Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen
4.6
About
Kinosaki Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring town located 2.5 hours from Kyoto and Osaka by JR express train. The town boasts 7 public hot springs and over 80 ryokans (traditional inns). Guests staying a ryokan get a free pass to the onsens. They can experience wearing traditional yuakta and strolling around this quaint town.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Kinosaki Onsen and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
122 within 5 kms
Attractions
85 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
587 reviews
Excellent
389
Very good
148
Average
40
Poor
5
Terrible
5
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
PablerasLogro_o
Logrono, Spain2,494 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
It is a spa town.
A quiet place to spend a day relaxing and learning about onsen culture.
The village has 7 bathrooms, you can buy individual tickets or a day pass that many hotels include.
Everyone allows entry with tattoos.
At the hotel they lend you a tukata and some getas and you can walk around the town from spa to spa.
They are small places, although there are many tourists, the local population continues to use them. You have an area to leave your shoes and then you enter a separate area for men and women. You undress completely and enter an area where you shower sitting down (wash well and rinse off) and then there is a hot pool. Half an hour or 45 minutes per spa is enough.
Some have particularities, with outdoor areas and even a waterfall.
Plus it eats very well. The famous crab and tajima beef. Both spectacular.
A quiet place to spend a day relaxing and learning about onsen culture.
The village has 7 bathrooms, you can buy individual tickets or a day pass that many hotels include.
Everyone allows entry with tattoos.
At the hotel they lend you a tukata and some getas and you can walk around the town from spa to spa.
They are small places, although there are many tourists, the local population continues to use them. You have an area to leave your shoes and then you enter a separate area for men and women. You undress completely and enter an area where you shower sitting down (wash well and rinse off) and then there is a hot pool. Half an hour or 45 minutes per spa is enough.
Some have particularities, with outdoor areas and even a waterfall.
Plus it eats very well. The famous crab and tajima beef. Both spectacular.
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathrin T
5 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Kinosakionsen! Wow, what an amazing place. One of the highlights of my Japan trip. Stayed at Onishiya Suishoen, which is at the edge of town (free shuttle busses from station and they will collect you from one of the 7 public Onsen baths on a complementary basis). The beautiful ryokan I stayed at had its own Onsen that is open from 5:00 - 23:00. I loved the tranquillity and was lucky enough to have the entire Onsen to myself at 6am - recommend the outside pools and alternating between hot and cold. Went full board with crab dinner and traditional breakfast. The place was spotless and staff were incredible; they couldn’t do enough to make my stay memorable- I would definitely return!!
Written 22 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy y
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Couples
Well worth the trip out to this little gem! We went in February and it was snowing and slushy and we didn't have proper foot wear. Thankfully the ryokan we stayed at provided an umbrella and rain boots which were a life saver! We chose Kinosaki in particular because I have a lot of tattoos that can't easily be covered up. The public hot springs were a super cool experience, and the outdoor ones were especially pretty while it was snowing. And having a cold milk afterwards was super cool too. It was also cool walking around with everyone in yukatas and the town was pretty at night with all the lights and the snow. Would definitely go back again and would highly recommend if you have big tattoo pieces (no one really cared or looked at me if you're worried about staring). Only wish we stayed a bit longer.
Written 26 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evan B
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
The town is truly exceptional. A quiet resort town nestled deep in the countryside providing a unique cultural experience unlike anything I have experienced in Canada. Plenty of foreigner-friendly onsen and baths to clean and soak oneself in, restaurants and coffee shops to eat or snack in, and many varieties of shopping including a very friendly Yukata store I was able to purchase a gift for my mother from.
While my wife and I stayed in a more expensive inn, and the train fare from Osaka to Kinosaki was considerable, the cost was more than made up for in memories and experience. I cannot recommend this town enough if it is within one's budget to afford the visit.
While my wife and I stayed in a more expensive inn, and the train fare from Osaka to Kinosaki was considerable, the cost was more than made up for in memories and experience. I cannot recommend this town enough if it is within one's budget to afford the visit.
