Kinosaki Onsen (hot spring) is
located in northern Hyogo prefecture and is famous for seafood
especially crab which is best during the winter months of
November through March though it is available year round.
One of the most famous public hot spring bath houses, which
runs along the picturesque Otani-gawa River, is Ko-no-yu (hot
spring of storks) that legend says was used by storks to heal
their wounds. There are 6 other hot spring bath houses to
enjoy. Guests can be seen strolling along the river in yukatas
(cotton kimono) and geta (wooden sandals) enjoying cherry
trees and weeping willows as well of the traditional feel
of the town.
Onsenji Temple, believed to have been erected by Dochi-shonin
in 738, was built to commemorate the founding of the onsen.
You can take the ropeway halfway up the mountain to the main
building of the temple or to the very top to see panoramic
views of Kinosaki, the Maruyama River and the Sea of Japan.
Or if you prefer to hike you can reach the top in about 40
minutes or so at a leisurely pace.
Ryokan with Hot Springs
