Kinosaki Onsen is located in northern Hyogo Prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan. This pleasant town, built along a willow-lined river, is one of the top onsen destinations of the Kansai Region.
Hot springs were discovered in the Kinosaki area around the 8th century. Legend has it that storks would bathe in the marshes of Kinosaki to heal their wounds. Later, bath houses were built over these very sites to take advantage of the healing waters. Since then the town has developed into a charmingly old-fashioned onsen town. In the evenings guests of the local ryokan stroll about town in yukata (cotton kimono) and geta (wooden clogs), visiting the numerous public baths and nostalgic game arcades.
Today there are numerous ryokan in the area, all with their own baths. But the real draw to Kinosaki are its seven public bath houses (sotoyu). Visitors staying at a local ryokan can use Kinosaki’s seven public bath houses for free between check-in and check-out with a special pass that they receive from their ryokan. In fact, many guests skip their ryokan’s bath in favor of a sotoyu meguri (bath stroll), walking around sampling the various public baths. When visiting public baths, it is recommended that you bring your own towels or towels provided by the ryokan you are staying at, though towels are also available for purchase or rental at bath houses. Soap and shampoo are provided within the baths.
Kyoto
Travel Time: 2 1/2 Hours
With JR Rail Pass: $650.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $750.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $250.00
Osaka
Travel Time: 2 1/2 Hours
With JR Rail Pass: $0.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $750.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $250.00
Inclusions