The ashiyu (foot bath) at Satono-yu
Legend has it that storks would bathe in the marshes of Kinosaki to heal their wounds. Later, bath houses were built over these very sites to take advantage of the healing waters. Since then Kinosaki has become a top onsen destination in the Kansai region.
Nowadays there are numerous ryokan in the area, all with their own baths, but the real draw to Kinosaki are the seven sotoyu, or public bath houses. Also scattered throughout town are some beautiful ashiyu (foot baths) and spring water drinking fountains.
Kinosaki's public bath houses:
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Satono-yu
Satono-yu is Kinosaki's largest bath house, located next to the train station. It has two styles of baths, traditional and Romanesque, which rotate daily between men and women. The large variety of baths includes waterfalls, mist rooms, and steam, dry and penguin (refrigerated) saunas.
Open 7AM - 11PM. Closed the 2nd and 4th Thursday every month. Entrance fee 800 yen.
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Jizo-yu
Jizo-yu is located at the intersection of the river and Ekidori, the main road that leads to the Kinosaki train station. This bath house's main baths feature high ceilings. Private family baths are also available for 3000 yen per 40 minutes.
Open everyday 7AM - 11PM. Entrance fee 600 yen.
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Yanagi-yu
Recently renovated, Yanagi-yu ("willow bath") is Kinosaki's smallest public bath house, but some think that its traditional feel with hand cut timbers and wooden baths is particularly inviting. It also has a small street-side ashiyu (foot bath) next to its entrance.
Open everyday 3PM - 11PM. Entrance fee 600 yen.
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Ichino-yu
Ichino-yu is located near the center of town and was last renovated in 1999. Its indoor baths are modern granite while its outdoor baths are located in a cave. Private family baths are available for 3000 yen per 40 minutes.
Open everyday 7AM - 11PM. Entrance fee 600 yen.
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Goshono-yu
Completely redesigned and rebuilt in 2005, Goshono-yu ("imperial palace bath") is one of Kinosaki's larger bath houses, featuring a multi-level outdoor bath facing a waterfall, as well as a granite water bench and a steam sauna where onsen water is sprayed into the air to create a fine mist.
Open everyday 7AM - 11PM. Entrance fee 800 yen.
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Mandara-yu
Mandara-yu is the only bath house that is located off the main road. You'll find it one block south of the main road (Yunosatodori) just before the road turns north to the ropeway entrance. Its outdoor bath looks enticing, and it is said that Mandara-yu has the most attractive of the public baths.
Open everyday 3PM - 11PM. Entrance fee 600 yen.
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Kono-yu
Kono-yu is near the ropeway entrance located on the spot where legend says that storks would bathe to heal their wounds. It was the first bath house in Kinosaki, although it has been rebuilt numerous times since its founding. Kono-yu features an outdoor bath with a view of the surrounding forests.
Open everyday 7AM - 11PM. Entrance fee 600 yen.
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Visitors staying at a local ryokan can use Kinosaki's seven public bath houses for free between check-in and check-out. In order to gain free admission, they need to wear the ryokan's yukata and bring admission coupons provided by the ryokan.
Many visitors decide to skip their ryokan's bath in favor of a sotoyu meguri (bath stroll), walking around sampling the various public baths. In the past it was also customary to visit Onsenji Temple to make a prayer before bathing, but this is not a common practice anymore.
When visiting public baths, it is recommended that you bring your own towels or towels provided by the ryokan, although, towels are also available for purchase or rental at bath houses. Soap and shampoo are provided within the baths.
Sotoyu Meguri
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An onsen water drinking fountain
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