Looking for a unique and relaxing getaway in Japan? We get it, the crowds in many Japanese cities can be insane.
Kinosaki Onsen, nestled in the Kansai region, is a charming and underrated town known for its seven healing hot springs, traditional atmosphere, and amazing seafood. If you’ve never heard of Kinosaki, now you have.
Here are 10 reasons why you should add Kinosaki to your next Japan travel itinerary.
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But first, what’s an “onsen”? “Onsen” is Japanese for “hot spring.” Because Japan is a country of volcanic activity, natural onsens can be found all over Japan. Kinosaki’s onsen water is 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit) at the source and is regulated at each bathhouse to about 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit).
Table of Contents
1. There are seven unique public bathhouses to soak in.
Kinosaki Onsen is best known for its seven public bathhouses, each with very different vibes!
Perhaps the most famous is Goshonoyu Bath, known for its majestic architecture inspired by Kyoto’s Imperial Palace and its impressive outdoor bath with a waterfall view. You gotta see it to believe it!
Ichinoyu Bath is another really cool one! The main bath is an indoor one (fits about 20-25 comfortably), but there’s also an outdoor cave that can fit about 10-12 people too.
You can enjoy hopping from one bathhouse to another, experiencing everything from open-air baths to ones with beautiful garden views. Many of the bathhouses have a history dating back hundreds of years — you can imagine people from centuries ago sitting in the same pool as you.
You can even collect souvenir stamps with every bathhouse you visit! This stamp book can be purchased at the Ryokan Information Center in front of Kinosaki Station for a nominal fee.
If you plan on staying for at least two nights, don’t forget to get the all-inclusive pass that grants access to all seven bathhouses.
2. There’s even an onsen that faces a towering waterfall.
The most famous hot springs in town is Goshonoyu Bath, which looks pretty impressive from the outside already, but the actual hot springs bathing area is even MORE impressive.
The outdoor hot springs pool overlooks a tall waterfall that’s partially shrouded by Japanese maple and other pretty trees. The entire landscape could not be more perfect for a relaxing soak.
The water here is really hot (much hotter than our hotel’s private hot springs bath) but it was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but linger longer to fully take in the views!
If you go to Goshonoyu Bath at night, you can grab a cold refreshing beer at the English-themed pub Hananoya (since 1925!) across from it!
3. You can stroll through town in a yukata.
One of the unique pleasures of visiting Kinosaki Onsen is strolling through the town in a yukata, a casual summer kimono provided by your ryokan.
Wait, you’d essentially be wearing a bathrobe out in public? Yes, this is totally normal in Kinosaki.
This tradition adds to the relaxing, old-world charm of the town, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. As you wander from one bathhouse to another, you’ll blend in with the locals and other visitors, all enjoying the same experience. It’s a simple yet delightful way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
4. The town is amazing in every season.
During the spring, cherry blossoms are the main draw. Kiyamachi Street is where you’ll find pink cherry blossoms adorning the streets. At night, with lanterns lighting the trees up, you can enjoy a totally different ambiance from the daytime.
During summer, fireworks light up the night sky! Every weekday from late July to August, fireworks are shot off over the town and there is a small festival held at the local shrine. At
the end of summer, the Toronagashi Festival is a big draw, where visitors can decorate paper lanterns and send them off in the river.
Autumn is also a great time to visit, given the combination of colorful fall foliage scenery, seasonal sweets, and outdoor hot spring soaks with a crisp fall breeze. Every year in October, there is also a very special autumn festival where gorgeous danjiri and mikoshi parade around town.
Winter brings snow and crab season! Gazing down on the onsen town from the top of the ropeway station, you get beautiful views of the Maruyamagawa River and the surrounding area. Then, there’s the famous Matsuba crab, available mostly during the winter months.
5. You can enjoy a traditional atmosphere away from the typical touristy crowds.
Walking through Kinosaki Onsen feels like stepping back in time. The town’s commitment to preserving its traditional ambiance makes it such a special place to visit!
The town has preserved its historic charm, with classic wooden buildings, serene willow-lined streets, and quaint bridges overlooking over gentle streams. Staying in a traditional ryokan and experiencing Japanese hospitality is a must.
Whether you’re there to soak in all seven onsen baths or trying to savor all the local delicacies, you’ll appreciate the slower pace and genuine cultural experience.
As of now, Kinosaki Onsen offers a peaceful retreat away from the more popular, overcrowded cities Japan is famous for. That is, until some social media influencer posts about it and makes it go viral (please don’t).
6. The local cuisine is worth traveling for.
Have you ever heard of Matsuba crab or Tajima Beef? I know I hadn’t before discovering Kinosaki!
