The 7 Mystic Onsen

Entering the Sacred Waters of Kinosaki Onsen

Begin your journey to the 7 mystic hot springs of Kinosaki, first visiting Onsenji Temple to give thanks to Dochi Shonin, the founder of Kinosaki Onsen.

In ancient times, onsen were considered sacred gifts from the water's guardian deity. Before entering the waters, one first had to hike to Onsenji Temple and pray to the onsen guardian. One would receive a “yu-shaku,” a type of ladle, that would act as a pass to enter the onsen.

Onsen Day Pass "Yumepa"

Onsen Day Pass “Yumepa” Modern entry to the onsen requires you to purchase a ticket. Those staying at an accommodation in Kinosaki Onsen are usually given a pass to all the public bathhouses, referred to as “yumepa,” upon check in (please check with your accommodation if they offer this service). Day-trippers to Kinosaki can purchase a day pass to the onsen at any of the seven bathhouses for 1,500 JPY.

All of Kinosaki Onsen’s seven onsen bathhouses allow tattoos of all shapes and sizes, a rarity in Japan.

Other recommended pages

Ropeway Hiking Course English guided Onsenji Temple Tour Onsenji Temple Kinosaki Must-Visits Pass

The Seven Mystic Onsen Bathhouses

All of Kinosaki Onsen’s public bathhouses are tattoo-friendly, separated by gender, and require guests to be naked.

There are several other hot spring towns in Japan, but very few have so many public bathhouses of varying style in such close proximity. All 7 of the onsen bathhouses can be walked to from the other. If you have the time, are up to the challenge and want to feel the cleanest and most relaxed you have ever felt in your life, try Kinosaki’s “Onsen Meguri”. Meguri is a Japanese term meaning pilgrimage, in this case you walk around to and soak in all 7 onsen bathhouses.

To help you find your way to each bathhouse, you can purchase a map with a stamp collection section on the back. At each bathhouse you will find a special stamp to put into your book. This stamp book can be purchased at the Ryokan Information Center in front of Kinosaki Station for 50 yen. Some ryokan also offer the chance to receive or purchase a commemorative rice scoop or set of chopsticks for completing the onsen pilgrimage, ask your ryokan if they offer this option and for more details.