Kinosaki Onsen, which is said to be the birthplace of the onsen-hopping, has seven hot springs each with their own charm. Since ancient times, the people of Kinosaki have thought of the town as one large ryokan, with the inns as guest rooms and the streets as the hallways, while they welcome guests who come to enter the health-benefitting hot springs.
This mentality still lives on in the town. When you arrive at your ryokan, change into a yukata and relieve your daily fatigue by visiting the hot springs.
Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring town with 1300 years of history behind it. As a hot spring town formed in ancient times, Kinosaki had at least 50 ryokan in 1870, coexisting and prospering together as one harmonious hot spring town. At the time, the town was not so much a sightseeing spot as it was a place for people to heal in the waters. Not only was Kinosaki a spot for healing, but it was also widely known as a place of deep spirituality.
Before entering the hot springs, visitors would first pay respects at Onsenji Temple, the guardian temple of Kinosaki.
Celebrate the culture and fall season with the town. Kinosaki Onsen's fall festival is held from October 14~15, with the highlight of the festival on the evening of the 15th when 5 gorgeously decorated shrine floats are run up and down the streets of Kinosaki.
The festival is to celebrate the town's guardian deities of the hot springs and to pray for a bountiful harvest and the safety of the town. Celebrations culminate in an impressive display at the center of town when all 5 shrines "collide."
A ryokan, a traditional Japanese style inn, is more than just a hotel and a place to sleep. Many of the ryokan have been family-owned for generations. Each one values the importance of Japanese tradition and takes pride in sharing these traditions with their guests.
In order to receive the hot spring’s health benefits, visitors to Kinosaki Onsen used to follow certain rituals at Onsenji Temple before entering the onsen. Learn from Onsenji Temple’s chief Buddhist priest these rituals and why they were performed.
Public bathing culture is deeply ingrained in the town’s daily life, and the seven hot springs are the highlight of Kinosaki Onsen. If you are staying at one of the accommodations in Kinosaki, they will offer a special pass to enter the public bath houses. Each of the seven public baths are also tattoo-friendly.
For an intimate bathing experience, try a private hot spring bath available in certain accommodations.
Experience Traditional Crafts and Make Great Memories
Visit the workshop of an artisan of mugiwara zaiku, a traditional straw handicraft that is only produced in Kinosaki Onsen. After observing the craftsman’s delicate technique, make your own original straw craft design on a small box to keep as a lovely souvenir.
Autumn presents an ideal tourism experience with a combination of vibrant red scenery, seasonal sweets, and outdoor hot spring soaks with a crisp fall breeze.
The leaves at Ankokuji Temple are arguably the most popular fall foliage viewing experience near Kinosaki Onsen, welcoming hundreds of visitors every day lining up to take a photo among the rich scenery.
Toyooka City is a stunning rural destination for your next trip to Japan, teeming with hidden treasures brimming with otherworldly beauty no matter the season.
This fall, how about setting off beyond the beaten path with a set of wheels? Discover the top autumn picks in town to plug into your GPS.
