Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring town located in Kinosaki, Toyooka City, northern Hyogo Prefecture. The town is uniquely designed as if the entire town were a single traditional inn:
- The station acts as the front gate
- The willow-lined streets serve as the hallway
- Each ryokan (inn) functions as a guest room
This concept encourages visitors to enjoy hopping between multiple public baths, not just staying in one.
This town is also known as the setting for the famous literary work “At Kinosaki” by acclaimed author Naoya Shiga.
This guide introduces a model sightseeing plan in Kinosaki Onsen, including:
- Kinosaki Marine World
- Public bath-hopping
- Visits to Genbudo Caves and the Oriental White Stork sanctuary
10:30 AM – Arrival at Kinosaki Onsen Station
From Osaka, it takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes by limited express. From Himeji, it’s around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
There are coin lockers at the station, so we stored our large luggage there. To get to Kinosaki Marine World, we took a bus that runs about twice per hour, approximately a 10-minute ride.
11:30 AM – Kinosaki Marine World
This interactive aquarium features dolphin and sea lion shows, dolphin encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and penguins taking a stroll outside!
- Great for both families and couples
- Fresh seafood lunches – we had tuna bowl and seafood bowl
- You can try fishing for horse mackerel and have it tempura-fried on the spot!
※↑Tuna bowl and seafood bowl
※↑Horse mackerel fishing (you can fry and eat it on the spot!)
Reference page: Kinosaki Marine World (Visit Kinosaki)
Address: 1090 Seto, Toyooka, Hyogo
2:30 PM – Kinosaki Bungeikan
Kinosaki was loved by many literary figures, especially Naoya Shiga. His story “At Kinosaki” is set here.
- Located just 5 minutes’ walk from the station
- Permanent exhibits about Shiga and the Shirakaba literary movement
- Biannual special exhibits
- Try traditional straw craft or play with classic Japanese toys
これでも「文字の大きさがわからないと買えない」ということであれば通常の文庫版(岩波文庫さんの「小僧の神様 他十篇」)をお勧めしたいと存じます……。#城崎文芸館 #城崎温泉 #城の崎にて pic.twitter.com/8kI45hc3lj
— 城崎文芸館 (@kinobun_tw) February 9, 2019
Official page: Kinosaki Bungeikan
Address: 357-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Wednesdays, New Year holidays
Admission: Adults ¥500, Students ¥300, Children Free
3:00 PM – Check-in at Ryokufukaku Ryokan
Although check-in starts at 4 PM, we asked at 3 PM and were allowed in early since it’s only about a minute walk from the museum.
4:00 PM – Sotoyu Meguri (Public Bath Hopping)
We borrowed yukata from the inn and strolled the town in traditional wooden clogs. The willow-lined streets offered a beautifully atmospheric walk.
- Local seafood like crab and shellfish sold near the inn
- Visited “Goshono-yu” – known for its large open-air bath and scenic garden
- Very relaxing, though it was a bit crowded due to the weekend
Goshono-yu
Among the many public bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen, we chose to visit Goshono-yu.
The outdoor bath is spacious and surrounded by a beautifully maintained garden. As it was a chilly day, soaking in the warm water felt incredibly relaxing and comforting.
However, perhaps because it was the weekend, the bathhouse was quite crowded on that particular day.
名木紅葉🍁
休業日の御所の湯♨️を急遽視察。
この季節の露天風呂は絶景です。#城崎 #城崎温泉 #豊岡市 #兵庫県 #温泉 #温泉街 #外湯めぐり #御所の湯 #本日はお休み #視察 #湯島財産区 #議員 #委員長 #名木紅葉 #紅葉 #絶景 #kinosaki #kinosakionsen #toyooka #hyogo #goshonoyu #onsen #japan pic.twitter.com/FJ2ubWV03k
— 城崎温泉みなとや若旦那 (@minatoya13) December 5, 2024
6:00 PM – Dinner at Ryokufukaku
※↑ Grilled crab and crab sashimi
※↑ Crab hot pot (kani-suki) and seared Tajima beef
Ryokufukaku is located just 3 minutes from Kinosaki Station. Known for:
- Using local premium Tajima beef in dishes
- Natural hot spring with rock open-air baths
- Fashionable yukata for guests of all ages
- Very clean and family-friendly atmosphere
- Crab cuisine is very popular – reservations fill up quickly during winter!
We had an amazing feast – it was a real kuidaore (stuff yourself) experience!
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway
令和2年3月20日(金) ☀️気温10℃
本日もとってもイイ天気♬○(*^-^*)○嬉しいですね😊空中散歩🚡で心リフレッシュ✨してくださいね😉AM9:10始発で運行致します(*^-^*)＞ pic.twitter.com/PiAM89tElE— 城崎温泉ロープウェイ (@kinosakiropeway) March 19, 2020
The Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway is located about a 16-minute walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station. The ride to the top of the mountain takes about 7 minutes, offering a scenic journey through the changing seasons. The view from the summit is breathtaking, especially during the fall foliage season.
Notable highlights at the summit include the monument of the famous poet Yoshida Kenkō, the historic Onsenji Temple with 1300 years of history, and the scenic Miharashi Terrace Café where you can enjoy freshly roasted coffee.
Official Website: Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway
Address: 806-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo
Events and Festivals in Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen hosts seasonal events throughout the year, offering new experiences with every visit.
Popular events include the spring Onsen Festival and the autumn Danjiiri Festival, both rich in history and culture.
