Kinosaki Onsen is the best town in Japan!

Kinosaki Onsen is the best town in Japan!

Kinosaki Onsen – Kyoto is on the tip of almost every first-timer’s (to Japan) tongue when asked about which destination was the most culturally rewarding to experience. Compared to other heavyweights such as Osaka and Tokyo, Kyoto offers an exceptional city stay for comfort, whilst being closely surrounded by wonderfully preserved natural and historical monuments and attractions that make it to easy to skip the hustle and bustle of crowds and traffic lights.

However, if you’re after an experience that’s truly Japanese, we recommend visiting a traditional onsen town, and Kinosaki Onsen town (2,5h away from Kyoto) is one of the most authentic experiences you can come across. The town itself has been developing over 1300 years, and whilst it has only continued to blossom along the way, many of its old charm, its stunning traditional structures, and its warm, Zen ambience has been unwaveringly retained. This is a unique aspect, and an important reason why many Japanese people choose Kinosaki Onsen over closer alternatives such as Arima Onsen. Whilst the latter is still a very popular choice, and cuts the travel time in half, Kinosaki Onsen is as genuine as it gets when it comes to a truly natural onsen experience.



Kinosaki Onsen is stunning throughout all seasons of the year, but we recommend going during winter in Japan, because that’s when the local specialty, snow crab, is at its peak, and who doesn’t love a searing hot onsen in 0-degree weather? Otherwise, the area is also gorgeous during the cherry blossom season, when you can walk around town in your stunning yukatas, and also in autumn in Japan, when you have burnt leaves cascading all around you.

Relaxing and Romantic At Kinosaki Yamamotoya



This ryokan has a reputation of consistently being sold out, so if you’re after a premium Japanese ryokan experience, make sure to book Kinosaki Yamamotoya in advance. Like other traditional Japanese inns, this ryokan offers superb Japanese-style rooms, however, unlike other traditional Japanese inns, it also has an on-site brewery you can check out! You can also pay a bit extra to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

The futon bedding has been praised highly by past guests as being super fluffy and comfortable, and each room is larger than the average, offering flat-screen TV entertainment and an iPod dock. Make sure you book breakfast as well, as it will be brought straight to your room in the morning for a completely Zen dining experience. 

The philosophy of Kinosaki Onsen is that the entire town is to be treated like one large ryokan, and this philosophy is built upon the original Seven Onsens that are all located within walking distance to each other. Of course, there are multiple ryokans to book that provide their own private and open-air onsens in Kinosaki. However, the real attraction to this hot spring town are these original seven public bath houses (called ‘soto-yu’) that allow anyone to enter to use for a small fee.

Relaxing With Hot Springs at Mandara-Yu



Known as Kinosaki’s very first onsen and what is believed to have started the long history of hot spring bathing in Kinosaki, this onsen was documented as being discovered by a priest who was traveling the country helping those who were were suffering, and found the waters here to be able to heal all ailments and illnesses. Today, it stands as one of the more popular bath houses to visit, and it may be due to the idea that it’s also one of the most physically attractive of the onsens. It’s located just off the main road, but still within walking distance to all other onsens.

Relaxing with Yanagi Yu



This onsen is one that most closely resembles that of a traditional onsen, with its hand-cut wooden features. It’s one of the smaller onsens, and it’s got a relaxing vibe that whispers ‘solace’ from the moment you enter, which many people find appealing. It also offers a small ‘ashiyu’ (foot bath) next to the entrance which people can use for free.

Unbelievable Panoramic Views Of The Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway



Japan is all about the views from up top, and Kinosaki Onsen does not disappoint. If you’re one to seek sweeping views of wherever you’re visiting, then remember to schedule in some time to take the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway up to Mount Dashi’s summit. If you’re quite fit, you can actually hike from the foot of the mountain near Onsenji Temple’s gate to the main temple, which is mid-way up the ropeway. This hike takes about 20-minutes. You can then take the ropeway the rest of the way up to the summit, or hike the rest of the way up, which will take you an additional 30-40minutes.



From up here, you’ll be able to see how uniquely structured the city is – a cluster of buildings lined along the riverbed, surrounded by Maruyama River, the Sea of Japan, and green mountains as far as the eyes can see. There’s a small café at the top for you to relax and grab a drink at, and you can also continue hiking towards Mount Kuruhi (1.5 hours) if you’d like.

Unbelievable Views Of The ONSENJI TEMPLE



This temple is dedicated to a Buddhist saint who, according to history, prayed for 1000 days for spring water to rush through Kinosaki. It’s a humble structure that is a nice place to visit whilst visiting Mount Dashi. Onsenji Temple has a special ritual where its main attraction, a two-meter tall, multi-headed Buddha statue is brought out to be displayed to the public on a 33-year cycle, for only 3 years. It’s current being displayed until April 24, 2021.