Onsenji Temple Hot Spring Therapy Origins Tour (with English-speaking guide)


Onsenji is a temple in Kinosaki Onsen with rich history regarding the town's hot spring waters. Built in 738 AD, Onsenji Temple's main hall used to be a pilgrimage site for those looking to visit the onsen. There they would pray to the hot spring’s guardian for a blessing to be healed by the waters before entering the sacred hot springs. They would then receive a yu-shaku, or hot spring ladle that would serve as an entry ticket to the hot springs. Without this ladle they would not be allowed to enter the waters. This ritual was followed until the Edo period. On this tour, learn about these ancient rituals, Onsenji Temple's history, the founder of Kinosaki Onsen, and more!

Start by heading up the stone steps, halfway up the mountain from Yakushido Hall to Onsenji Temple. There you will see the temple's ancient religious objects and learn about the temple and its story from a local English-speaking guide. Afterwards, take the ropeway up to the top of the mountain, where you can see a breathtaking view of the entire town. From the top of the mountain you can try kawarake nage, clay disc throwing. Try to hit the target with your clay discs. They say if you are able to hit the target, then your wishes will come true.



DETAILS
- REGISTRATION START
- 2019/09/01
- RESERVATION DEADLINE
- 7 days before activity
- ACTIVITY OPTIONS
-
- Morning Tour (9:30-12:00)
- Afternoon Tour (14:30-17:00)
- SCHEDULE
(Some times may differ) -
Morning Course
9:30 Meet guide at Kinosaki Onsen Station or your lodging ryokan in Kinosaki
10:00 - 10:15 Hike up to Onsenji Temple from Yakushido Hall
10:20 - 11:00 Learn about the history of the temple, the origin of the onsen waters, and the ancient onsen prayer rituals
Receive a hand towel with bathing ritual instructions written on them
11:10 - 11:50 Ride the ropeway up to the summit, enjoy the landscape, try clay disc-throwing
11:50 Ride the ropeway back to the bottom
12:00 End of tour
Afternoon Course
14:30 Meet guide at Kinosaki Onsen Station or your lodging ryokan in Kinosaki
15:00 - 15:15 Hike up to Onsenji Temple from Yakushido Hall
15:20 - 16:00 Learn about the history of the temple, the origin of the onsen waters, and the ancient onsen prayer rituals
Receive a hand towel with bathing ritual instructions written on them
16:10 - 16:50 Ride the ropeway up to the summit, enjoy the landscape, try clay disc-throwing
16:50 Ride the ropeway back to the bottom
17:00 End of tour
- ACCOMPANYING GUIDE
(INCLUDED OR NOT) - Included
- MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE
- 2
- AGE REQUIREMENT
- None as long as there is an accompanying adult
- MEETING PLACE
- Kinosaki Onsen Station, 283 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo 669-6101
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- When you make the reservation, please inform us of whether you would like to meet at Kinosaki Onsen Station or at your lodging ryokan (and if so, the name of said ryokan).
- PRICES
(Per person unless otherwise noted) -
Number of People Participating in Total Price per Adult Price per Teen (13-15 years old) Price per Child (6-12 years old) 2-6 people 7,000 yen 2,700 yen 2,000 yen
- INCLUDED IN THE PRICING
- entrance to Onsenji Temple, hand towel souvenir, disc-throwing, Ropeway rides, English-speaking guide
- CANCELLATION FEES
-
Day of Cancellation Cancellation Fee (% of activity price) The day of 100% The day before 50% 2-7 days before 30% 8+ days before 0%
- ACCEPTED PAYMENT TYPES
- Pay by credit card (VISA, MASTER, JCB, AMEX, DC) via an activity confirmation link in an e-mail that we will send to you following your reservation.
- OPERATOR NAME
- Toyooka Tourism Innovation
Customer Reviews
-
Iryna
Canada
Great experience, spiritual knowledge about history of the city & bathing meanings. Made the whole stay here way more meaningful, highly recommend to take this tour!!!
Date of visit: 2019.11.01
-
Priscille
France
Very interesting afternoon. I learned about Kinosaki Onsen's origin.
Date of visit: 2019.11.27