkan was conceived. Completed in 1959 during the mid-Showa period, the building was designed by Hirata Masaya (1900–1980), a master carpenter and architect born in Sakai, Osaka, who devoted his entire career to the art of sukiya architecture. Hirata was celebrated for his work on prestigious tea rooms, high-end restaurants such as Kitcho, and distinguished ryokan across Japan, including the Hiratakan wing of the nearby Nishimuraya Honkan. Shin Kameya Honkan holds the distinction of being the first structure Hirata designed in Kinosaki Onsen.

Why It Was Registered as a Cultural Property

Shin Kameya Honkan was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property (Registered Tangible Cultural Property — Buildings) on November 17, 2015. The registration recognized several distinctive features that illustrate Hirata Masaya's characteristic design philosophy.

The building is a three-story wooden structure with a tiled roof and a building footprint of approximately 206 square meters. Its facade is composed with careful attention to proportion and rhythm: eaves run along the boundaries between each floor, while decorative chidori-hafu (ornamental gables) are placed at the entrance on the east side of the first floor and on the west side of the second floor, creating a balanced and dignified exterior.

Around the entrance area, fine lattice horizontal windows lend a sense of delicacy and order. Inside, the tokonoma alcove displays are characterized by a clean, linear elegance, with vermilion-lacquered shelves adding a subtle touch of color and warmth. These elements together demonstrate Hirata's distinctive approach to sukiya design — a style that harmonizes traditional Japanese aesthetics with restrained modern sensibility.

Architectural Highlights and Charm

The charm of Shin Kameya Honkan lies in the seamless integration of architectural beauty with the natural landscape of Kinosaki Onsen. Positioned along the Otani River, the three-story wooden structure rises in harmony with the iconic willow-lined waterfront, offering guests views of the flowing river and stone bridges from within the inn.

Hirata Masaya's design philosophy — sometimes described as "modern sukiya" — is evident throughout the building. Rather than relying on elaborate ornamentation, the architecture achieves its beauty through carefully chosen materials, precise proportions, and the interplay of light and space. The chidori-hafu gables on the facade are not merely decorative; they serve to break the visual mass of the three-story structure and create a sense of rhythm that echoes the traditional townscape of Kinosaki.

Guests who appreciate traditional Japanese woodworking will find much to admire in the craftsmanship of the interior — from the joinery of the pillars and ceiling to the thoughtful arrangement of the tokonoma alcove decorations. The inn retains a nostalgic, retro atmosphere that many visitors describe as deeply comforting, evoking the warmth of returning to a family home.

Shin Kameya Honkan features ten Japanese-style guest rooms and two private family baths, allowing couples and families to enjoy the hot spring waters in an intimate setting. The cuisine showcases local seasonal ingredients, including the famed Matsuba crab in winter and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.

Visitor Information

Shin Kameya Honkan is located in the very center of Kinosaki Onsen's main street, making it an ideal base for exploring the town's famous sotoyu (public bathhouse) circuit. Kinosaki Onsen is renowned for its seven public bathhouses — Sato-no-yu, Jizo-yu, Yanagi-yu, Ichi-no-yu, Gosho-no-yu, Mandara-yu, and Ko-no-yu — each with its own architectural character and associated blessing. Guests staying at local ryokan, including Shin Kameya, receive a free bathhouse pass called "Yumeppa" that allows unlimited access to all seven bathhouses during their stay.

The tradition of strolling through the town in a yukata (light cotton robe) and wooden geta sandals, moving from bathhouse to bathhouse, is central to the Kinosaki experience. The town operates on the charming philosophy that the entire district functions as a single large ryokan, with the station serving as the entrance hall, the streets as corridors, and the public baths as the communal bathing halls.

The inn is a seven-minute walk from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station. By car, it is approximately 70 minutes from the Wadayama Interchange on the Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway. Parking is available on-site for a fee.

Surrounding Attractions

Kinosaki Onsen and the surrounding area offer a wealth of experiences beyond the bathhouses. The Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway carries visitors up to the summit of Mount Daishi, where panoramic views of the town, the mountains, and the Sea of Japan await. At the base of the mountain sits Onsenji Temple, a historic site closely connected to the founding legends of Kinosaki Onsen.

The Kinosaki Straw Craft Museum showcases the traditional art of mugiwara zaiku (straw craft), a local handicraft with a history of over 300 years. Visitors can try their hand at creating their own straw accessories. Along the main street, shops offer local specialties including Tajima beef croquettes, soft-serve ice cream, and handmade sweets.

For those wishing to explore further afield, the Genbudo Cave — a natural monument formed by volcanic basalt columns — is located approximately 15 minutes away by car. The coastal scenery of the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches, is also within easy reach.