Travel with Blueginger: January 2019

Recap from my previous blog, we visited Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kitakyushu and Onomichi

Today we are coming to Kinosaki! , Been wanting to visit this place since my last trip to Osaka. Today finally we made it!

From Hiroshima, it took us near 4hours to reach Kinosaki Onsen station.

Firstly, let me introduce about Kinosaki Onsen Town. The name of this place had already tell you all. It is an onsen town. But to me, this is not only an onsen town, it is also a seafood town and yukata town (kimono town). Scroll down further and you will know what I mean.

This is what greeted me when I come out of the train station.

This onsen town retain the look & the atmosphere of old Japan, since 1300 years ago. There is not a single modern building at all along the street, the enchanting townscape of the old times is preserved.

This is a ryokan town, the station is the entrance, the ryokans are the guest rooms, the hotsprings are the bath and the streets are the hallways. Everyone can relax in a yukata, even outside because all the streets are the living room of your house.

Here, there are 7 public hotsprings called sotoyu, the water temperature here is 42 degrees Celsius ( standard in Japan ) , the water quality here is Sodium & Calcium Chloride, effective on nerve pains, muscles pains, bruises, digestive problems, fatigue etc..

Each sotoyu has it own unique story, as well as different guardian angels, therefore people believe that visiting all 7 of them will bring you different types of luck, visitors staying here will be given a free pass for onsen hopping.

They are:
1) Goshono-yu
The story behind :
Goshono-yu, also known as the “Water of Beauty”, brings luck in love and protects you against fires. Inspired by Kyoto's imperial palace, the foyer and lounge area are decorated with beautifully painted screens and panels. The out door bath is surrounded by lush trees, it is a relaxing dip while hearing the crashing sound of the waterfall behind.

2) Mandara-yu
The story behind :
Mandara means "the enlightened mind" as the waters here were brought in after a holy priest prayed for a thousand days.

3) Kouno-yu
The story behind :

Kouno-yo is the bath that will bring you happiness in your marriage and longevity too. This is the oldest hot spring in Kinosaki. It is said that it was discovered when a priest found a stork healing its wounds in the water.

4) Ichino-yu
The story behind:
The design of the bath house resembles a kabuki theatre. It is also a popular landmark here as it is located in the centre of the cross junction. It featured a cave made of natural stone contrast with soft-tone lighting, perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing dip.
The name of this bath "Ichino-yu" which means number one bath, was named by a well known doctor from the Edo era after he experienced the positive effect on the water himself.

5) Yanagi-yu
The story behind :
Yanagi-yu is said to ensure fertility and smooth childbirth for women. Yanagi is the Japanese word for weeping-willow trees. And naturally got it names from the willow-lined street that run in front on the Sotoyu.

6) Jizo-yu
The story behind :

The design of the building was inspired by a Japanese lantern, I heard that this is a local's favourite as many families from the neighbourhood still prefer to use this retro styled bath house to relax before turning in for the night.

7) Satono-yu
The story behind :
Located directly next to the station, this onsen features a beautiful panoramic view from its outdoor bath located on the third floor observation deck. Step into the sauna where aromatic herbs fill the air. For those wishing to cool off, Satono-yu also has an ice-sauna. Relax in the beautifully-designed outdoor baths and enjoy the modern amenities of this onsen.

Most of these public bath house closed at 11pm.

Those shops that are located near to Kinosakionsen station will start to close around 1700hrs. Whereas some reataurants and bar that located near to Ichinoyu Onsen close at around 2300hrs while a small handful of retails shop close at 2100hrs.
If you are a day-tripper, entrance fee varies from JPY600-JPY800 per visit per sotoyu.

For those with tattoos, Most onsen in Japan here denied entry for visitors with tattoos, Kinosaki Onsen, is an onsen town that you can enter without worrying about your tattoos. As tattoos are very common and popular with the people now and Kinosaki been getting queries with guests with tattoos and many ended up being rejected.

Today, all 7 of the town's public hotsprings welcome any tattoos of any shape or size.

There is a reason why the shop close early here. This is due to this is the best time to visit the onsen in their yukata and wooded clogs. All ryokans will rent you the yukata for free and the staff will guide you along how to wear it. Not to worry if you are worry of not knowing how to wear a yukata.

Lunch at 大黑屋 along the street
This is a traditional restaurants which had been here for 2 generations, managed by a family. Almost all the restaurants here are having crabs in their menu BECAUSE it is the crab season!!!

Though the town is small but it is so picturesque especially lined with weeping willow at the both side of the river.

Even the water in the river is so crystal clear.

This is another amazing highlight:

Train tracks between the river, we were on time to film a passing train.

Strolling along the river is never complete without snacks break.

This is BF's first try on sake (Japanese wine) ice-cream.

My first try on the soyu (light soya sauce) ice-cream.

This Chaya Bun kiosk which located before the river is very popular here.

城崎温泉旅館東山荘 Kinosaki Spa Ryokan Higashiyamasou

We booked a traditional Japanese room that include full crab dinner and breakfast at SGD650 a night.

The price is pretty steep but I really want to stay here for a night since 3 years ago. So this year, We are nearby this place, no matter what we must pay this place a visit or I sure will regret later if I missed it. Seeing the meals that are included in the package, it is well worth the value after all.

Indeed a traditional hotel that is still using key.

Here is my traditional room.

This staff is our butler throughout our stay. He was the one brought us to the room, made us tea in the room, serve us dinner , make up our bed and also serve us breakfast. Service is very good. Anyway, Japanese are well known on their hospitality. I wanted to tip him but Boss reminded me that the culture here do not accept tip.

Love the view from my room.. splendid!

As long as one booked a night stay in a local hotel or inn, you will be entitled a free yukata and a ticket to all 7 onsens. Not sure about otherproperty, but for this hotel, the yukatas for mens are already placed in the room but for the ladies one ... there is a yukata rental shop for you to choose.

This is our pass for the 7 public onsens.
Just scan upon entrance will do.

Dinner served in the room. We requested the dinner to be served at 5pm, and our butler came to knock our door at 445pm.. He start to lay the table after cleaning the table.

Right after our dinner, we are ready for the onsen around the town wearing yukata and clogs. Bath basket is available to borrow from the hotel as well.

"kik kok" "kik kok" is the only sound we hear.. It is great to see everyone who are strangers here come together for one same motive.

Wearing the yukata and clog for onsen. at the temperature of 2 degrees, I think it is pretty amazing.

After we back from our dip, our traditional beds were already laid. This is our 2nd time sleeping on the traditional bed. Just like the 1st time, so soft so comfy so warmth..

Breakfast served in the room by the same butler again .... ohaiyo gozaimus

After checked out of the room, we went to stroll around again.
Along the streets, the morning catch from the sea-food shops are so tempting and it simply felt great seeing it!