(Green Season) Hot Springs and Japan’s Great Outdoors

Soak in natural hot springs, climb trees, and go rock trekking all near Kinosaki Onsen.

DETAILS
  • Kinosaki OnsenKannabe
  • 3 days, 2 nights
  • rental car / taxi
  • solo travelersenior travelerfamily with kids
  • SpringSummerAutumn
Day 1
Arrive in Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen is a charming tattoo-friendly hot spring town which can be thought of as one large Japanese inn, where the station is the entrance, the steets are the hallways, the shops are the boutiques, and the seven hot springs are the baths.
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About5min. by foot
Strolling
Kinosaki Onsen has two main streets: Station Street and Willow Street.

Right out of Kinosaki Onsen Station, visitors begin their stroll down Station Street, home to mostly souvenir shops and restaurants selling Tajima Beef, seafood, and drinks.

Get some lunch at one of Station Street's restaurants!

A turn left at the end of Station Street leads visitors down Willow Street for a stunning view of the town's gorgeous Otani River flanked by sweeping willow trees.
About3min. by foot
Hot Spring Drinking Fountain
In addition to seven public hot springs for the entire body, Kinosaki Onsen boasts hand baths, foot baths, and even a hot spring drinking fountain! Take a warm sip of Kinosaki Onsen's natural hot spring water at the hot spring drinking fountain in front of Ichino-yu Bathhouse.
About12min. by foot
Kinosaki Ropeway
Ride the Kinosaki Ropeway to the top of Mount Daishi, awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan for its spectacular view!
About7min. by ropeway
Onsenji Temple
At the halfway station, get off and pay a visit to Onsenji Temple, Kinosaki Onsen's guardian Buddhist Temple founded by the monk Dochi Shonin. The monks will be happy to tell you the story of Kinosaki Onsen's creation 1,300 years ago!
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About3min. by foot
Onsenji Temple Museum
Tucked away amongst the forest, the Onsenji Temple Museum lies a few meters away from Onsenji Temple. Visitors are welcome to appreciate the precious antiques from Kinosaki on display inside the museum’s calming interior.
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About4min. by ropeway
Foot Baths
Rest your feet in one of Kinosaki Onsen's five free foot baths! After getting off the Kinosaki Ropeway at the mountain base station, head on over to the nearby foot bath for some R&R. Try out the hot spring eggs at the nearby cafe while you're at it!
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Check In
Check into your accommodation for the evening and get cozy in your traditional room!
Dinner
Enjoy an in-house dinner at your accommodation, brimming with Tajima Beef and other local delicacies.
Hot Spring Hopping
After dinner, join in Kinosaki Onsen tradition by hopping from as many hot springs as you can in a yukata!

Visitors to Kinosaki who are staying at local inn will be given a free hot spring pass at check-in.

The pass has a barcode and will give you free access to all seven hot springs until 13:00 on the day of check-out.

Just scan at the entrance and you can use any public hot spring!
Retro Arcades
Vintage Japanese pinball machines, pachinko slots, and retro shooting games all in great condition are rare finds nowadays.

Be sure to take the opportunity to experience playing all three in one trip!
Day 2
Breakfast
Enjoy a slow morning with breakfast at your accommodation in Kinosaki Onsen.
Check Out
Pick up Rental Car in Front of Kinosaki Onsen Station
About40min. by car
Volcanic Rock Trekking OR Highland Cycling
At the Kannabe Nature School, go trekking on a lava flow formation which erupted from Mt. Kannabe about 25,000 years ago, and then hardened over time. While completing the course, explore behind a waterfall, and use your strength to overcome any hurdle you might face.

For a more relaxed pace, cycle along vast rice fields, cultivated farmlands, and villages in between broad-leaved trees.

Both options are guided by a local who has extensive knowledge on the Kannabe Highlands.
About5min. by car
Lunch
Head over to the Kannabekogen Rest Area for some lunch and a hot spring soak.
On weekends, try the buffet!
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About1min. by foot
Yutorogi Hot Spring
Just nextdoor to Kannabekogen Rest Area
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About5min. by car
Check Into Your Kannabe Highlands "Pension" Homestay
Your accommodation in the Kannabe Highlands will be a homestyle "pension."

Pensions are a type of accommodation originating in Europe, now popular with tourists visiting Japanese mountain towns and countryside villages.

Pensions are normally furnished with European-style furniture and decor with a storybook vibe, perfectly fitting alongside the lush green setting of the Kannabe Highlands!
Dinner at Pension
Your pension's owners will prepare you a lovely meal filled with ingredients from the area.
Day 3
Breakfast at Pension & Check Out
Say goodbye to your local hosts over breakfast!

Pension breakfasts are usually western-style, including omelets, bread, and salads.
About10min. by car
Tree Climbing
Complete an Obstacle Course in the Trees of the Kannabe Highlands!

2 courses are avilable. The adventure course takes 2 hours and includes various obstacles, zip lines, and a Tarzan rope!

The canopy course consists of 3 courses and takes about 2 hours to complete. With simple and easy-to-use safety equipment and a slightly lower height and difficulty than the adventure course, this course is perfect for families with small children looking to enjoy an outdoor adventure.
About3min. by car
Local BBQ with Tajima Beef
Have an outdoor BBQ after tree climbing!

No need to bring any ingredients. Just enjoy Tajima beef, locally-grown fresh vegetables, and seafood on a garden terrace.

Tajima Beef is the original name for Kobe Beef, a high quality brand beef cut from the pure bred wagyu cattle raised locally near the Kannabe Highlands.

Savor this luxurious delicacy in a tranquil outdoor setting.
About45min. by car
Return Car in Front of Kinosaki Onsen Station
BOOK A STAY