Discover Kinosaki Onsen, the village with 7 hot springs 城崎温泉
- Published on : 28/02/2023
- by : Marion.E
- Youtube
A warm seaside resort perfect for relaxing
Famous for 7 mystical hot springs, Kinosaki Onsen is a village with more than 1,300 years of history and culture. Walk around the flowery alleys in yukata and give in to a traditional sweet between two onsen.
Ryokan and hot springs
Two hours and a half from Kyoto, in the north of Hyogo Prefecture bordering the Inland Sea of Japan, lies Kinosaki Onsen, a small hot spring town steeped in 1,300 years of history and culture. Well known for its seven mystical baths with great healing properties, each spring has its own charm. Kinosaki Onsen stands out from the many other hot spring towns by its remarkable architecture, which its inhabitants compare to a huge ryokan: the guest rooms are equivalent to inns, and the streets become the corridors that guests stroll through to go from bath to bath. If you feel like it, you can embark on the Kinosaki Onsen meguri, a Japanese term meaning onsen pilgrimage. Bathe in the 7 mystical baths of the village for an even more complete and relaxing experience.
Stroll in Yukata under the cherry blossoms
The soothing simplicity of the town makes for a pleasant moment, out of time. From early to mid-April, Kinosaki Onsen is adorned with the colors of cherry blossoms, the perfect time to visit the village. To complete your immersion, put on a yukata, a light cotton kimono, and walk around the streets of Kinosaki. You will be able to admire the beauty of nature and the architecture of the city. This is called sozoro aruki in Japanese. Along the river that runs through the town, willow and cherry trees cover the unique architecture of the buildings and inns, each full of history. Take in the beautiful scenery that can only be found in Kinosaki Onsen, while listening to the sound of getas (Japanese wooden sandals) clacking on the ground.
Local sweets and small delicacies
According to local legend, the Kinosaki area was home to an ancient god of sweets - so it's hard to miss out on all these delicacies that the village has to offer. Between two dips in the hot springs, let yourself be tempted by the infinite variety of sweets that line the streets of the town. Ice cream, cakes and seasonal Japanese sweets await you all year round. If you visit Kinosaki Onsen in April, Toyooka City, 10 min train ride from Kinosaki Onsen, you can also go to Okashi Matsuri, a big festival of Japanese sweets gathering about sixty stalls from all over Japan to offer you various attractions and animations.
A multitude of sakura to discover in the area
The spa town is surrounded by lush mountains, crystal clear seas with white sandy beaches, and vast stretches of countryside. Hyogo Prefecture offers unique experiences and, of course, beautiful cherry blossom scenes. Don't hesitate to visit and explore the surrounding places: beautiful discoveries await !
The cherry trees at the ruins of the medieval Izushi Castle
Kinosaki’s ruins take you back to the Edo period, as if the city itself was nostalgic for this period steeped in history. Around the ruins, cherry trees bloom in mid-April. The very atypical architecture will let you admire the cherry blossoms in a new light !
The cherry trees of the coastal region of Takeno
With clear blue water and fine white sand, the Takeno area ranks among the top 100 most beautiful beaches in Japan, a peaceful gem located just 10 minutes by train from Kinosaki. Take the opportunity to explore the untouched countryside and swim while admiring the cherry trees that line the coast.
The cherry trees of the Kannabe highlands
Finally, if you arrive after the Kinosaki sakura bloom, head to the Kannabe Highlands instead. Dating back more than 25,000 years, after the eruption of the Mount Kannabe volcano, these volcanic rocks offer a breathtaking view of the valley but also of the cherry blossoms which bloom there a little later and which can be admired until the end of April.
