Legend has it that storks would bathe in the marshes of Kinosaki to heal their wounds. Later, bath houses were built over these very sites to take advantage of the healing waters. Since then Kinosaki has become a top onsen destination in the Kansai region.
Nowadays there are numerous ryokan in the area, all with their own baths, but the real draw to Kinosaki are its seven public bath houses (sotoyu). Also scattered throughout town are some beautiful foot baths (ashiyu) and spring water drinking fountains.
Kinosaki's public bath houses
Satono-yu
Hours: 13:00 to 21:00 Closed: Mondays
Satono-yu is Kinosaki's largest bath house, located next to the train station. It has two styles of baths, traditional and Romanesque, which rotate daily between men and women. The large variety of baths includes waterfalls and mist rooms, as well as steam, dry and penguin (refrigerated) saunas.
Jizo-yu
Hours: 7:00 to 23:00 Closed: Fridays
Jizo-yu is located at the intersection of the river and Ekidori, the main road that leads to the Kinosaki train station. This bath house's main baths feature high ceilings. Private family baths are also available for an additional 3000 yen per 40 minute session.
Yanagi-yu
Hours: 15:00 to 23:00 Closed: Thursdays
Recently renovated, Yanagi-yu ("willow bath") is Kinosaki's smallest public bath house, but some find its traditional feel with hand-cut timbers and wooden baths particularly inviting. It also has a small street-side ashiyu (foot bath) next to its entrance.
Ichino-yu
Hours: 7:00 to 23:00 Closed: Wednesdays
Ichino-yu is located near the center of town and was last renovated in 1999. Its indoor baths are modern granite while its outdoor baths are located in a cave. Private family baths are available for an additional 3000 yen per 40 minute session.
Goshono-yu
Hours: 7:00 to 23:00 Closed: Thursdays
Completely redesigned and rebuilt in 2005, Goshono-yu ("imperial palace bath") is one of Kinosaki's larger bath houses, featuring a multi-level outdoor bath facing a waterfall, as well as a granite water bench and a steam sauna where onsen water is sprayed into the air to create a fine mist.
Mandara-yu
Hours: 15:00 to 23:00 Closed: Wednesdays
Mandara-yu is the only bath house that is located off the main road. You'll find it one block south of the main road (Yunosatodori) just before the road turns north to the ropeway entrance. It has an enticing outdoor bath, and it is said that Mandara-yu is the most attractive of the public baths.
Kono-yu
Hours: 7:00 to 23:00 Closed: Tuesdays
Kono-yu is near the ropeway entrance located on the spot where legend says that storks would bathe to heal their wounds. It was the first bath house in Kinosaki, although it has been rebuilt numerous times since its founding. Kono-yu features an outdoor bath with a view of the surrounding forests.
Visitors staying at a local ryokan can use Kinosaki's seven public bath houses for free between check-in and check-out with a special pass that they receive from their ryokan. In fact, many guests skip their ryokan's bath in favor of a sotoyu meguri (bath stroll), walking around sampling the various public baths. In the past it was also customary to visit Onsenji Temple to say a prayer before bathing.
Visitors who do not stay overnight may consider purchasing the Yumepa ticket for 1300 yen, which provides them with unlimited admission to all of the town's seven public baths on one calendar day. The ticket can be purchased at each bath. Alternatively, it is possible to buy tickets for just single bath houses for 700 yen (800 yen for Satono-yu).
When visiting public baths, it is recommended that you bring your own towels or towels provided by the ryokan you are staying at, though towels are also available for purchase or rental at bath houses. Soap and shampoo are provided within the baths.
Sotoyu Meguri
Getting there and around
Kinosaki's seven public baths are scattered across the town, about 100 to 400 meters apart from each other. All can be reached on foot. It takes about 15-25 minutes to walk from the station to the most distant bath house, Kono-yu.
Well situated in the Kinosaki Onsen district of Toyooka, Japanese Guesthouse Kinosaki Wakayo (Female Only) is set 2.8 km from Kinumaki Shrine, 4.2 km from Seto Shrine and 4.8 km from North Disaster Earthquake Monument. Featuring a garden, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a housekeeping service for guests. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Kehi Shrine is 5.1 km from the guest house, while Nyoiji Temple is 12 km away. The nearest airport is Tajima Airport, 17 km from Japanese Guesthouse Kinosaki Wakayo (Female Only).
Boasting a 150-year history and a beautiful garden, Nishimuraya Honkan offers hot-spring baths and Japanese rooms just 1 km from Kinosaki-Onsen Train Station. A gallery with traditional artwork is featured. This hotel was selected as one of Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2013. Rooms at Nishimuraya Honkan Ryokan have traditional futon bedding and tatami (woven-straw) floors. Each is air-conditioned and comes with a tea maker, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Kinosaki Ropeway and Kinosaki Museum are both a 10-minute walk. Sato-no-yu Outdoor Hot Spring is 900 metres away. Guests can tour nearby hot springs wearing Japanese yukata robes and geta sandals. Seigetsuro Lounge pairs European and Chinese furniture with lovely Japanese garden views. Free WiFi and wired internet are provided in the lobby. Bicycles can be borrowed for free. Dinners usually feature wagyu-beef, and fresh crab in the winter. Japanese-style breakfast is also served in the guest rooms.
Set in the woods by Mount Kuruhi, Hotel Shogetsutei is 5 minutes from Kinosaki-Onsen Train Station on the free shuttle. It features beautiful outdoor hot-spring baths and a spa. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. The air-conditioned rooms at Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei feature nature views. Each has a private bathroom, tea maker and flat-screen TV. Some rooms have tatami (woven-straw) floors and shoji paper screens. Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway Station is 650 metres away, and Kono Yu Hot Spring is about a 10-minute walk. Sister hotel Nishimura Honkan, which has additional free-use hot-spring baths, is 700 metres away. Free-use bicycles are provided. Guests can relax at the hot tub or sauna, enjoy a massage or sing at the karaoke bar. In late summer, the outdoor pool is open. Dinners usually feature wagyu-beef, with crab served instead in the winter. A Japanese-style breakfast is also available at the dining room.
Offering private natural hot-spring baths, UTSUROI Tsuchiya Annex is 1 km from Kinosaki-Onsen Train Station. The Japanese rooms include futon beds and a flat-screen TV. An onsite cafe is available featuring a gallery for free. Each air-conditioned room at Ryokan Tsuchiya has tatami (woven-straw) flooring. All rooms have a tea maker and an en suite toilet. Bathrooms are shared. Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway Station is just 200 metres away. Kinosaki Museum is a 10-minute walk, and Kinosaki Marine Park is a 15-minute drive. Hot spring baths for private use can be used for free.
Onishiya Suisyouen offers beautiful hot-spring baths, a sauna and Japanese garden beside the Maruyama River. Guests at Onishiya Suisyouen Ryokan can experience a traditional Japanese room with futon beds and tatami (woven-straw) flooring, or enjoy a Western-style room. Japanese-style rooms include a tea maker, private bathroom and a satellite TV. All rooms have air conditioning. Kinosaki Onsen Train Station is 1 km from the ryokan, and a free shuttle bus is available. Kinosaki Ropeway is 1.5 km away. Jizoyu Hot Spring is a 10-minute walk, and Ichinoyu Hot Spring is a 15-minute walk. Entertainment options include for relaxation a hot tub and massage services are offered. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby. For meal-inclusive rates, a Japanese breakfast is served at the dining room.
