Kinosaki Onsen, which we will introduce this time, boasts a history of over 1,300 years, and is a hot spring resort that is full of the charm that encapsulates "Japaneseness," such as the seven outdoor baths to visit and the scenery that changes with the seasons.

In this article, you will learn not only where Kinosaki Onsen is located in Hyogo Prefecture, but also recommended spots such as outdoor baths, the quality and effects of the spring water, and even how to access it from overseas.

Where is Kinosaki Onsen? Tracing its history of over 1,300 years

Hot spring culture thrives in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Kinosaki Onsen is located in Toyooka City in northern Hyogo Prefecture.
Although it is a little far from big cities like Osaka and Kobe, its greatest charm is that it is rich in nature and has a relaxed atmosphere.

In fact, the origins of hot springs date back about 1,300 years. It is said that in 717, a monk named Dochi Shonin made hot springs flow in this area after a long period of training, and since then many people have come to visit for therapeutic baths.

It is a place where the hot spring culture that has been carefully preserved throughout history can still be felt strongly today.

Literature and emotion that even Naoya Shiga was fascinated by

Kinosaki Onsen is also widely known as the setting for the novel "At Kinosaki" written by the literary master Shiga Naoya.

Shiga Naoya, who was recuperating in Kinosaki Onsen at the time, was inspired by the quaint atmosphere of the hot spring town and wrote his masterpiece. Even today, when you stroll around the area of the inns and outdoor baths, you can picture the scenery that appears in the work and experience its literary atmosphere.

These connections to history and culture are what make Kinosaki Onsen's unique charm stand out.

Why is Kinosaki Onsen recommended? The appeal of visiting the seven outdoor baths

Walking around a traditional hot spring town in a yukata

When talking about Kinosaki Onsen, one thing that cannot be left out is visiting the outdoor baths.
The seven outdoor baths, which are said to be the hot springs' greatest feature, are all located within walking distance of each other, so the best part is strolling from bath to bath in a yukata and geta sandals.

Walking along the stone pavement in a yukata and clattering geta sandals makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time. There are souvenir shops and restaurants around the outdoor baths, so we recommend enjoying some local sweets and tea as you stroll around.

The characteristics and benefits of each outdoor bath

Kinosaki Onsen has seven outdoor baths: Ichinoyu, Goshonoyu, Konoyu, Yanagiyu, Jizoyu, Mandalayu, and Satonoyu.

Each bath has its own auspicious origin, and some outdoor baths have legends such as "the first person to enter will be the happiest." For example, Gosho-no-Yu is famous for its blessings of safe childbirth and fertility. The modern facilities are beautifully combined with a traditional exterior, and each bath has its own unique temperature and size. When you visit, be sure to collect the stamps at reception to take home as a souvenir.

When touring the outdoor baths, even if it is a little crowded, if you take the time to appreciate the unique characteristics of each bath, your trip will be even more memorable.

What are the spring quality and effects? A high-temperature chloride spring that is also great for relieving fatigue.

Spring water rich in sodium and calcium

Kinosaki Onsen's spring quality is sodium-calcium chloride-high temperature spring water, commonly known as "hot water." Because it contains salt close to the components of seawater, it leaves your skin moisturized after bathing and keeps you warm for longer.

One of the reasons why many people enjoy visiting outdoor baths is that even if you soak in the baths multiple times, you don't feel tired and the baths have a very relaxing effect.

Also effective for neuralgia and chronic digestive disorders

Chloride springs are effective at warming the body, and are said to be effective in treating neuralgia, chronic digestive disorders, poor circulation, hemorrhoids, etc. In fact, the fact that this area has been famous as a therapeutic hot spring since ancient times is proof that its efficacy has been trusted.

It warms your body to the core and boosts your immunity, so you can also relieve the fatigue of your trip. After enjoying the hot springs to your heart's content in the outdoor baths, returning to your inn and relaxing is the best way to enjoy Kinosaki Onsen.

Must-see attractions other than the outdoor baths! Kinosaki Onsen sightseeing spots

Places related to Shiga Naoya and the literary museum

In addition to touring the outdoor baths, Kinosaki Onsen has many other must-see spots. If you're a literature fan, you can't miss the Kinosaki Literary Museum. The museum exhibits works and materials by many writers who loved Kinosaki, including Shiga Naoya, allowing you to enjoy the collaboration between hot springs and literature. By visiting the museum, you can not only relive the worldview of the works, but you'll also be able to easily imagine what Kinosaki Onsen was like at the time.

