Kinosaki is a laid-back place to roam around and soak in hot springs.
Its biggest attractions are its Onsen ( admission \600 to \800 ; open daily ), of which there are seven open to the public.
Guests staying in town stroll the canal from bath to bath wearing Yukata ( summer kimono ) and Geta ( wooden sandals ).
Most of the ryokan and hotels in town have their own Uchi-yu ( private baths ), but also provide their guests with free tickets to the public ones ( Soto-yu ).
A seventh public bathhouse, Goshono-yu ( admission \800 ), has recently opened in a massive building in the center of town.
There are also a number of Ashi-yu, "foot baths" around town where you can soak your feet for free.
The town also has a ropeway ( cable car ) going up to the Onsen-ji, the temple built to commemorate the founding of the onsen in 738.
The temple is halfway up a mountain, but if you go all the way to the top, there are some fine views out to the coast.
Savoury crab from the Sea of Japan is a speciality in Kinosaki during the winter months.
A place to stay
Reasonably priced but still of a high standard is
Tsuruya, a ryokan very popular with Westerners.
A room with breakfast is \7.690 per person ( all taxes and service charges included ).
Rooms are unavailable during the New Year's, Golden Week and Obon periods, and sometimes on Saturdays.
The proprietor Mr. Tamura, speaks some English and will attend to your needs.
Tsuruya is near the base of the ropeway, a 12-minutes walk from JR Kinosaki-Onsen station.
Please inquire by telephone E-mail
TSURUYA
E-mail:info@kinosaki-tsuruya.com
Tel:0796-32-2924
81-796-32-2924(INT.) |
