(Winter) Luxury Crafts, Theater, Hot Springs, and Shopping
Uncover the snowy charm of Kinosaki Onsen and the surrounding areas during winter.
- DETAILS
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- Kinosaki OnsenIzushiToyooka
- 2 days, 1 night
- rental car / taxi
- solo travelersenior travelerfamily with kids
- Winter
Day 1
Pick up Rental Car in Front of Kinosaki Onsen Station
About30min.
by car
Izushi Castle Ruins
This castle was once the mighty center of Izushi Castle Town up until the 1800s, when only ruins were left after the main buildings were destroyed. Stroll through the towering stone moats and turrets and retrace the footsteps of the regions fearless samurai.
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About5min.
by foot
Lunch
No trip to Izushi Castle Town would be complete without a lunch of Izushi Sara Soba!
These buckwheat noodles are served on five plates, a serving style unique to this town.
Why five plates instead of one? To show off the beautiful porcelain Izushi Pottery, one of the town's luxury artforms.
These buckwheat noodles are served on five plates, a serving style unique to this town.
Why five plates instead of one? To show off the beautiful porcelain Izushi Pottery, one of the town's luxury artforms.
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About5min.
by foot
Shinkoro Clock Tower
As you mosey your way through town, you will come across Shinkoro clock tower, one of the oldest clocktowers in Japan and the perfect spot for kimono-clad photos.
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About1min.
by foot
Willow Craft
Create your own Willow Craft handbag under the guidance of an expert artisan at Takumi Kougei. Also known as "yanagi-gori" in Japanese, Willow Craft encompasses a millenium-long heritage of willow weaving indigenous to the area. Since winning an award at the 1900 Paris Exposition, Willow Craft has secured itself as a handbag and luggage favorite amongst luxury insiders.
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About4min.
by foot
Eirakukan Kabuki Theater
Eirakukan Kabuki Theater is the oldest theater in western Japan, making it a must-see for drama buffs exploring the area. Visitors are free to experience a backstage all-access tour of the stage, second floor, and even underneath the "mawari butai" (spinning stage).
About10min.
by foot
Sukyoji Temple
Sukyoji Temple is a popular zen meditation spot in Izushi Castle Town. With the guidance of the friendly local monk, take a breather and be zen while gazing out at the rock garden. Be sure to also pick up one of the temple's radish-shaped protection charms, courtesy of its heritage as Japan's birthplace for pickled radish!
About35min.
by car
Return Car in Front of Kinosaki Onsen Station
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Check in
Check in for the night at your traditional inn in Kinosaki Onsen, a tattoo-friendly hot spring town with over 1,300 years of history.
Evening Stroll
Stroll through the snowy streets of Kinosaki Onsen, hopping from one steaming hot spring to the next. There are seven tattoo-friendly hot springs in total, all walking distance from each other!
Nightlife
Make sure to stop in for a drink at a pub (also called "snacks"), shop for souvenirs, or try a retro arcade game at one of the arcades dotting the town.
Most facilities in Kinosaki Onsen close at 17:00 and re-open from 20:00 to 22:00 for evening fun after dinner!
Most facilities in Kinosaki Onsen close at 17:00 and re-open from 20:00 to 22:00 for evening fun after dinner!
Day 2
Hot Springs
Morning! Before check out, squeeze in a few more hot spring soaks.
About5-10min.
by foot
About3min.
by ropeway
Onsenji Temple
Your accommodation will usually be willing to hold your luggage after check out. Use this time to stroll one last time through the town and tour Onsenji Temple, Kinosaki Onsen's guardian buddhist temple.
Take the Kinosaki Ropeway halfway up the line to gert to Onsenji Temple. The friendly monk will be waiting for you to give a tour! He will be happy to tell you the story of Kinosaki Onsen's founding and other legends.
Take the Kinosaki Ropeway halfway up the line to gert to Onsenji Temple. The friendly monk will be waiting for you to give a tour! He will be happy to tell you the story of Kinosaki Onsen's founding and other legends.
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About3min.
by ropeway
Top of Mount Daishi
If you have time, make the trip up to the top of the mountain. The view was awarded a Michelin star!
About7min.
by ropeway
About5min.
by foot
Kiyamachi Square
Meander through Kiyamachi Square after coming down from the Kinosaki Ropeway. Consider a getting a massage or some sweets!
A visit to Kamiya Mingei, a local workshop specializing in Straw Craft, is always recommended. Here, you can experience Kinosaki Onsen's very own traditional artform through a box-making activity, or, with a Kinosaki Must-Visits Pass, a bookmark.
A visit to Kamiya Mingei, a local workshop specializing in Straw Craft, is always recommended. Here, you can experience Kinosaki Onsen's very own traditional artform through a box-making activity, or, with a Kinosaki Must-Visits Pass, a bookmark.
About10min.
by foot
Pick up Rental Car in Front of Kinosaki Onsen Station
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About10min.
by car
Genbudo Park
On the way out from Kinosaki Onsen, stop by the San'in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark's Genbudo Caves, home of stunning basalt rock formations.
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About2min.
by foot
Genbudo Museum
Across the street, the Genbudo Museum offers exhibits about the caves, fossils, and a riverside cafe.
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About10min.
by car
Toyooka Kaban Bags
End the day with a shopping spree. Toyooka City is known as Japan's largest producer of bags and luggage. The luxury label Toyooka Kaban is made exclusively in Toyooka City and can be browsed at Toyooka Kaban Artisan Avenue on Bag Street.
About20min.
by car
Return Car in Front of Kinosaki Onsen Station
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