©Toyooka City
HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Kinosaki Onsen Hot Spring Town
A historic hot spring with seven bathhouses’ worth of traditional bath culture to discover
Toyooka Tourism Innovation
Kinosaki Onsen is a 1,300-year-old hot spring town famous for its well-preserved historic architecture and seven tattoo-friendly Japanese onsen (hot spring bathhouses).
The gently sloped river lined with willow and cherry trees leads you through the arched footbridges, wooden ryokan (Japanese traditional inns), traditional craft ateliers, and retro arcades. Follow the purest Kinosaki Onsen tradition and go onsen-hopping while wearing yukata (light cotton kimono) and geta (traditional wooden sandals), both available at inns for guests or at rental shops. Kinosaki Onsen's hot spring waters flow through the seven tattoo-friendly bathhouses, each offering unique features such as an open-air cave, outdoor/indoor baths, architecture inspired by the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and more. During the day, travel up to Mount Daishi for a breathtaking scenic view over the town spanning the Maruyama River and Sea of Japan. On your ropeway ride, stop midway to discover the guardian Buddhist temple of Kinosaki Onsen.
Enjoy a relaxing night by lodging at one of the traditional Japanese inns around town, many of which are family-owned and have been running for generations. Find on the menu refined regional delicacies such as Tajima Beef and Matsuba Crab (a winter seafood specialty). Some inns also offer private baths for guests.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Express Konotori to Kinosaki Onsen Station (about 3 hours).
Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo-ken