Kinosaki offers exceptionally delicious seafood — especially crab, which is a local specialty during the winter months. Don’t miss trying the town’s famous Tajima beef and fresh sashimi either!
Many ryokan serve elaborate kaiseki (multi-course) meals that highlight all these local ingredients. An overnight stay at one of these traditional inns is most definitely worth your time and money.
For a more casual bite, there are plenty of charming cafes and street food vendors to explore. You’ll find Tajima beef skewers, Tajima beef burgers, and lots of casual restaurants featuring fresh sushi. We like Orizuru Sushi Restaurant for sushi, but try to make reservations if you can! This spot is popular.
7. You’ll find some of the best daifuku mochi here.
First off, I don’t use the word “best” lightly. When I say “best”, I really mean it! Specifically, I’m talking about one specific local business — 角谷藤兵衛商店 餅菓 白玖 (Sumitani Tobee Shoten Mochigashi Shiroku).
We tried both the strawberry and the kiwi daifuku. Both were AMAZING. The mochi skin was one of the softest, most delicate that I’ve ever tasted, and white bean was used instead of red bean, which made for such a lightly sweet addition. And the fruit used inside of these treats was always sweet and dripping with juice!
This was hands-down one of the most memorable confectionary shops in the area. It was so good we went back twice!
8. There are lots of cultural experiences to be had here.
Besides relaxing in the bathhouses, Kinosaki offers several cultural activities that can deepen your appreciation of the region. You can participate in traditional crafts, like making your own ceramic souvenirs and straw paper crafts, or visit temples and shrines scattered throughout the town.
The Onsenji Temple, situated on a hillside, offers beautiful views and a bit of history about the town’s onsen culture.
The ropeway to the top of Mount Daishi is another must-do for panoramic views (the view from Mount Daishi was even awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan)!
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re staying in Kinosaki for 2+ nights, the Kinosaki Must-Visits Pass is worth buying. The pass gives you roundtrip tickets to the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway, admission to Onsenji Temple, Kinosaki Museum of Art, and includes a workshop activity at Kamiya Mingei (Kinosaki’s famous straw craft workshop). You can also get special gifts/discounts at certain local shops by showing your pass.
9. There are pretty views at every turn.
Being surrounded by greenery everywhere you look is a heartwarming feeling where “you had to be there” to understand.
The town is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene environment that’ll make you feel like you’re *actually* on vacation. Manicured gardens and charming front yards of ryokans add to the beauty, making every step of your stroll through the town a delightful experience.
10. You can get there pretty easily from Kyoto and Osaka.
Despite Kinosaki feeling worlds away from busier destinations like Kyoto and Osaka, it’s actually quite easily accessible from these cities. A scenic train ride through the Japanese countryside will get you there in about 2.5 to 3 hours. You don’t even have to transfer trains!
This makes it a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without the hassle of complicated travel plans.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to explore the Kansai region for at least 5 days, then I’d suggest opting for the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass. We used this exact pass for our 7-day adventure around the Kansai region!
The pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains in the Kansai region for a consecutive 5-day period. The coverage area includes major cities and destinations in Kansai, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, and Himeji, and extends to other areas like Okayama, Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, and Wakayama.
Ready to plan your Kinosaki itinerary? You’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of ways to enjoy this Michelin 2-star onsen town! We’ve got you covered with our very own 2-day Kinosaki travel guide.
Still deciding where to stay in Kinosaki? After doing hours of research for my own trip, my top ryokan recommendations can be found in this useful Kinosaki hotel guide.
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Kyoto
The Perfect Kyoto Itinerary: 5 Days In Kyoto, Japan (+ Nara and Osaka)
2 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Highlights Itinerary
25 Unique Activities To Add To Your Kyoto Bucketlist
7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed
Osaka
Osaka Day Trip From Kyoto: Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan
Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide
3 Days In Osaka: How To Enjoy Japan’s Retro-Modern City
20 Free Things To Do In Kyoto and Osaka, Japan
Is The Kansai Wide JR Pass Worth The Money? (My Actual Experience)
Tokyo
15 Best Hotels In Tokyo Near JR Yamanote Line (With Map)
2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time
The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
10 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
20 Best Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
18+ Best Attractions In Tokyo For Anime Lovers
20 Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
Disney Tokyo vs. DisneySea: Which One Is Right For You?
10 Of My Favorite Cheap Eats In Tokyo, Japan
10 Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsens Near Tokyo, Japan
25 Fun Things To Do In Kawaguchiko + Beyond (Mount Fuji Travel Guide)
Japan In General
Japan On A Budget: 50 Essential Tips For An Affordable Vacation
Best Of Japan: The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
18 Popular Foods To Try In Japan
15 Amazing Onsen Towns In Japan To Visit On Your Next Trip
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