
ABOUT TANTO

- Kiyohito Ieki
- Master Local Expert of Tanto
PROFILE
We are a small farming community in the rural mountain valleys and welcome anyone wanting to escape the pressures of the city, although we don't speak English you are welcome to come and practice your Japanese.

Connect with people not technology
Japan is known as one of the leading countries in the field of technology and gadgets. Yet with all of the convenience of this technology also comes the stress and feeling of not being able to get away to find time for yourself. This is why many have been retreating to the rural areas to slow down and refresh in the wide-open technology-free spaces. Here in Tanto we do not have abundant Wi-Fi connections. But we do have connections with the natural surroundings as well as with the community.
Oh, by the way, our community is mostly made up of farmers and blue-collar workers who may not be well-versed in the latest app or fancy smartphone and most certainly are not proficient in English. However, we know the land, the old ways that the city folk have all but forgotten and are more than happy to share this with you in the ultimate homestay experience. Stay in one of our minka, a traditional Japanese residence complete with an irori (sunken hearth) for cooking and bath heated by burning wood. You can’t get much more traditional than this.

An intimate cultural experience

Nothing has been modified or created for the sake of “showing” tourists Japan like a theme park. Everything here is natural and in its original state. Here is where real people live and work the same way that they have always done. When you come here you will be given the chance to experience this way of life. It is a great way to feel satisfaction in what you do and see the fruits of your labor, sometimes literally. Here you can have the ultimate homestay and be presented with the opportunity to get your hands dirty, but trust me, it is a lot more fun than you think. Cook dinner in and sit around the irori or sunken hearth. Chop wood to heat your bath water. Plant or harvest seasonal crops including rice when the season comes.

Tanto’s seasonal beauty
Famous for its natural beauty, each season produces a new piece of art.

From spring to autumn you can see the world change colors like a kaleidoscope. Hundreds of brightly colored tulips bloom in a work of art, each year brings a new work of art. Summer, a field of sunflowers brightens your day and trip. Frolic through the rows of golden flowers. In autumn, visit Ankokuji temple to view the Dodan-Tsutsuji. Sit in the main hall of the temple and enter into a zen-like meditation as you gaze out onto the brilliant reds of this hundred-year-old bush.

Relax at Tanto’s onsen

Silk Onsen “Yamabiko"
The source of the spring water comes through ancient granite located 1,100m below ground and...
ACCOMMODATIONS
Yamamotoya
Centrally located in the hot spring town, perfect for touring the public hot springs. Great place to ...
Onishiya Suishoen
Torches and a Noh stage accent the central garden which is surrounded by a tatami floored modern Japa...
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei
Renovated 2017! Luxurious hotel & ryokan with private onsen baths & free shuttle.
- Some Available Plans
Nishimuraya Honkan
With 150 years of history, member of Relais & Châteaux and rated as the "Best Onsen Ryokan" in Lonely...
- Some Available Plans
Uminone
LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Suigou
Surrounded by gardens, stop a while and calm your mind at our affordable Japanese family style inn.
- Some Available Plans
Shinonomesou
Public stone bath in main building and private baths in second building. Beautiful wooden furniture. ...
- Some Available Plans
Nashikisou
LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Seri
Enjoy traditional Japanese course meals and views of Maruyama River and the rolling mountains from th...
- Some Available Plans
Morizuya
Cave bath carved from the mountain, a favorite with female guests. In the middle of Kinosaki with an ...
- Some Available Plans
Tsutaya
Beautifully constructed of wood, this 3 story Ryokan blends into Kinosaki Onsen's elegance.
- Some Available Plans
yamayoshi
Awarded "No.1 satisfied with dinner in kinki and hokuriku area in Mar. 2014 by a Japanese website for...
Mikiya
Once visited by the late literary master Naoya Shiga. Yukari Inn's wooden design is purely Japanese a...
- Some Available Plans
Kourakuen
Enjoy relaxing hot springs and delicious meals worth their price at this tranquil inn.
Kinsui
Inside we\'ve created soothing surroundings with sunken fireplaces and a salon.
Okukinosaki Seaside Hotel
LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Silk Onsen Yamabiko
LOCATION: Tanto; 34km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by bus.
Blue Ridge Hotel
LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Tajimaya
A lovely inn centrally located in the heart of Kinosaki Hot Spring town. A popular and stylish inn am...
Yamatoya
Tsuiyama brand crab, located directly in the middle of the tour route for the seven famous open-air b...
Ryokan Sensui
Featuring 3 free private open-air baths in our traditional Japanese inn.
- Some Available Plans
Albireo
From the Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway exit at the Hidaka-Kannabekogen IC and turn left. Drive on Nati...
- Some Available Plans
New Marutaso
LOCATION: Kyotango, Kyoto pref.; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Amino Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Snow Land
LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.
- Some Available Plans
Kigusuriya
This traditional Japanese inn "Kigusuriya" has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, large spacious priva...
- Some Available Plans
Miyama Futon and Breakfast Thatched Cottages
We rent out our luxurious thatched cottages to guests so you can use the entire houses as you please.
ACCESS
BY CAR
BY PUBLIC TRANSIT
Travel time: 80 - 90 min / Fare: 1080 yen* (train 200 yen + bus 880 yen)
A long-established agricultural town nestled away in a mountain valley in northern rural Hyogo. Here you won’t find convenience stores, many vending machines, or even Wi-Fi. What you will find are warm hearted local towns people wanting to share with you a glimpse into what life all over Japan used to be like before the age of globalization. This is a destination for those wanting to experience a purer form of Japan and challenge themselves with the classic motto of travel “When in Rome”. Be prepared, only Japanese is spoken in this quaint little village.