There are also many historical spots scattered around the area, such as the former residence of Naoya Shiga, where he is said to have stayed. Learning about the backgrounds of the small inscriptions and literary monuments you come across along the way will add depth to your trip.

Genbudo Park

Genbudo Park, located in Akaishi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, about a 10-minute taxi ride from Kinosaki Onsen, is a rare spot where you can get up close and personal with the spectacular terrain formed by volcanic activity about 1.6 million years ago. In this park, designated a national natural monument in 1931, you can see five caves lined with beautiful, regular cracks (columnar joints).

Each cave has its own distinctive columnar joints, including the largest cave, Genbudo Cave, as well as Seiryu Cave, Byakko Cave, Minami-Suzaku Cave, and Kita-Suzaku Cave, allowing you to fully enjoy the coexistence of nature and history.

Access to Kinosaki Onsen

Access from multiple routes including Kansai International Airport

Kinosaki Onsen can be easily accessed from multiple routes, including Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, Kyoto Station, and Kobe-Sannomiya Station. Below we introduce the fastest route and travel time, so please use this as a reference when planning your trip.

Fastest route from Kansai International Airport (KIX) (Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes)

1. Kansai Airport Station → (Haruka Express, approx. 50 minutes) → Shin-Osaka Station

2. Shin-Osaka Station → (Limited Express Kounotori approx. 2 hours 40 minutes) → Kinosaki Onsen Station

Once you arrive, the hot spring town is within walking distance from the station. The great thing about this hotel is that you can change into a yukata robe and immediately start touring the outdoor baths.

Fastest route from Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport, ITM) (Total travel time: approx. 3 hours 10 minutes)

1. Itami Airport → (Limousine bus approx. 30 minutes) → Shin-Osaka Station

2. Shin-Osaka Station → (Limited Express Kounotori approx. 2 hours 40 minutes) → Kinosaki Onsen Station

After taking the limousine bus to Shin-Osaka Station, you can take the Kounotori Express straight away, just like the route from Kansai International Airport. It's also convenient for those who want to stop by Kinosaki between business trips or trips.

Fastest route from Kyoto Station (travel time: about 2 hours 20 minutes)

Kyoto Station → (Limited Express Kinosaki approx. 2 hours 20 minutes) → Kinosaki Onsen Station

After enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto, you can go directly to Kinosaki Onsen without changing trains. This is the perfect plan for a trip to fully enjoy Japanese culture.

Fastest route from Kobe-Sannomiya Station (travel time: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)

Kobe-Sannomiya Station → (Limited Express Hamakaze approx. 2 hours 30 minutes) → Kinosaki Onsen Station

You can travel from the fashionable port city of Kobe to the Sea of Japan coast while enjoying the magnificent scenery from the train window.

Train and bus transfer tips

There are direct trains from major stations, so you won't have to worry about transferring. Even if you have a lot of luggage, there are coin lockers and luggage storage facilities in the area, so it's easy to travel while sightseeing.

You can also travel to Kinosaki Onsen by bus, but this tends to take a little longer than the express train, so it's best to choose this option based on your schedule and how much luggage you have.

summary

Kinosaki Onsen is located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture and is a hot spring resort with over 1,300 years of history. In addition to touring the seven outdoor baths, the resort is also attractive in many ways, such as the quality and efficacy of the spring water, literature and culture, making it a trip that will satisfy anyone. Strolling through the townscape filled with hot spring atmosphere in a yukata will make you feel so relaxed that you will forget the busyness of everyday life.

Furthermore, access from overseas is not as complicated as you might think, and you can arrive smoothly by taking a train or bus from a major airport. It would also be nice to plan an itinerary that includes visiting Kinosaki after sightseeing in major metropolitan areas such as Osaka or Kobe.

If you are planning a trip, be sure to experience all the attractions unique to Kinosaki Onsen, such as outdoor baths, literary spots, seasonal scenery, and gourmet food. Why not refresh your mind and body with a trip to the outdoor baths, which are full of things to see? Kinosaki Onsen is sure to satisfy your need for a quiet moment away from your daily routine.