As a Muslim traveler exploring northern Hyogo, I was searching for a place that offered both natural beauty and genuine comfort — and I found it the moment I arrived at Oku-Kinosaki Seaside Hotel.

Perched on the coastline of the Nekozaki Peninsula, this unique seaside retreat is the only spot on the Sea of Japan side where you can witness both sunrise and sunset from the same place. The hotel sits quietly above the shoreline, embracing the rhythm of the waves and offering uninterrupted views of the magnificent Takeno Beach.

A Stay Rooted in Nature and Local Mythology

Stepping into the hotel, I learned that its concept, “Tanjo” (birth), comes from an ancient local myth about the birth of a god on the peninsula. This theme reveals itself subtly throughout the building.
The long corridors are painted in deep black, evoking the feeling of being inside a mother’s womb, symbolizing a place of beginnings. Traditional Japanese artwork and touches of shodo calligraphy decorate the walls, creating an atmosphere that blends cultural storytelling with modern comfort.

My room was serene, spacious, and decorated in soft natural tones that echoed the surrounding landscape. But the real centerpiece was the enormous window framing the Sea of Japan like a living painting. Sunrise and sunset unfolded right before my eyes — a rare privilege and a daily luxury I quickly grew attached to.

For a truly indulgent experience, the hotel also offers two special guestrooms with private open-air hot springs overlooking the ocean. Even without a private bath, guests can reserve one of the hotel’s private rental baths, perfect for relaxing in complete privacy while listening to the waves.

Thoughtful Hospitality for Muslim Travelers: Halal-Friendly Dining

One of the highlights of my stay was the halal-friendly dining experience — a rarity in traditional Japanese seaside hotels. I was deeply moved by how thoughtfully the meals were crafted to ensure both comfort and cultural respect.

Dinner: A Journey Through Tajima’s Seasonal Flavors

The halal-friendly dinner was served in a warm, inviting dining area, beginning with small appetizers: delicate oden, mini sushi topped with halal roast beef, salmon, and tuna, and edamame.

The soup, a creamy Tajimanma vegetable potage, was naturally sweet and soothing, while the tempura of seasonal vegetables was crisp and fragrant.

The main dish — a halal wagyu steak — was grilled to perfection, tender and full of flavor. The meal was accompanied by Kounotori Hagukumu white rice, grown using a special stork-friendly farming method unique to the Tajima region. The rice was glossy, slightly sticky, and unbelievably delicious.

Dessert was a subtly sweet soy pudding with fresh fruit, refreshing and light after a satisfying meal.

Breakfast: Locally Grown, Naturally Delicious

The next morning brought another memorable halal experience. The breakfast featured Muginotabi bread, baked from Toyooka’s organic wheat and known for its pleasantly firm bite.

Paired with Tanjo no Shio — a mineral-rich salt made from the pure seawater of Takenohama Beach — it was simple yet deeply flavorful. The plate also included olive oil, roasted halal wagyu slices, vegetables, and banana, creating a nourishing meal that showcased the best of local ingredients.

A New Day Rising Over the Sea

Before checking out, I watched the sunrise from my room. The Sea of Japan glowed in layers of soft gold, the air cool and salty, the waves moving gently below. It was one of those rare, quiet moments where time seems to slow down — the kind of moment that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Final Thoughts — A Heaven for Muslim Travelers in Hyogo

My stay at Oku-Kinosaki Seaside Hotel was peaceful, restorative, and deeply memorable. The breathtaking ocean views, the unique cultural concept, the soothing baths, and the warm hospitality all made it special — but what truly impressed me was the care shown toward halal-friendly dining.
For Muslim travelers seeking a place that understands and respects dietary needs while offering an authentic Japanese seaside experience, this hotel is a treasure. And for anyone visiting Kinosaki, whether for nature, onsen, or quiet reflection, Oku-Kinosaki Seaside Hotel offers a stay that feeds both the body and the soul.

▪️About Oku-Kinosaki Seaside Hotel
Address: 〒669-6201 Hyogo, Toyooka, Takenocho Takeno, 4
Website: http://www.okukinosaki.jp/
TEL: 079-6470-666
Check-in time: 15:00
Check-out time: 10:00