A 5-minute walk from the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway, Japanese inn 城崎温泉 但馬屋-Tajimaya- features luxurious accommodation and cuisine, hot spring baths and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. It offers rental bicycles and a free shuttle to/from JR Kinosaki Station. Spacious rooms feature a tatami (woven-straw) floor, a low table with seating cushions and an LCD TV. They come with a seating area with a table and chairs, and traditional futon bedding. All rooms have a washstand and attached toilet, while bathroom facilities are shared. Yukata robes are provided. 城崎温泉 但馬屋-Tajimaya- has a 24-hour front desk, and facilities include a souvenir shop and drinks vending machines. Guests receive a free ticket for neighboring hot springs, and an in-room massage can be arranged. Free parking is available. A Japanese breakfast is served at the dining room. A traditional multi-course dinner features seasonal ingredients and regional specialities, such as Tajima beef and crab. Japanese-style spa hotel 城崎温泉 但馬屋-Tajimaya- is a 12-minute walk from JR Kinosaki Station, and a 15-minute drive from the Genbudo Caves. The Kinosaki Gondola from the ropeway a 5-minute walk away, offers beautiful views of the area and the Japanese Sea.
Facing the central shopping street of the Kinosaki Onsen hot spring area, Morizuya offers authentic Japanese-style accommodation, hot spring baths and Japanese dining. Guests can wear colourful yukata robes at the property. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Morizuya is a 10-minute drive from Kinosaki Marine World, and a 6-minute walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station. A shuttle service to/from the station is offered. The historical Castle Town Izushi is a 30-minute drive away. Rooms come with futon bedding on tatami (woven mat) flooring and a comfortable seating area. They feature either city or mountain views, and are fitted with an LCD TV, a mini-fridge and a safe. Bathroom facilities are shared and have free toiletries. Guests at Japanese-style hot spring hotel Morizuya can relax in the public indoor and outdoor hot spring bath, including an unique cave-style bath. They can be reserved for private use on weekdays. They can enjoy neighborhood fireworks in Summer. Luggage storage services are offered at the front desk before checking in/after check-out. A Japanese breakfast and a traditional multi-course dinner with local dishes are served in the privacy of the guestroom.
2.8 km from Kinumaki Shrine, Kinosaki Onsen Hanakouji Saigetsu is a recently renovated property situated in Toyooka and features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Each accommodation at the 3-star ryokan has quiet street views, and guests can enjoy access to a hot spring bath and a public bath. The property offers allergy-free units and is set 4.2 km from Seto Shrine. At the ryokan each unit comes with private entrance, desk, a flat-screen TV and a shared bathroom. Additional in-room amenities include chocolates or cookies. All units will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy an Asian breakfast. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. North Disaster Earthquake Monument is 4.8 km from Kinosaki Onsen Hanakouji Saigetsu, while Kehi Shrine is 7.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tajima Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.
Surrounded by views of the sea, Miharaso is a sustainable ryokan in Toyooka, offering guests an environmentally friendly accommodation close to North Disaster Earthquake Monument. Offering free private parking, the 2-star ryokan is 600 metres from Kinumaki Shrine. The ryokan features a public bath and free shuttle service. With free WiFi, this ryokan offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. The air-conditioned unit at the property features a bidet and a dressing room. This ryokan is allergy-free and non-smoking. Guests at the ryokan will be able to enjoy activities in and around Toyooka, like hiking. Kehi Shrine is 1.9 km from Miharaso, while Seto Shrine is 2.8 km away. The nearest airport is Tajima Airport, 20 km from the accommodation.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, 城崎温泉 旅館 つばき乃 - Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan Tsubakino is set in Toyooka, 2.6 km from Kinumaki Shrine and 4 km from Seto Shrine. There is an in-house restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The ryokan has family rooms. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests at the ryokan can enjoy skiing and cycling nearby, or make the most of the garden. North Disaster Earthquake Monument is 4.6 km from 城崎温泉 旅館 つばき乃 - Kinosaki Onsen Ryokan Tsubakino, while Kehi Shrine is 4.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tajima Airport, 17 km from the accommodation.
