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

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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

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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Yamamotoya

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

This property type is:

REGION:
KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Plan with one night lodging and two meals included. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 18,700 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

Plan with one night lodging and no meals. Lodging with no meals JPY 9,900 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

This property type is:

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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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Kani Kaiseki (Full course crab set menu). Includes a free pass to the seven public onsen & Free rental Yukata. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 29,700 /person /night 〜: 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

This property type is:

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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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

【会席】Plan with one night lodging and two meals included（4/1〜11/6）. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 17,050 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

遊膳「Special Dinner」Plan with one night lodging and two meals included（4/1〜11/6） Dinner and breakfast included JPY 21,450 /person /night 〜: 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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Some Available Plans

Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Dinner and breakfast included JPY 25,300 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Nishimuraya Honkan

With 160 years of history, member of Relais & Châteaux and rated as the "Best Onsen Ryokan" in Lonely...

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Included Dinner and breakfast included JPY 33,550 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

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TAKENO

Uminone

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

This property type is:

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TAKENO

Some Available Plans

Rejuvenated “Yu-course“ Plan with Basic Kaiseki-course. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 18,700 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Suigou

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

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

One night lodging with no meals (Included a free pass to the seven public onsen) Lodging with no meals JPY 4,620 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

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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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Red snow crab, smallish steak and luxurious sashimi boat plan Dinner and breakfast included JPY 23,100 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

logding with no meals Lodging with no meals JPY 8,800 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

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KANNABE

Nashikisou

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

This property type is:

REGION:
KANNABE

Some Available Plans

One Night Stay with Two Meals. Pork Shabu-shabu Course Dinner and breakfast included JPY 8,250 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

One Night Stay with Two Meals. Crab Hot Pot Dinner Dinner and breakfast included JPY 12,000 /person /night 〜: 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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Tajima beef Shabu-shabu (230g)with Sashimi boat! ★The most popular Kaiseki course Dinner and breakfast included JPY 22,000 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

Tajima beef Sukiyaki course (250g) Enjoy the melting marbled meat★Recommened to meat lovers! Dinner and breakfast included JPY 22,000 /person /night 〜: 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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Standard Winter Crab Hot Pot Full Course Meal Plan Dinner and breakfast included JPY 36,300 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

Chef's recommendation. Traditional banquet style full course Dinner and breakfast included JPY 19,800 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tsuchiya

UTSUROI TSUCHIYA ANNEX is newly opened in October 2018.

This property type is:

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

One Night Lodging Without Meals Lodging with no meals JPY 9,900 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

Kaiseki Dinner with Tajima Beef Shabu-shabu and Fresh Seafood Dinner and breakfast included JPY 19,800 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tsukimotoya

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

This property type is:

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Plan with one night lodging and two meals included. (Standard Kaiseki meal) Includes free onsen pass.会席 Dinner and breakfast included JPY 14,300 /person /night 〜: 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 Dinner and breakfast included JPY 24,200 /person /night 〜: 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...

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

<Chef's Recommendation> Different Cuisine Every Month Dinner and breakfast included JPY 52,800 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tsutaya

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

This property type is:

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Tajima Beef Sukiyaki (Hot Pot) Course (~11/6) Dinner and breakfast included JPY 16,500 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

This property type is:

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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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Chef's special seafood dinner with free private baths. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 17,600 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

Local Cuisine with 2 Tajima Beef Dishes and Grilled Rosy Seabass Dinner and breakfast included JPY 24,200 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

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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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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Seasonal Kaiseki Dinner Plan Featuring Brand Tajima Beef Dinner and breakfast included JPY 18,700 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Kourakuen

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

This property type is:

REGION:
KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

(Plan-A)Tajima Beef and Kasumi Crab Dinner Plan. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 15,510 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

(Plan-B)A Whole Fresh Kasumi Crab Dinner Plan Dinner and breakfast included JPY 13,530 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Kinsui

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

This property type is:

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

【Free private bath with outdoor hot spring tour pass】 Plan can enjoy Tajima's seasonal ingredients! 【Check out 11:00】 Dinner and breakfast included JPY 19,800 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

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TAKENO

Okukinosaki Seaside Hotel

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

This property type is:

REGION:
TAKENO

Some Available Plans

【Oku Kinosaki Local Kaiseki Course】With a whole Kasumi crab！ Dinner and breakfast included JPY 18,700 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

This property type is:

REGION:
KANNABE

Blue Ridge Hotel

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

This property type is:

REGION:
KANNABE

Some Available Plans

One Night Lodging with All-you-can-eat Dinner Plan Dinner and breakfast included JPY 16,000 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

One Night Lodging with Breakfast Lodging with breakfast JPY 12,000 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

This property type is:

REGION:
KINOSAKI ONSEN

Tajimaya

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

This property type is:

REGION:
KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

Tajima Beef Full Course Plan one night lodging and two meals included. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 26,950 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

Seasonal Kaiseki Cuisine Plan with one night lodging and two meals included. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 19,800 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

This property type is:

REGION:
KINOSAKI ONSEN

Yamatoya

Tsuiyama brand crab, located directly in the middle of the tour route for the seven famous open-air b...

This property type is:

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

One night Lodging Room Only★Free Parking★Free Wi-Fi Lodging with no meals JPY 8,800 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

This property type is:

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Ryokan Sensui

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

This property type is:

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KINOSAKI ONSEN

Some Available Plans

【 Special Kaiseki Course】Customer Satisfaction No. 1 ◆ ～ Enjoy Tajima beef steak and seafood from the Sea of Japan ～ Dinner and breakfast included JPY 23,100 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

【Tajima Beef Kaiseki 】Enjoy the melting taste of Tajima beef, the roots of Wagyu! Must-try for meat lovers Dinner and breakfast included JPY 20,900 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

This property type is:

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KANNABE

Albireo

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

This property type is:

REGION:
KANNABE

Some Available Plans

One Night Lodging with French Cuisine Dinner and breakfast included JPY 12,200 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

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REGION:
KANNABE

Snow Land

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

This property type is:

REGION:
KANNABE

Some Available Plans

Well-reputed Plan! A Full Course Meal with Tajima Beef. Dinner and breakfast included JPY 14,300 /person /night 〜: DETAILS

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MIYAMA

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.

This property type is:

REGION:
MIYAMA

Some Available Plans

<Basic Plan for Hanabusa> One Night Stay with Full Served Breakfast Lodging with breakfast JPY 22,000 /person /night 〜: DETAILS BOOK

<Basic Plan for KAYA Villa> One Night Stay with Self Service Breakfast Lodging with breakfast JPY 13,500 /person /night 〜: 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