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Weekday fireworks and traditional festivities: Kinosaki Onsen summer evening celebrations
Toyooka Tourism Innovation
Since the eighth century, Kinosaki Onsen has been known as a relaxing hot spring getaway. On late afternoons, distant echoes of conversation coupled with the wooden clap of geta (traditional sandals) rise from the streets and recall the atmosphere of olden times. From late July to August, wear a yukata (cotton kimono) and wooden sandals like a local and enjoy summer outdoor events while hot spring-hopping your way through the town’s seven bathhouses.
On weekdays, Shisho Shrine hosts small stands for games and snacks. During your stroll, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants offer late-night shopping opportunities and summertime favorites like ice cream, shaved ice, and cold beer. On some days, you can enjoy colorful fireworks by the town’s Otani River at 9:00 p.m.
In early August, participate in the Furusato (lit. “hometown”) Festival and feel the beat of taiko drums, or try Bon Odori folk dancing during the annual Buddhist event commemorating ancestors.
As a magical finale, witness the Lantern Festival in late August along the Otani River. If you are lucky, you can also write your wish on one of the paper lanterns, place a candle inside, and watch them float down the river.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Limited Express Konotori train on the JR San-in Main Line to Kinosaki Onsen Station (about 2 hours 45 minutes).
Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo-ken
