The Kinosaki Onsen Ticket

Sitting in the northern corner of Hyogo Prefecture along the coast of the Sea of Japan is Kinosaki Onsen, a traditional hot spring town filled with history and mineral rich water. It’s said the area’s hot springs were originally discovered around the 8th century, making them some of the oldest in the country. Ever since their discovery they’ve shaped the historic town making it is what it is today.

The Kinosaki Onsen Ticket

Built along a willow-lined river, this undeniably scenic little hot spring getaway has become one of the most popular weekend escapes in the Kansai region. As the day rolls into the evening watch local guests stomp around Kinosaki in their geta (classic Japanese clogs) decked out in traditional yukata (a summer version of a kimono) hopping from onsen to onsen in the quest for ultimate relaxation. One of the best ways to get access to some of the area’s best onsens is by picking up a ‘yumepa ticket’ for 1,200 yen. The yumepa ticket offers visitors to Kinosaki staying at the ryokans free access to all seven hot springs. All guests have to do is scan at the ticket barcode at the entrance to use any of public springs. Please do note that the pass will only be valid until 10:00 am on the day of your check-out. Also the public hot springs have regular holidays, so check this schedule ahead of time.

The Kinosaki Onsen Ticket

Surrounded by both the mountains’ landscapes and the ocean, Kinosaki Onsen is one of the most scenic hidden locations in the northern Hyogo area. Check out the town’s classic architecture and you’ll realize why both Japanese and foreign visitors are flocking to Kinosaki to experience a piece of history and culture.

The Kinosaki Onsen Ticket

It’s said that Kinosaki Onsen was founded after the Buddhist priest Douchi Shonin received a vision from an oracle that told him to pray for the health of the local people back in around 717 AD. After he prayed a hot spring shot up from the ground, creating what was the beginning of Kinosaki Onsen. This legend also states the area where the oldest bath house Kouno-yu sits was discovered by an Oriental White Stork (the symbol of the region) which was spotted bathing its wounds in the healing springs.

The Kinosaki Onsen Ticket

One of the onsens you’ll get to experience while in the area is Ichino-Yu. Located right next to the river, this onsen is a must-not-miss soaking experience with the main feature being a bath in what appears to be a cave, encased in stones. The onsen is also home to an ice bath for those wanting to cool off.

The Kinosaki Onsen Ticket

The most common way to get to Kinosaki is by train. From Tokyo catch the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto, then switch to one of the JR limited express trains that runs to Kinosaki Onsen Station. Each way the journey takes around five to six hours and costs around 16,000 yen. If you have a Japan Rail Pass the trip is covered, just make sure you’re using a Hikari train between Tokyo and Kyoto.

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