Kinosaki Onsen Strolling Course of Seven Public Baths in Yukata

This is a strolling course through Kinosaki Onsen, where the riverside scenery of willow trees and stone bridges is beautiful. Walking in yukata and wooden geta sandals while visiting the seven public baths is a way of enjoying the town that is unique to Kinosaki. It is a plan where you can savor relaxed time, as if the whole hot spring town were a single inn.

Course Route

10:00 Arrive at Kinosaki Onsen Station and start Take a breather at the foot bath in front of the station before beginning your stroll. 10:30 Drop your bags at the inn and change into yukata Changing into yukata and geta makes the town walk even more enjoyable. 11:00 Stroll along the Otani River Walk the scenery that symbolizes Kinosaki, with its willow trees and arched bridges. 12:00 Lunch in the hot spring town Savor local flavors such as Tajima beef and seafood. 13:30 Set off on the public bath circuit Visit the seven public baths such as Ichi no Yu and Mandara Yu in turn, still in your yukata. 15:30 A break at a cafe or shooting gallery Pause between walks at a retro arcade or a sweets shop. 17:00 Stroll the hot spring town at dusk When the lamps come on, the riverside atmosphere grows even richer. 18:00 Finish while gazing at the illuminated streets Continuing the bath circuit at night in your yukata is also recommended.

Highlights

The greatest charm of Kinosaki Onsen is the public bath circuit that lets you enjoy the whole town. Each bath has its own character, and you take in the townscape as you move between them. The willow lined river is picturesque day and night, and walking in yukata makes you feel like a resident of the spa town.

Access and Tips

Kinosaki Onsen Station is served by JR limited express trains and is easy to reach from the Kansai area. For the bath circuit, the bathing pass for overnight guests is convenient, and walking around in yukata is the Kinosaki way. If you are not used to geta, choose comfortable footwear instead.

A Quick Tip

Each public bath has its own closing days and hours, so deciding the order in advance makes things smooth. Heading out with a towel and some coins is reassuring.