Written 15 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zach G
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
Amazing, cute, fun town. There are 7 public bath houses. Our ryokan included a pass to all 7. I believe that’s pretty common here. Everyone walked around the town in yukatas wearing these absurd clickity clackity shoes that can be heard all over. The public baths were so fun. Highly recommend.
すごくて可愛くて楽しい町です。温泉が7つあります。旅館の予約があったから、温泉のチッケトをもらいました。よくだと思います。温泉はとても楽しかったです。めっちゃおすすめです。
すごくて可愛くて楽しい町です。温泉が7つあります。旅館の予約があったから、温泉のチッケトをもらいました。よくだと思います。温泉はとても楽しかったです。めっちゃおすすめです。
Written 7 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
k_matsu132
Kushiro, Japan23,664 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Kinosaki Onsen had the image of being 'an old and beautiful hot spring town with rows of weeping willow trees along the Omoshi River running through the center of the town' and 'a hot spring town with seven open-air baths in geta and yukata.'
That's right, it's a nice spa town. However, the hot spring inn we stayed at was so nice, we were so happy with the hot spring inn that we didn't use tickets for the "open-air bath tour." I didn't use the outdoor baths, but I enjoyed the splendor of Kinosaki Onsen while walking around the hot spring inn and hot spring town.
That's right, it's a nice spa town. However, the hot spring inn we stayed at was so nice, we were so happy with the hot spring inn that we didn't use tickets for the "open-air bath tour." I didn't use the outdoor baths, but I enjoyed the splendor of Kinosaki Onsen while walking around the hot spring inn and hot spring town.
Automatically translated
Written 24 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curiosity22609148471
7 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We drove from Himeji straight up to Kinosaki Onsen. The drive was great with beautiful scenery. The town was great as everything are so near. There are total 7 public onsens but we tried 3 plus our own hotel onsen. A town where mostly people walking around with kimono and yukata. Worth to visit if you have time to stay for 2 nights.
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emlazo
Fontana, CA309 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We stayed at Yanagiso while at Kinosaki onsen. Yes, it really is like staying at grandma’s house, only Grandma uses Google translate. The staff was so welcoming and provided us with everything we needed; making our stay comfortable.
The dinner was a feast experience. There was plenty of food and such variety.
We visited 6 of the 7 onsens. The one next to the station was under renovation. Each onsen offered a different experience, from intimate to a larger, friendly gathering. The evening walk from one onsen to the next was relaxing and fun; seeing all the people enjoying themselves outdoors either going to an onsen, stopping for ice cream or visiting the many local shops with one of a kind gifts
The dinner was a feast experience. There was plenty of food and such variety.
We visited 6 of the 7 onsens. The one next to the station was under renovation. Each onsen offered a different experience, from intimate to a larger, friendly gathering. The evening walk from one onsen to the next was relaxing and fun; seeing all the people enjoying themselves outdoors either going to an onsen, stopping for ice cream or visiting the many local shops with one of a kind gifts
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WinY Y
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Friends
The environment is quiet and quiet. We experienced three of the seven outdoor baths, including foot baths. It was a very pleasant journey. The owner of the hotel was hospitable, provided us with a yukata experience and took many beautiful photos for us. There are different shops and restaurants on the street. nice place
Automatically translated
Written 14 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doris K
4 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This is our first time visiting Kinosaki! Definitely worth to come despite a long trip from Kansai airport!
We came earlier this week with nice weather. This is a very peaceful and clean onsen town. We stay at Morizuya Inn, the location is very convenient and hospitality is excellent! I also enjoyed the tea ceremony presented by the grandmother. They also take pictures for us outdoors, that’s really helpful!
I like the Japanese style room which is spacious, neat and most importantly clean. They have a private cave onsen to use which is more convenient 👍👍
We came earlier this week with nice weather. This is a very peaceful and clean onsen town. We stay at Morizuya Inn, the location is very convenient and hospitality is excellent! I also enjoyed the tea ceremony presented by the grandmother. They also take pictures for us outdoors, that’s really helpful!
