Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen, the classic Japanese hot spring resort, is located in northern Hyogo Prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan. This pleasant town, built along a willow lined river, is considered one of Japan's top onsen destinations in the Kansai Region. Hot springs were discovered in Kinosaki around the 8th century and the town developed into a charmingly old-fashioned onsen town that's still popular to this day. The Kinosaki Hot Spring Resort was once a spa called Tajima-no-yu, but now serves as one of the premier destinations for hot-springs in Japan.

When at Kinosaki, visits to numerous public baths are highly recommended to experience the various relaxing onsen waters. A stroll around town in yukata and geta (wooden clogs) will also add a more traditional vibe to the bathing experience. Yukata, casual versions of kimono, literally means “bathing cloth” and has been worn after bathing in communal baths for centuries. Since more hot springs were found in 1950's, the area has grown to be a new sightseeing and health spot around the Hanshin (Osaka-Kobe) district. The Onsenji Temple stands at the western end of town along a mountain slope. Onsenji Temple literally translates to “hot spring temple” and is dedicated to a Buddhist saint who, according to legend, prayed for 1000 days to bring forth spring water to Kinosaki. In the old days, visitors had to first pay a visit to the temple before being admitted to any of the baths in town. While most people no longer make the journey to Onsenji before bathing, the temple remains a nice place to visit.

If you're planning on ending your vacation in Osaka and want to enjoy one more onsen stay before you fly home, Japan Deluxe Tours highly recommends adding Kinosaki to your holiday plans. Relax in comfort at this quaint hot-springs town before flying home from a memorable vacation with Japan Deluxe Tours!