Kinosaki

Kinosaki, commonly referred to as Kinosaki Onsen, is a historic hot spring town in Toyooka City, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It lies in the Tajima region along the Sea of Japan and is renowned for its traditional atmosphere, wooden ryokan, and a network of public bathhouses.

The springs are believed to have been used since ancient times, and the town began to develop as a resort during the Edo period, when bathhouses and inns were established for travelers and pilgrims. Since the late 20th century, Kinosaki Onsen has remained a major destination for onsen culture, attracting visitors from across Japan and abroad.

A defining feature is the practice of visiting multiple public baths, known as soto-yu, along a compact street plan. Visitors wear yukata and geta, strolling from bath to bath and ending the day in the town’s riverfront area. The seven public baths each offer distinct mineral waters and atmospheres, contributing to the town’s distinctive character.

The town is served by Kinosaki Onsen Station on the San’in Main Line, with local buses connecting to nearby sights. It is approximately two to three hours by train from Osaka. The local economy centers on hospitality, with numerous ryokan, restaurants, and shops that cater to tourism and onsen visitors.

Today, Kinosaki Onsen is regarded as one of Japan’s classic onsen towns, preserving traditional architecture and onsen culture while adapting to modern tourism.