I like the Japanese style room which is spacious, neat and most importantly clean. They have a private cave onsen to use which is more convenient 👍👍
Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I arrived Osaka and will be going to Kinosaki Onsen today. I tried to withdraw cash in 7-11 atm but there is a 4% conversion fee in addition to the 220 yen transaction. My debit card is from the US and can someone share how they obtained cash? Is there any ATMs that don't have conversion fee? Thanks
Written 25 November 2024
Is there anywhere in town for self service laundromat / laundry please? Thank you
Written 18 October 2024
Hello, I have 2 large sleeve tattos on my arm that cannot be covered. I saw this post saying that all the Kinosaki osens are tattoo friendly but that was about a year ago. Is there any way to find out if they are still tatoo friendly? Thank you
Written 27 August 2024
Yes, the seven public onsens all allow tattoos visitors. You can visit Kinosaki’s office website and read about it: “ All seven of the town's public hot springs can be entered with tattoos of any shape or size! Come as you are to Kinosaki Onsen to forget about all of your worries and relax in the soothing bath waters. ” You can feel at ease to plan your visit to this tattoo friendly onsen town! It’s worthy of your trip!
Written 6 September 2024
Did anyone experience the facials at Salon de apaiser? I am about to book and was hoping for a review before paying.
Written 13 March 2024
My friends and I will be travelling from Osaka by car and will be spending overnight in Kinosaki. What are the places you can recommend to see between Osaka and Kinosaki that are worth visiting? Thanks
Written 2 December 2022
Hi
Is travelling to Kinosaki in February ok for onsen/ryokan stay maybe 2/3 nights..wondering about snow and cold.
Written 11 November 2019
This is a cold month, so type Kinosaki Onsen weather into Google or your Weather app and you can see the temperatures for yourself. Good link!
Written 11 November 2019
What times of year is Kinosaki super busy or super quiet? I want to visit when there are very few people around so that I can relax in peace.
Written 24 October 2019
We went right after Golden week and it was empty!!
Written 25 October 2019
I’m so confused on where to stay! I’d like traditional Japanese ryokan, is Tookaya the same as Kinosaki? I’d like to be right in the heart of it all, any recommendations gratefully accepted. I can stretch to &300/ night😁
Written 4 October 2019
We stayed in one without meals and ate delicious Kobe beef at there restaurant and visited a local fish restaurant and udon restaurant that were very good. I think that helps with costs.
Written 6 October 2019
adachi hiroyuki
San Francisco, California
I’m american-Japanese, has family in Tamba-Sasayama area. I wanna come to take bath there but I have tattoos and my wife, her mom also have some tattoos. Heard that tattooed person can not go to all public bath in japan. Is there any place where we can go in Kinosaki?
Written 28 March 2019
I did not face any problems when I visited Kinosaki and I don’t have very big tattoos so probably can be ignored too but Yes some places in Japan don’t allow and you surely get a look from locals.
Written 30 March 2019
Hi, what activity do you recommend for a family with a young child at Kinosaki Onsen? Thank you.
Written 27 February 2019
VisitKinosaki
Toyooka, Japan
Hello graciezhotel. We apologize for the late response, but we thought this would be beneficial to other people wanting to learn more about Kinosaki as well. As commented below, we do have a bathhouse with a pool for children called Jizouyu. But children are allowed in regular baths as well, and we frequently have families coming with children for a family trip. As for what to do in Kinosaki besides bathing for a family, there are a lot of fun activities in the area. There's the Kinosaki Marine World, an aquarium with dolphins, sea lion shows, and more. In town there is the ropeway to take you up Mt. Daishi, as well as the Straw Craft Museum with a fun workshop for anyone to enjoy. You should be able to have fun just strolling around town as well, since there are plenty of ice cream parlors, arcades, shops, and markets. We especially recommend making onsen eggs!
Written 4 July 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 49
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing