Hot Spring Baths

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

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 1500 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 800 yen.

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.