Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen is famous for "onsen hopping." This means you can visit seven different hot spring bathhouses in one town! Besides the baths, another popular activity in this onsen town is exploring around town in special wooden sandals called geta. You might even see a rare bird called the oriental white stork on your walk. It’s a great way to experience Japanese culture and hospitality, connected to hot spring traditions.

To get to Kinosaki Onsen, you can take a direct express train from JR Kyoto Station or Osaka Station. The ride takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you beautiful views of the countryside along the way. Once you reach Kinosaki Onsen Station, a free shuttle bus is available to take you to your inn.

Yes, Kinosaki Onsen is definitely worth visiting! It’s perfect for a real onsen experience in a charming Japanese setting. With seven onsen, you can try different public and private baths. Plus, you can try local dishes like Tajima beef and matsuba crab at the many local restaurants in the area.

For the best experience, stay at a traditional inn called a ryokan. These places offer a cozy and authentic Japanese experience. A popular choice is the Nishimuraya Hotel, famous for its amazing food and private hot springs. Most Ryokans have Japanese-style rooms, complete with tatami mats and sliding doors. Plus, When you stay at a ryokan, you usually get meals with local treats like Tajima beef and fresh seafood. Try to pick a ryokan near the Maruyama River so you can enjoy beautiful views and easily visit different onsens.

To make the most of your visit to Kinosaki Onsen, plan to stay for two days. This gives you plenty of time to relax and see everything. You'll have the chance to visit all seven of the public onsens and enjoy delicious meals at the ryokan. If you want to do more activities like a tea ceremony, consider staying an extra day.

When you visit Kinosaki Onsen, you must try the local food like Tajima beef and fresh seafood, like snow and matsuba crab. You can also visit traditional ryokans that serve meals called kaiseki. These meals use local ingredients and come in multiple courses. Enjoying these tasty dishes adds to the fun of visiting Kinosaki onsen town.