Kinosaki onsen in Hyogo prefecture

2018年 09月19日


From Kyoto, you could easily access the quiet coastal village of Kinosaki Onsen located in the Tajima region, and add another cultural and historic sense to your trip. Here you could relax in one of the many traditional accommodations (ryokan) and easily explore the surrounding area.

Like the ancient Kyoto neighborhoods, the architecture type of Kinosaki Onsen is very old. Despite the earthquake that ravages Tajima in 1925, the village was rebuilt faithful to the authentic architectural tradition. Furthermore, with over 1300 years of history and legends, the visit will take you back in time !

The city is divided on both sides of the Maruyama river that runs through the small streets connected by small stone bridges.
The river, just as a small canal offers is lined with beautiful low walls and during springtime, it adds beautiful cherry blossoms. It is very common for visitors to dress in a yukata (Kimono in light fabric wearing during warm seasons) and walk inn the beautiful narrow streets which are,at night, lightning by small lanterns giving a relaxing atmosphere. In summer is held the lantern festival, during which hundreds of lanterns are floating on the river. Also, from late July to late August,  fireworks are lit every night !
 
You will find many small traditional restaurants where you can taste the traditional cuisine of the region. One of the most famous dishes is the Tajima beef, which is the equivalent of the famous Kobe beef. For anyone who would rather seafood, they would enjoy the delicious snow crab of Japan (crab Matsuba caught from November to March), very famous for its incredibly tender and moist flesh. This crab is cooked in many different ways, enjoy it boiled, grilled, preparing for sushi or sashimi.
 
The city of Kinosaki onsen as the name suggests is also popular for its beautiful hot springs. Here, you will find seven famous onsen (japanese hot springs), in addition to those often offered in the ryokan. The bath water here is about 42 degrees and its composition rich in minerals is particularly good for health. You will find indoor baths  in traditional buildings but also outdoor baths surrounded by lush greenery.
A 15-minute walk from the Kinosaki Onsen Station, you can take the cable car to the summit of Mount Daishi from where you have a magnificent view of Kinosaki onsen, the Maruyama river flowing between mountains and coastline bordering the sea of Japan. You can also stop at the first station of the ropeway and go to Onsenji temple dedicated to the legendary Buddhist monk, Douchi Shonin, who prayed for the health of people who lived in the region. According to the legend, the prayers could be the reason of the creation of onsens in the region.
 
From Kinosaki Onsen Station, you will easily reach with JR lines, the Takeno station. Beach Takeno is highly recommended for its seaside activities. You can participate in sea kayak trip along the beautiful coastline and turquoise waters!