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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Mini Tajima(Kobe)Beef and Abalone course. Includes a free pass to the seven public onsen & Free rental Yukata. DETAILS BOOK

Funamori (Sashimi) Course. Includes a free pass to the seven public onsen & Free rental Yukata. DETAILS BOOK

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Onishiya Suishoen

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

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【会席】Plan with one night lodging and two meals included（4/1〜11/6）. DETAILS BOOK

遊膳「Special Dinner」Plan with one night lodging and two meals included（4/1〜11/6） DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei

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

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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

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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

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TAKENO

Uminone

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

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

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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

Tajima Beef Full Course(Shabu-shabu) and Steaks Plan DETAILS BOOK

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KANNABE

Nashikisou

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

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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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Standard Dinner and Breakfast Plan DETAILS BOOK

One Night Stay with Breakfast DETAILS BOOK

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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

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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 ...

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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.

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One Night Lodging Without Meals DETAILS

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

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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...

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<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.

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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.

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

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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

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Kourakuen

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

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

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

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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...

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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.

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

One Night Lodging with Breakfast 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...

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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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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...

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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.

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Tajima Beef Shabu-shabu Dinner in Summer DETAILS

Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Plan in Summer DETAILS

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IZUSHI

Nishidaya

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

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

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BEYOND

Yoshinoya

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

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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

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KANNABE

Snow Land

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

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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 BOOK

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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.

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<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