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Since the discovery of the town’s hot springs over 1300 years ago, Kinosaki Onsen has treated them as more than just mere water.
They are sacred waters with the ability to heal and rejuvenate. In fact, the first hot spring is said to have been discovered when a stork was seen healing its wounded leg in the waters. Also, there is a story that says the hot spring from Mandara Yu is the result of a priest praying for 1000 days to save the town’s people from suffering.
Because of the legends behind the founding of the hot springs, it was and still is custom for people to visit Onsen-ji, the hot spring temple, to give thanks for the waters and pray that the waters may never wither away.
To the locals, the hot springs are an indispensable source of life for the town. They are an existence of nature; here the hot springs and the people exist side-by-side.
The yukata is an essential part of this authentic Japanese hot spring town’s heritage and style. Today, just like 1300 years ago, visitors will spend their time enjoying Kinosaki Onsen while dressed in their ryokan’s yukata.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and hot springs. Dressed in traditional wear, geta and yukata, stroll along the willow-lined canal as lanterns glow and illuminate this ambient town.
Kinosaki Onsen has welcomed a countless number of visitors, and while some may see it as a tourist destination, it is not. It is a hot spring town and community that just happen to be a popular destination for travelers. Visitors are warmly welcomed into the ‘soto-yu’ (public bathhouses) where local families also gather for their evening bath. Local ‘snack’ bars will invite you to sing along to karaoke with their regular patrons, and local events are open to anyone wanting to join in.
