A Different Side of Kansai
Kansai’s charm isn’t just about the convenience and lively cities. With just a short trip on the weekend, you can find peaceful places where you can relax your heart and mind. This year, Kinosaki Onsen is the destination for our company trip—a perfect place to unwind and experience the charm that only Kansai offers.
A Town of History and Resilience
Located in Hyogo Prefecture, Kinosaki Onsen is just a two-and-a-half-hour train ride away from Osaka or Kyoto. With over 1,300 years of history, Kinosaki Onsen remains a popular destination for tourism and the traditional onsen culture experience. Although the town was severely damaged by a major earthquake in 1925, it was carefully rebuilt by the local community. Today, its charming Taisho-era vibe remains. A small fun fact, but the town inspired the famous Japanese author Naoya Shiga, who wrote his well-known short story “At Kinosaki”.
The Joy of Sotoyu Meguri
One of Kinosaki’s greatest pleasures is what the Japanese call sotoyu meguri, or “hopping between public bathhouses.” Guests wear traditional yukata and walk along willow-lined streets in wooden sandals, enjoying the seven different bathhouses at their own pace.
Each bathhouse has its own unique character:
- Goshono-yu feels like a gorgeous palace.
- Ichino-yu has a cave-like, mystical atmosphere.
- Mandara-yu offers a cozy and peaceful experience.
If you stay at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), you’ll receive a yu-meguri pass that gives you free entry to all seven baths, which is another great bonus.
A Warm Stay at a Ryokan
Staying overnight at a ryokan is another highlight of visiting the town. Relax in a tatami room and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal featuring seasonal ingredients. In winter, snow crab is a must, and year-round you can enjoy Tajima beef and fresh local seafood. The warm hospitality will leave you feeling completely at ease.
More Than Just Hot Springs
But there’s more to Kinosaki than just hot springs. There are plenty of other charming spots to enjoy, such as:
- Taking the ropeway to the mountaintop for a panoramic view of the town.
- Visiting Onsenji Temple to experience its rich history.
- Relaxing in an art gallery or a café.
Each season also brings its own special beauty:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms along the river.
- Summer: Playing in the river and enjoying the fireworks festival.
- Autumn: Gorgeous autumn leaves.
- Winter: Snowy landscapes and crab dishes.
It’s a town where every visit offers a new discovery.
A Taste of Japanese Summer
When I visited during summer, the streets were lined with festival-style stalls offering nostalgic games like shateki (a cork gun shooting game) and kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping). Wearing a yukata after a bath and strolling through that lively atmosphere, I felt as though I had experienced the very essence of a Japanese summer.
Your Onsen Journey Begins Here
Whether it’s your first time visiting an onsen or you’re a seasoned hot spring lover, Kinosaki Onsen offers a journey into the heart of real, heartwarming Japan—full of nostalgia, tradition, and peace.