Kinosaki Summer Story Fireworks & Floating Lanterns
今朝は城崎温泉観光協会の夏期・冬期対策事業特例委員会にオブザーブ。
今夏も恒例の夢花火と灯篭流しを実施します！
正式な日程等は後日発表致しますので、楽しみにお待ちください！！#城崎 #城崎温泉 #豊岡市 #城崎温泉観光協会 #温泉 #ゆかた #旅行 #夏休み #花火 #夢花火 #灯篭流し pic.twitter.com/CpoDa1bpZO
— 城崎温泉みなとや若旦那 (@minatoya13) March 20, 2025
The Kinosaki Summer Story Fireworks is a beloved summer tradition, where visitors in yukata stroll along willow-lined streets while enjoying vibrant fireworks.
On August 26, 2024, the Floating Lantern Ceremony was held on the Otani River, creating a magical and unforgettable scene.
📅 2024 Event Schedule
- Event Period: July 29 – August 22, 2024 (Weekdays only)
- Fireworks Time: 9:00 PM – 9:05 PM
- Lantern Ceremony: August 26, 2024 (Friday)
⚠️ Schedule may remain the same in 2025, but please check the official website for updates.
Kinosaki Onsen Tourism Association
🚩 Location & Access
- Location: Kitayanagi Street, Kinosaki Onsen Town, Yushima, Toyooka City, Hyogo
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kinosaki Onsen Station
🌟 Enjoy Nearby Attractions
Before or after the fireworks, you can experience dolphin shows and fishing at Kinosaki Marine World, or dive into literature at the Kinosaki Literary Museum.
Genbudo Park
Genbudo Park was formed from magma that flowed 1.6 million years ago and later cooled and crystallized into columnar basalt formations. The unique rock structures are truly awe-inspiring.
Located just 5 minutes by car from Kinosaki Onsen Station, the park is family-friendly and even hosts a hydrangea festival every June.
Official Website: Genbudo Park
Address: 1362 Akaishi, Toyooka City, Hyogo
Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork
This park was opened in 1999 to conserve and help breed the endangered Oriental White Stork, a designated National Natural Treasure of Japan.
Located about 20 minutes by car from Kinosaki Onsen Station, the park features open areas to observe the storks, as well as nature trails through wetland and rural landscapes. A rare chance to see storks in the wild!
It is said that storks bring babies, so they are also considered a symbol of fertility and are worshipped by those wishing to conceive.
「兵庫県立コウノトリの郷公園」、豊岡市祥雲寺に位置し、国の特別天然記念物コウノトリを保護増殖し、科学の理論に基づき野生復帰を実践する研究機関として1999年に開園、コウノトリの野生復帰事業とコウノトリを核にした様々な活動を展開する施設。豊岡市では色々な名称多数にコウノトリの冠が付く。 pic.twitter.com/nEEdbCNFPQ
— 田神晋吾 (@kumatax) June 17, 2019
Official Website: Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork
Address: 128 Nikatani, Shounji, Toyooka City, Hyogo
Year-Round Festivals in Kinosaki Onsen
城崎だんじり祭り 四所神社秋祭り pic.twitter.com/EGOQm5sB1I
— 祭しのぐ (@matsurishinogu) December 25, 2022
Spring Onsen Festival (Kaizan-ki)
- Dates: April 23–24, 2025
- Location: Entire Kinosaki Onsen Town & Onsenji Temple
Overview: A Buddhist ritual is held at Onsenji Temple to honor the founder of Kinosaki Onsen, Dochi Shonin. Events like street dancing and historical parades take place across the town.
Summer Fireworks & Floating Lanterns
- Dates: Late July – Late August (Weekdays)
- Location: Kitayanagi Street & Otani River
Overview: Visitors enjoy yukata walks and fireworks. On August 26, floating lanterns create a magical view along the river.
Autumn Danjiri Festival
- Dates: October 14–15, 2025
- Location: Shisho Shrine & Kinosaki Onsen Town
Overview: This traditional festival, dating back to the Edo period, features mikoshi parades and drum performances, attracting many visitors.
Winter Yuzu Bath (Winter Solstice)
- Date: December 22, 2025 (Winter Solstice)
- Location: Public baths & ryokan
Overview: Guests bathe with floating yuzu citrus fruits to pray for health and well-being during the cold season.
Important Notes for Visitors by Car
Kinosaki Onsen enforces a “Zone 30” traffic rule. This means the speed limit in most areas is 30 km/h due to narrow roads and heavy pedestrian traffic. Please drive carefully and respect these regulations for everyone’s safety.
Access Information
Kinosaki Onsen is located in northern Hyogo Prefecture, near the Sea of Japan. It’s about 100 km from major cities like Osaka and Kyoto, making it a feasible day trip.
Whether by bus, train, or car, it takes about 3 hours from Osaka or Kyoto. From Osaka, take the JR Fukuchiyama Line’s “Kounotori” Limited Express (2 hr 40 min). From Kyoto, take the “Kinosaki” Limited Express (2 hr 40 min).
A morning departure at 8 AM gets you to Kinosaki by around 11 AM, allowing a full day of meals, baths, and sightseeing.
Conclusion
A scenic river runs through the heart of the town, lined with willow and cherry blossom trees. Traditional inns and historical charm remain throughout the streets.
Wearing a yukata and wooden sandals, visitors can explore all 7 public baths. The unique basalt bridges enhance the old-time atmosphere.
Favored by many writers through the ages, Kinosaki Onsen is a perfect place to relax. At night, the illuminated streets create a mystical ambiance—making even a walk through town a special experience. If you love hot springs, Kinosaki is a must-visit destination.
この記事を日本語で読みたい方はこちら：
➡️ 城崎温泉の観光ガイド（日本語版）
