Izushi | Visit Kinosaki

IZUSHI CASTLE TOWN: NOSTALGIC OF THE EDO ERA

A castle town popular for its nostalgic atmosphere. The current townscape is reminiscent of the Edo era (1604) thanks to efforts to preserve the town’s original architecture.

WELCOME TO: IZUSHI CASTLE TOWN
OF GREATER KINOSAKI ONSEN

Izushi is a town that continues on from the mythical era. Today it is a castle town popular for its nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan. Besides that, there are many local special products such as "Izushi Sara Soba", "Izushi Yaki (pottery)" and "Kiryusaiku". If you change into a kimono and stroll through the town, you will feel as though you have slipped through time.
Here shops, homes, and other buildings retain their original charm as well as community and rural life. Unlike other large tourist destinations, locals still live in town, adding to the atmosphere. Local grandmas chatting while they buy the day’s groceries, laundry hung out to dry, neighborhood children walking to and from school are just some of the many scenes of daily Izushi life.

IZUSHI MAP

DOWNLOAD A MAP TO IZUSHI AND ITS EDO PERIOD ATTRACTIONS

DOWNLOAD MAP

Experience Izushi

Eirakukan

Eirakukan Kabuki Theatre is the oldest working kabuki theatre in the Kansai Area. The theatre setting is very intimate. Audience members can opt for traditional seating on the floor and everyone is seated very close to the actors.
The full access tour of Izushi's Kabuki theatre, Eirakukan, will put you on, behind, and under the stage. This is a rare and fantastic experience will help you feel like a real kabuki actor and take a closer look at the mysterious workings of a traditional Kabuki stage.

More About Eirakukan Kabuki Theatre

Kabuki Performance Tickets

Izushi Sara Soba

Soba in Japan is usually served in a large dish. But Izushi soba is traditionally served on small plates, a single serving consists of 5 plates. There are about 50 soba noodle shops in Izushi that showcase this interesting serving method.
Use your chopstick to measure how many plates of soba you have eaten. 20 plates stack up to the height of a single chopstick.If you are able to finish off at least 20 plates in one sitting, you are given a commemorative plaque called a “Soba-dori” as a fun souvenir.

About Izushi Soba

Coupon Pamphlet Download

Sukyoji Temple

This zen temple was built in 1392. This was the family temple where the family of Izushi Castle had worshipped for generations. Here the Buddhist monk Takuan Soho created his namesake pickled daikon radish (“takuan”), now popular all over Japan, and for this reason the temple is also referred to as “Takuan Temple”. Takuan Soho was also the instructor to the great swordsman Musashi Miyamoto.In addition to tours of the garden, visitors can also try full-fledged zen meditation and traditional temple vegetarian food. You can also try traditional Japanese sweets.
Reservations are required if you wish to try the zen meditation.

Zen Meditation Experience

Izushi Castle Town

In Izushi, you will have the chance to explore the Izushi Castle Ruins, Shinkoro Clock Tower, Samurai House, Eirakukan Kabuki Theatre (closed on Thursdays), and more!

Guided Tour of the Town

Izushi is truly breathtaking in any season. It is recommended to try wearing a traditional kimono during your visit to further enhance your experience, especially in the spring or fall. In spring, the cherry blossoms surround the base of the castle ruins, while the fall foliage in autumn brings out the brilliant vermilion of the torii gates. You can reserve a kimono rental on our Tours & Packages page.

Local Expert

Let our local expert show you around

Kohei Morigaki: Master Local Expert of Izushi
PROFILE

I hope that you feel a little nostalgia while here. I also highly recommend walking the town in a kimono, you can rent one from us for both men and women.

His Comment

Accommodations

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Yamamotoya

Centrally located in the hot spring town, perfect for touring the public hot springs. Great place to ...

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Plan with one night lodging and two meals included. DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Mikuniya

A 3 minute walk from the train station is a hidden retreat. We offer 3 free private baths, a beauty s...

