Kinosaki Onsen

1,300 Years of History

Kinosaki Onsen is an ancient hot spring said to have been opened by Dochi Shonin in 717. Known as a hot spring resort visited by many literary greats including Shiga Naoya who wrote "At Kinosaki," the inn district overflowing with hot spring atmosphere and outer bath culture are still inherited.

Tour of Seven Outer Baths

The greatest pleasure of Kinosaki Onsen is the "outer bath tour." Inn guests can use the "Yumpa" (unlimited outer bath pass) to freely tour all 7 outer baths: Sato no Yu, Jizo Yu, Yanagi Yu, Ichi no Yu, Gosho no Yu, Mandara Yu, and Ko no Yu.

Strolling in Yukata

Walking the hot spring town in yukata and wooden geta sandals borrowed from inns is Kinosaki style. The atmospheric hot spring town with willow trees swaying on cobblestone streets is the quintessential Japanese hot spring travel scene.

Winter Matsuba Crab

Kinosaki Onsen's inns offer "matsuba crab (snow crab)" cuisine in winter (November to March). Matsuba crab landed in the Tajima region is known as the king of Japan Sea winter flavors.