Maruyamaso

Instead of staying in the middle of the Kinksaki Onsen which is pretty and fun to walk around in but not quiet and rather touristy, we stayed at this serene traditional inn with a beautiful view of the Maruyama River, a five minute walking distance to the beach and a small fishing village. The owner's family has been there for 10 generations; while the intimate onsen inn is 40 years old.. Well maintained and some renovations were done 10 years ago. We opted to stay in a unique room with our own onsen bath with a view and a small private garden .. It was not during the famous crab season, but the food was fabulous and plenty (live abalone cooked on our table, first quality shabu shabu of the famed local beef from the same stock as the Kobe beef from the same prefecture). The chef-owner was trained in Osaka. The Inn provides free transfer services in and out of the Kinksaki town most of the day and the evening. (5 minutes max car ride). We have stayed at many onsens and hotels in Japan, and the level of service in the country is the highest in the world in general. But Maryuama-so stands out for the warmth and the kindness of the people who run the place.