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Kani Kaiseki (Full course crab set menu). Includes a free pass to the seven public onsen & Free rental Yukata. DETAILS BOOK

Kani Suki Nabe (Full course Crab hotpot set meal). Includes a free pass to the seven public onsen & Free rental Yukata. DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Onishiya Suishoen

Torches and a Noh stage accent the central garden which is surrounded by a tatami floored modern Japa...

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【冬の会席】Plan with one night lodging and two meals included（11/7〜3/31）. DETAILS BOOK

かになし会席「No crab Dinner」Plan with one night lodging and two meals included（11/7〜3/31） DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei

Renovated 2017! Luxurious hotel & ryokan with private onsen baths & free shuttle.

Some Available Plans

Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

En

The Japanese – style auberge only for adults.

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Stay with no meals plan DETAILS

Tajima Beef (Kobe Beef) Steak Plan DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Nishimuraya Honkan

With 150 years of history, member of Relais & Châteaux and rated as the "Best Onsen Ryokan" in Lonely...

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Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Included DETAILS

Superior Fresh Matsuba Crab & Tajima Beef Kaiseki DETAILS BOOK

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TAKENO

Uminone

LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

Standard Crab Dinner Plan DETAILS BOOK

"Raku-course" Plan with Bento Style Dinner (Check-in time: ~10pm) DETAILS BOOK

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TOYOOKA

Toyooka Park Hotel

LOCATION: Toyooka; 10km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Toyooka Sta.). Conveniently located...

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Twin Room with no meals DETAILS BOOK

Double Room with no meals DETAILS

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Suigou

Surrounded by gardens, stop a while and calm your mind at our affordable Japanese family style inn.

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One night lodging with no meals (Included a free pass to the seven public onsen) DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Sennen no Yu Koman

Kinosaki Onsen's founding hot spring inn. Composed of tradition, hot springs, and wooden structures c...

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The best of Kinosaki. Different cuisine every month.(April~October) DETAILS

Crab Hot Pot Plan DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Shinonomesou

Public stone bath in main building and private baths in second building. Beautiful wooden furniture. ...

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Standard Crab Dinner Plan!!! During Winter Only! DETAILS

Seasonal meal recommended by chef with Shabu-shabu DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Kinosaki Tourism Hotel Higashiyamasou

The cool breeze rustles through the open-air hot spring bath at Higashiyama Sou, a Kinosaki hot sprin...

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Most popular! Tajima Beef and Crab Kaiseki Style Plan DETAILS BOOK

Winter Limitation! Up Graded Crab full course(Shabu-Shabu) Plan DETAILS BOOK

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KANNABE

Nashikisou

LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

One night stay with Japanese style breakfast DETAILS BOOK

No Meals Plan. DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tokiwa Bekkan

Gardens, cuisine, and an open air bath. A relaxing stay for each individual guest. Many have come bac...

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One Night Stay with Full Course of Crab Dinner DETAILS BOOK

Standard Dinner and Breakfast Plan DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Seri

Enjoy traditional Japanese course meals and views of Maruyama River and the rolling mountains from th...

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Seasonal Cuisine and Tajima Beef Shabu-shabu with free open-air private bath DETAILS

Full Course of Brand Tsuiyama Crab Dinner Plan. (inc. free bath for private use)　 DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Morizuya

Cave bath carved from the mountain, a favorite with female guests. In the middle of Kinosaki with an ...

Some Available Plans

Chef's recommendation. Traditional banquet style full course DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tsuchiya

UTSUROI TSUCHIYA ANNEX is newly opened in October 2018.

Some Available Plans

One Night Lodging Without Meals DETAILS

Kaiseki Dinner with Tajima Beef Shabu-shabu and Fresh Seafood DETAILS

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Okeshou

This traditional Japanese inn has Japanese style rooms with a living room and bedroom (2room) layout,...

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One Night Stay without Meals　 DETAILS BOOK

One Night Stay with Breakfast DETAILS BOOK

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Tsukimotoya

Purely old Japanese style inn with the image of Kinosaki. Great location surrounded by the public hot...

