Onsenji Temple, Matsudai-san, Kinosaki Onsen
📍 Address: 985-2 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan
One spot you absolutely can’t miss when talking about the history of Kinosaki Onsen is ‘Matsudai-san Onsenji Temple,’ which quietly stands at the back of the hot spring town. Approximately 1300 years ago, during the Nara period, it is said that the Kinosaki Onsen hot springs began to gush forth after the monk Dochi Shonin completed a thousand days of ascetic training. In ancient times, it was customary for visitors seeking therapeutic baths to first pay their respects at Onsenji Temple, receive a ‘yushaku’ (ladle), and then enter the public baths.
A highlight is the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva statue, the principal image enshrined in the main hall. This is a ‘hibutsu’ (secret Buddha) that is only unveiled once every 33 years, but its powerful presence and the solemn style of the main hall are well worth seeing. Also enshrined in the main temple building is a magnificent standing statue of Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon), said to have ‘over 800 surviving arms.’ If you pay the 300 yen admission fee to view it, the temple staff will provide a detailed explanation. It’s a perfect spot for a spiritual detox, where the atmosphere shifts from the lighthearted, relaxed mood of the hot spring town to a sharp ‘training mode’ as soon as you step inside.
Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway Onsenji Station
📍 Address: Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan
The Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway connects the summit and base of Mount Daishi. ‘Onsenji Station,’ located along its route, is a rare intermediate station for a reversible ropeway in Japan. Situated exactly halfway between the base and the summit, passengers can board and alight simultaneously when the ascending and descending gondolas pass each other. The station building itself is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, allowing visitors to appreciate its Showa-era retro architectural beauty.
The real thrill of this station lies in the ‘psychological battle’ for travelers: will you climb the endless stone steps to purify your worldly desires, or take a shortcut in minutes using the conveniences of civilization? Those who alight here are ‘savvy’ tourists, not only seeking the spectacular views from the summit but also the history of Onsenji Temple and its ‘Goshuin’ (temple seals). We recommend a route where you ascend quickly by ropeway and then deliberately walk down only one way via the stone steps to experience the nostalgic charm of old Japan. However, during busy mornings, the ascending gondola may be full, making it impossible to board mid-way, so stopping here on the way down is a more reliable approach.
Yakushi Park Pocket Park
📍 Address: 642 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan
‘Yakushi Park Pocket Park’ is a small, relaxing spot located at the foot of the ropeway station, in the secluded inner area of Kinosaki Onsen. Here you’ll find ‘Motoyu,’ the original source of Kinosaki Onsen, where you can enjoy the unique hot spring town atmosphere with hot water bubbling up from a rugged rock monument, creating charming steam.
The absolute must-do activity here is the ‘Onsen Tamago Experience,’ where you make your own hot spring egg. Purchase raw eggs from ‘Kinosaki Gelato Cafe Chaya’ right next door (outside eggs are not permitted), submerge them in the dedicated egg bath, and wait for about 9 minutes. Using the provided special hammer to make a round hole, sprinkling with salt, and spooning out the hot egg is an experience that captivates both adults and children. While waiting, you can refresh your feet in the adjacent foot bath, which uses water directly from the hot spring source. The foot bath temperature is quite hot because it’s free-flowing source water, but it’s the perfect spot to soothe tired feet after a day of public bath hopping.
Kiyamachi Koji Alley
📍 Address: Kiyamachi Koji Tenant B, 391 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan
Just a step back from the beautiful willow-lined Otani River, and located opposite Shisho Shrine, is ‘Kiyamachi Koji Alley.’ This is a modern commercial facility themed around ‘Japanese vibrancy,’ offering a distinct shift from the traditional hot spring town atmosphere to a slightly chic, rustic ambiance. Within the grounds, you’ll find a ‘hibushikabe’ (fire-prevention wall), a symbol of recovery from the Kita-Tajima Earthquake, and about 10 unique shops offering sweets, miscellaneous goods, massages, and more.
It’s perfect for buying snacks to enjoy while strolling and taking a break on a bench within the facility, listening to gentle music. However, as it’s a semi-outdoor facility, be aware that you’ll be directly exposed to the weather in mid-summer and mid-winter. Also, while many tourists enjoy snacking on popular items like crab crackers, the number of trash bins is limited and can sometimes overflow. Bringing a small portable trash bag with you will allow you to enjoy your stroll smartly and comfortably.
Higashiyama Park
📍 Address: 488-3 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan
If you want to have the entire panorama of Kinosaki Onsen all to yourself, make your way to ‘Higashiyama Park,’ a hidden gem known for its spectacular views. You can walk there from the hot spring town, and after a 10-minute climb up a steep slope from the entrance, a rewarding grand panorama awaits. From the three-story observation deck at the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view, encompassing the Maruyama River flowing into the Sea of Japan, the Kinosaki hot spring town spreading below, and even trains running on the San’in Main Line railroad crossing.
While it’s a famous spot offering splendid scenery during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, it’s slightly off the main tourist path, making it surprisingly quiet and private. The observation deck’s structure is a bit delicate and thrilling, and in summer, the promenade grass grows vigorously. In autumn, fallen leaves can accumulate, giving it a slightly desolate charm. However, these elements add to its appeal, offering a ‘local exploration’ feeling. It’s highly recommended for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle and breathe in the Kinosaki air from their own special vantage point.
Traveler’s Must-See: Tips for Enjoying Kinosaki Onsen 120%
Kinosaki Onsen’s greatest charm lies in its concept of ‘the entire town as one large inn,’ allowing visitors to enjoy ‘sotoyu meguri’ (public bath hopping) in yukata and geta. However, popular public baths and the main street can become extremely crowded from evening into night during peak seasons. Therefore, a little planning for your sightseeing schedule is key to maximizing your satisfaction.
For example, in the refreshing morning, change into sneakers and climb to ‘Higashiyama Park’ to enjoy the magnificent views in the clear air. During the bustling daytime hours in the hot spring town, extend your exploration by taking the ‘Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway’ and immersing yourself in the tranquility and history at ‘Onsenji Temple’ (the intermediate station). Then, in the afternoon when you’re feeling a bit hungry, take a break at ‘Yakushi Park Pocket Park’ by making onsen tamago and soaking your feet in the foot bath. Before evening, enjoy souvenir shopping at ‘Kiyamachi Koji Alley.’ By spreading out your time and areas like this, you can fully savor Kinosaki’s deep charms while avoiding crowds. Also, since there are surprisingly many walking opportunities, such as the stone steps at Onsenji Temple and the path to the observation deck, bringing ‘comfortable shoes’ in addition to your geta is a real local insider tip.
