Kinosaki Onsen: Japan’s Most Popular Hot Spring Town Among Foreign Visitors
Kinosaki Onsen, located on the Sea of Japan side of Hyogo Prefecture near Kyoto and Osaka, is a highly popular onsen town for international tourists. Featured as Japan’s top onsen destination by Lonely Planet and awarded two Michelin stars, its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Over the past five years, the number of foreign visitors has increased 36 times. At some inns, 80% of guests are international tourists, many of whom are repeat visitors.
Unlike other hot spring towns in Japan, Kinosaki Onsen is particularly welcoming to those unfamiliar with Japanese language and culture, making it a perfect choice for first-time visitors.
The Charming Streets of Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen features a 1.6 km stretch of traditional buildings, including about 190 inns, restaurants, and shops, centered around the Otani River lined with weeping willows. Instead of just enjoying the baths at their inn, visitors dress in yukata robes and stroll through the town, visiting seven public hot springs, dining at restaurants, and shopping for souvenirs.
Why Kinosaki Onsen is Popular Among Foreign Visitors
Tattoo-Friendly
The seven public baths in Kinosaki Onsen welcome guests with tattoos, a rare policy in Japan. Guests can enjoy these baths without worry. However, policies for onsen within inns vary, so it’s best to inquire directly if needed.
Options for Room-Only Stays
Most Japanese ryokans include dinner and breakfast in their packages, which might not suit vegetarians, vegans, or travelers who prefer flexible dining times. Kinosaki Onsen offers many room-only plans, allowing guests to stay at a ryokan while enjoying meals at their own pace in local restaurants.
Local Delicacies
- Matsuba Crab: Freshly caught at local ports, this crab is a winter delicacy available from early November to late March. Enjoy it raw, in hot pots, or grilled.
- Kobe and Tajima Beef: Indulge in the rich flavors of Japan’s finest wagyu, known for its marbled texture and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Seasonal Seafood and Vegetables: Freshly harvested from the Sea of Japan and local farms.
Snowy Scenery
From mid-January to mid-March, Kinosaki Onsen is often blanketed in snow. The sight of traditional Japanese inns along the river covered in snow is magical. Imagine soaking in an open-air bath surrounded by a snowy forest—an unforgettable experience. After warming up in a bath, stroll through the snowy streets and visit another onsen for a true Kinosaki experience.
The Seven Public Baths of Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen features seven public baths (communal hot springs), known as sotoyu. Guests staying at accommodations in Kinosaki Onsen can enjoy free access to all seven baths during their stay. For visitors who are not staying overnight, a day pass costing ¥1,500 allows access to all the baths. Among these seven, three stand out as the most popular and iconic spots:
Kouno-yu (The Stork’s Bath)
The name Kouno-yu originates from a legend over 1,400 years ago, where a stork healed its injured leg in the warm spring waters found here. This bath features a beautiful garden open-air bath, offering views of azaleas and pine trees. During the winter, visitors can enjoy a serene snow-viewing bath, making it particularly special in the colder months. Known as a bath that brings good fortune, it is said to promote longevity and marital harmony.
Goshono-yu (The Imperial Palace Bath)
With its grand and traditional Japanese-style architecture, Goshono-yu is one of the most visited public baths, attracting around 300,000 visitors annually. Its unique design eliminates clear boundaries between the indoor bath and the open-air bath, creating a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere. The outdoor bath is surrounded by various beautiful trees and flowers, which change with the seasons. Goshono-yu is also believed to offer blessings for romantic relationships and protection from fires.
Ichino-yu (The Number One Bath)
Ichino-yu stands out for its Momoyama-style kabuki theater-inspired architecture, giving it a grand and historical appearance. It is famous for its unique cave bath, which is a semi-open-air bath built using natural rock formations. This bath is known for its blessings for success in exams, safe travels, and overall good fortune.
About the Hot Spring Water at Kinosaki Onsen
All seven public baths in Kinosaki Onsen share the same type of hot spring water:
- Spring Quality: Sodium-Calcium Chloride Hot Spring
- Temperature: 42°C
The therapeutic properties of this hot spring water are highly regarded, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for all visitors.
For more details, visit the official website:
https://kinosaki-spa.gr.jp/about/spa/
Where to Stay in Kinosaki Onsen
Morizuya Ryokan
A ryokan beloved by international repeat visitors, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Located in the center of the town, next to Ichino-yu, it’s ideal for strolling and bath-hopping. All rooms are traditional Japanese style, and the crab dishes are highly praised.
Address: 417 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture Japan
https://www.morizuya.com/en/
Hostel Wara-ku
A budget-friendly hostel with eight simple rooms for two guests each. It features shared kitchens, lounges, and a sauna. Guests can also try acupuncture and beauty treatments at the attached salon.
Address: 831-3 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
https://kinosaki-waraku.com/en/
Kawaguchiya Riverside Hotel
Known for its rooftop open-air baths with themes like “Strolling Under the Stars.” Guests can also savor Tajimaguro beef, a local specialty as tender as tuna. Yukata rental for exploring the town is available.
Address: 880-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
https://www.kawaguchiya.co.jp/
Shinonome-so
A culinary-focused ryokan serving year-round crab dishes and meals made with organic vegetables. It features six private villa rooms, barrier-free accommodations, and a large rock bath designed like a cave.
Address: 757 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
https://www.sinonomesou.com/
Access to Kinosaki Onsen
- From JR Kobe Station: About 2 hours 40 minutes by Limited Express Hamakaze
- From JR Osaka Station: About 3 hours by Limited Express Hamakaze
- From JR Kyoto Station: About 2 hours 30 minutes by Limited Express Kinosaki