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Plan with one night lodging and two meals included. (Includes free onsen pass) Standard Kaiseki meal　会席 DETAILS BOOK

Plan with one night lodging and two meals included.(A full course with snow crab) Includes free onsen pass.かにづくし DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Kobayashiya

In front of 'Ichi no Yu' open-air bath in the middle of Kinosaki Onsen, the inns wood gives off a war...

Some Available Plans

<Chef's Recommendation> Different Cuisine Every Month DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tsubakino

Seasonal gourmet meals, a peacefully charming feel, and satisfactory Japanese hospitality.

Some Available Plans

Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine Plan with one night lodging and two meals included.　 Includes a day pass to the seven public onsen & free rental Yukata. DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tsutaya

Beautifully constructed of wood, this 3 story Ryokan blends into Kinosaki Onsen's elegance.

Some Available Plans

Wagyu Beef Steak and Sea Bream, Katsura Kaiseki Course(4/1~） DETAILS BOOK

Kanisuki (Crab Hot Pot) Course Dinner Plan (~3/31) DETAILS BOOK

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TAKENO

Guesthouse & Bar Hitotomaru

LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

One Night Stay Without Meals DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Ookawa

Renovated in July of 2008 with the theme of quiet calmness. An inn with meals homemade with the good ...

Some Available Plans

Weekday Special Plan with Crab Kaiseki DETAILS BOOK

<Including Crab Tempura> 3 Crabs for 2 Guests! How wold you like them to cook? DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

yamayoshi

Awarded "No.1 satisfied with dinner in kinki and hokuriku area in Mar. 2014 by a Japanese website for...

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Full Course Meal Featuring Crab Hot Pot ! Using Tagged Shibayama Crab DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Ginka

LOCATION: Toyooka; 4km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by car (Shuttle service available from Kinosak...

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Basic Kaiseki Dinner Plan for Spring! Tajima Beef included.<Akatsuki>(4/1~5/6) DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Mikiya

Once visited by the late literary master Naoya Shiga. Yukari Inn's wooden design is purely Japanese a...

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Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Plan Featuring Brand Tajima Beef DETAILS

Kaiseki Dinner Plan Featuring Brand Crab and Tajima Beef DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Kourakuen

Enjoy relaxing hot springs and delicious meals worth their price at this tranquil inn.

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(WinterPlan-A) Tajima Beef and Kasumi Crab Dinner Plan DETAILS BOOK

(WinterPlan-B) A Whole Fresh Kasumi Crab Dinner Plan DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Kinsui

Inside we\'ve created soothing surroundings with sunken fireplaces and a salon.

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Simple lodging only plan. No meals included. DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Kawaguchiya Kinosaki Riverside Hotel

Our ryokan aims to provide the best service and hospitality to our guests. We are located on the rive...

Some Available Plans

＜3/1~＞One Night Stay without Meals (inc. free pass to the seven public onsen) DETAILS BOOK

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TANTO

Silk Onsen Yamabiko

LOCATION: Tanto; 34km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by bus.

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One Night Lodging with Yamabiko Kaiseki Dinner DETAILS BOOK

One Night Lodging with Breakfast DETAILS BOOK

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KANNABE

Blue Ridge Hotel

LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

One Night Lodging with All-you-can-eat Dinner Plan DETAILS

One Night Lodging with Breakfast DETAILS

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BEYOND

Totoya

LOCATION: Kyotango, Kyoto pref.; 45km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Amino Sta.) and bus o...

Some Available Plans

One night lodging without meal DETAILS BOOK

One night lodging plan with breakfast DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Hotel Kinparo

LOCATION: Toyooka; 4.5km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by Bus.

Some Available Plans

Variety Crab Kaiseki and Beef Steak Dinner Plan. DETAILS

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TAKENO

Nekozaki

LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

One night lodging with no meals DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tajimaya

A lovely inn centrally located in the heart of Kinosaki Hot Spring town. A popular and stylish inn am...

