Kinosaki Onsen - One of Japan's Most Popular Onsen Towns for its Rustic Atmosphere

Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan's best onsen (温泉, Hot Spring) towns with its rustic laidback atmosphere, and plenty of onsen baths to choose from. The atmosphere of Kinosaki Onsen is what makes it a cut above others. The town features a beautiful river that flows down the center, lined with willow trees on both banks, and machiya (町家, Traditional wooden townhouse) along the side of the road. At night, the area is dimly lit by the stone lamps as you stroll through it in a yukata (浴衣), giving an almost otherworldy vibe to the area that feels you've been transported back in time.

Most accomodations in town provide free yukata (浴衣) rental services, and you can often choose your own yukata designs as well.

Of course, most visitors are here for the Kinosaki Onsen Meguri (城崎温泉巡り) to explore all seven of the public baths in the town. A pass is typically included in most ryokan (旅館, Japanese inn) stays, or can be purchased directly at any of the onsens.

Nature

Culture

Gourmet

Volume

Amazing rustic atmosphere

Wide variety of onsens

Yukata rental available

Direct connections from Osaka and Kyoto

Travel time can be quite long from Osaka and Kyoto

Popular Destinations

Exterior of Sato-no-yu in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture

城崎温泉巡り

Kinosaki Onsen Pilgrimage

Of course, the main reason why most people come to Kinosaki Onsen is for the onsen meguri (温泉巡り, hot spring pilgrimage), which involves going around trying out all the different onsens (温泉, Hot Spring) in Kinosaki Onsen. The best way to visit all the onsens in with the Yume-pa (ゆめぱ, lit. Dream Pass) that lets you visit the seven major onsens in town for as many times as you would like. If you’re staying over at a ryokan (旅館, Japanese inn), the Yume-pa is usually included, otherwise you can purchase one from any of the onsens for ¥1,300.

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Main canal lined with willow trees in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture

城崎温泉街中

Kinosaki Onsen Town Center

One of the best parts of Kinosaki Onsen is the atmosphere of the town itself. Wearing a yukata (浴衣) and strolling down the willow tree-lined Otani River with its stone bridges and dimly lit stone lanterns can be an enchanting experience like nowhere else. Walking further away from the station, you will also fine an old-school retro shopping street with souvenir shops, retro arcade games, and retro carnival games as well.

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湯の里通り

Yu-no-Sato Dori

The Yu-no-Sato-Dori is one of the local favorite to stroll down in a kimono. While the atmosphere of the area might not be able to beat the Otani River’s willow trees, the retro entertainment and souvenir shops in the area make up for it. It’s a great place to stroll in-between baths, and maybe have a go at one or two retro arcade games for old times sake.

Itineraries

Essential Kinosaki Onsen Itinerary

Kansai's Best Hidden Onsen Town with an Otherworldly Atmosphere

Getting Around

The primary method of getting around Kinosaki Onsen is on foot, and in a yukata (浴衣) that is rented out by most of the local accommodation. The town has three primary roads, Ekimae Dori that runs from Kinosaki Onsen Station to the canal, Kinosaki Town Center (城崎温泉街中, Kinosaki Onsen Machinaka) that runs alongside the canal, and Yu-no-sato Dori (湯の里通り, Yu-no-Sato Dōri) that runs from the canal to the end of town near Kounoyu Onsen part of the Kinosaki Onsen Meguri (城崎温泉巡り). The entire distance is easily walkable, with the entire length taking around 15 mins to walk.

Getting There

大阪

Osaka

Fastest - 2h 39m | ¥6,140

Cheapest - 0 mins

The fastest way between Osaka and Kinosaki Onsen is by taking the Limited Express Kounotori that runs directly between the two cities. You can board from either Shin-Osaka Station or Osaka Station in Osaka.

Limited Express Kinosaki

Towards Kinosaki Onsen Station

Osaka Station

to

Kinosaki Onsen Station

2h 39m

¥6,140

姫路

Himeji

Fastest - 1h 43m | ¥4,370

Cheapest - 2.5 hours | ¥1,980

The fastest way between Himeji and Kinosaki Onsen is by taking the Limited Express Hamakaze that runs directly between the two cities. Do note that it only runs 3 times a day, in the late morning, early afternoon, and the evening.

Limited Express Hamakaze

Towards Kinosaki Onsen Station

Himeji Station

to

Kinosaki Onsen Station

1h 43m

¥4,370

京都

Kyoto

Fastest - 2h 24m | ¥5,370

The fastest way between Kyoto and Kinosaki Onsen is by taking the Limited Express Kinosaki that runs directly between the two cities.

Limited Express Kinosaki

Towards Kinosaki Onsen Station

Kyoto Station

to

Kinosaki Onsen Station

2h 24m

¥5,370

Kinosaki Onsen Travel Guide

One of Japan's Most Popular Onsen Towns for its Rustic Atmosphere

Popular Destinations

Itineraries

Getting Around

Getting There