Kinosaki Onsen: The Soto-Yu 城崎温泉外湯文化

Official explanation

Enjoying the various onsen (hot springs) around Kinosaki is about more than simply taking a bath. The soto-yu (public bathhouses) are deeply ingrained in the town’s daily life as local inhabitants tend to use them frequently, and are one of the main reasons to visit this onsen town. The waters are said to help relieve symptoms such as muscle pain, poor digestion, and fatigue. The best way to experience Kinosaki Onsen is to relax in a traditional yukata (casual kimono) and geta (Japanese wooden clogs) while onsen-hopping your way through the town’s seven public hot springs (soto-yu). Another charming ambience of the town is the clatter of wooden clogs as people (visitors and locals alike) make their way around the streets.

Since Kinosaki’s public bath water may be too hot (around 42°C) for some people, it is wise to stay in the hot water for just a short period (up to five minutes) at each public onsen rather than spending a longer time at a single venue. That way you can experience each bathhouse and its unique features.

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If you are staying at one of the local ryokan, the accommodation will provide you with yukata and geta to wear around town. Each inn will also offer an onsen pass that you can use to try out each soto-yu. While strolling the streets between dips, a variety of street snacks will enhance the experience. Day-trippers may also enter any of the soto-yu or purchase a day pass to try all seven. Many of the bathhouses open as early as 7 A.M. and stay open until 11 P.M.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.