About
Kinosaki Onsen is a 1,300-year-old hot spring town nestled in a narrow valley in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Unlike most onsen resorts in the country, Kinosaki revolves around an elegant tradition: wearing yukata (cotton kimono) and strolling between seven public bathhouses along willow-lined canals. At night, the lantern-lit streets glow softly, echoing centuries of relaxed, ritualistic bathing.
The town traces its origins back to the year 717, when the Buddhist monk Dōchi Shōnin began a 1,000-day prayer ritual to heal the sick. According to legend, following divine guidance from the local guardian deity Shisho Myōjin, natural hot springs burst forth in 720, marking the birth of Kinosaki Onsen.
Despite its popularity, Kinosaki retains its serene, almost theatrical charm—where each visitor becomes part of a living scene, clad in yukata and wooden geta sandals, echoing down the cobblestone paths like echoes of the past.
Know Before You Go
Kinosaki Onsen is located in northern Hyogo Prefecture and is accessible by train via the JR San'in Line. The easiest route from Kyoto or Osaka is the limited express "Kinosaki" or "Konotori" train, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The train drops you off right at Kinosaki Onsen Station, from which you can walk to nearly all major inns and baths.
Visitors can purchase a "Yumepa" pass, a day-use ticket that provides access to all seven public bathhouses. Bathhouses typically operate from early afternoon to late evening, with some rotating closures. Yukata rentals are often included in local ryokan stays, but are also available separately.
The best time to visit is during the fall for colorful foliage or winter for crab season. Note that most streets are stone-paved and slippery when wet—wooden geta sandals are traditional, but bring walking shoes if needed.
