LES SEPT ONSEN PUBLICS DE KINOSAKI

The Yumepa Ticket is the magic ticket that opens the doors to Kinosaki's seven public onsen. You don't need to buy it if you're staying in the city. In fact, hotels provide their guests with this pass free of charge, valid from check-in until 3.30pm on check-out day. For day visitors, it will cost ¥1300 for adults and ¥650 for children. This ticket also entitles you to discounts at several restaurants, stores and tourist sites.

GOSHONO-YU. 448 Yushima. Open from 7am to 11pm. Closed Thursdays. Adults: ¥800. Children ¥400. The waters of this onsen are said to bring good luck in love and protect against fire. This establishment offers only outdoor baths, from which you can relax and contemplate the vegetation and enjoy the sound of the waterfall. This recently renovated bath is a must-see.

ICHINO-YU. 415-1 Yushima. Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Adults: ¥800. Children ¥400. Ichino-yu means "bath number one". It is said to have been named after a doctor during the Edo period who noted its beneficial effects on his health. The onsen is said to bring luck and success, and protect against road accidents. Private bath rental for families at ¥3,150 per 40 minutes.

JIZŌ-YU. 796 Yushima. Open from 7am to 11pm. Closed Mondays. Adults: ¥800. Children: ¥400. The shape of the building is inspired by that of a Japanese lantern, and the hexagonal windows recall the geometric formations of the Genbudō caves. It's a very popular onsen with locals, and many families come here to relax at the end of the day. Legend has it that the waters of this onsen protect families.

KŌNO-YU. 610 Yushima. Open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. Adults: ¥800. Children: ¥400. Although the building is not period, it is said to be the oldest spring in Kinosaki. It is said to have been discovered when a stork was seen bathing in it to heal its wounds. Its waters are said to bring domestic bliss and long life. A little way from the town center, you can bathe here in an atmosphere of calm and serenity, surrounded by nature.

MANDARA-YU. 565 Yushima. Open from 3pm to 11pm. Closed Wednesdays. Adults: ¥800. Children ¥400. The outdoor baths, in pretty oval ceramic tubs, give off a pleasant, relaxing scent. It is from this spring that the waters are said to have gushed forth after the prayers of Dôchi Shônin. Its waters are said to bring good luck in business and agriculture.

SATONO-YU. 290-36 Imazu. Open from 1 pm to 9 pm. Closed Mondays. Adults: ¥900. Children: ¥450. Located close to the station, this establishment boasts a beautiful panoramic view from its rooftop onsen on the second floor. Visitors will also appreciate the herbal sauna. Closed for renovations on April 1, 2024.

YANAGI-YU. 647 Yushima. Open from 3pm to 11pm. Closed Thursdays. Adults: ¥800. Children: ¥400. Yanagi means "weeping willow" in Japanese, and the establishment takes its name from the weeping willow in front of its porch. The waters of this onsen are said to promote fertility and the birth of healthy children. The walls and baths are made of cypress wood.