Some Available Plans

Tajima Beef Full Course Plan one night lodging and two meals included. DETAILS

Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine Plan with one night lodging and two meals included. DETAILS

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This property is located in:
KINOSAKI ONSEN

Sennen no Yu Gonzaemon

A chic hot spring inn resembling a classic mansion. The entrance is set back from the hustle and bust...

Some Available Plans

Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Plan(April~October)<Meals Served in Your Room> DETAILS BOOK

Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Plan(April~October)<Meals Served in Machiya Dining Hall> DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Ryokan Sensui

Featuring 3 free private open-air baths in our traditional Japanese inn.

Some Available Plans

Special Crab Kaiseki Dinner Plan on Weekdays DETAILS

Tajima Beef Shabu-shabu Dinner in Spring DETAILS

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TAKENO

Kamemasa Inn

LOCATION: Takeno; 9km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Takenoa Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

One Night Lodging Without Meals DETAILS BOOK

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This property is located in:
IZUSHI

Nishidaya

LOCATION: Izushi; 22km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by bus. A rentable traditional Japanese mercha...

Some Available Plans

One night in a traditional Japanese house without planned meals DETAILS BOOK

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KANNABE

Albireo

From the Kitakinki Toyooka Expressway exit at the Hidaka-Kannabekogen IC and turn left. Drive on Nati...

Some Available Plans

One Night Lodging with French Cuisine DETAILS

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BEYOND

Wada

LOCATION: Kyotango, Kyoto pref.; 18km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Kumihama Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

Overnight Stay with Meal Excluded DETAILS BOOK

Overnight Stay and Breakfast Included DETAILS BOOK

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BEYOND

Yoshinoya

LOCATION: Kyotango, Kyoto pref.; 45km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Amino Sta.) and bus o...

Some Available Plans

<Pleasure of Winter!> Luxurious Crab Full Course Dinner Plan, Hanakodemari. DETAILS

Seasonal cuisine featuring fresh seafood and vegetables of Kyoto, Nadeshiko. DETAILS

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BEYOND

New Marutaso

LOCATION: Kyotango, Kyoto pref.; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Amino Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

One Night Stay with Seafood Kaiseki Dinner (inc. 3 Free Private Hot Spring Baths) DETAILS

Full Course of Crab Cuisine with Funamori Sashimi DETAILS BOOK

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BEYOND

Shotenkyo Minatosou

LOCATION: Kyotango, Kyoto pref.; 20km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Kumihama Sta.) and bu...

Some Available Plans

Full Course of 2.5 Snow Crabs with Funamori Sashimi DETAILS

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KANNABE

Snow Land

LOCATION: Kannabe; 30km from Kinosaki Onsen. Accessible by train (Ebara Sta.) and bus.

Some Available Plans

Well-reputed Plan! A Full Course Meal with Tajima Beef. DETAILS BOOK

<For Vegetarians and Vegans> One Night Stay with Full Course of Plant-based Dinner DETAILS

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BEYOND

Miyama Futon and Breakfast Thatched Cottages

We rent out our luxurious thatched cottages to guests so you can use the entire houses as you please.

Some Available Plans

<Basic Plan for Hanabusa> One Night Stay with Full Served Breakfast DETAILS BOOK

<Basic Plan for KAYA Villa> One Night Stay with Self Service Breakfast DETAILS BOOK

ACCESS

BY CAR

Distance: 22 km / Time: 35 min

OPEN MAP

BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

KINOSAKI ONSEN STATION to IZUSHI CASTLE TOWN
Travel time: 60 - 70 min / Fare: 780 yen* (train 200 yen + bus 580 yen)

*Fare price based on local train prices listed as of September 2019

Catch the train from Kinosaki Onsen Station to Toyooka Station. From there walk over to the bus stop in the parking lot behind the taxis to catch the Zentan Bus to Izushi. You will arrive just a few minutes' walk from center of the ancient castle town of Izushi.

Izushi Map PDF

Izushi Rental Cycle Info

JR WEST train schedule search

Zentan Bus Online Route Search