Kinosaki Onsen Seven Public Bath Circuit

A legendary origin story associated with Kinosaki Onsen in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. The tale claims that a samurai healed his battle-scarred helmet in the hot spring during the Heian period. This legend became symbolically important during the Taisho-era revival of Kinosaki Onsen and connected it to sanatorium culture. It represents a unique fusion of historical narrative and folk belief in Japanese onsen tradition.

Famous for 'sotoyu meguri' - visiting seven public baths in yukata. A literary hot spring town featured in Naoya Shiga's writings. Willow-lined canals create quintessential Japanese scenery.

A traditional hot spring bath-hopping culture in Kinosaki, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. Wooden-constructed small-scale public bathhouses built from the Taisho to early Showa periods form the town landscape. The 'Sotoburo' (external bath) system allows ryokan guests to experience multiple thermal baths throughout town. The fusion of historic wooden architecture and hot spring culture symbolizes Japanese aesthetic charm.

A 1,300-year-old hot spring town in northern Hyogo. Seven public bathhouses are scattered along charming willow-lined streets, and the custom of strolling between baths in yukata and geta is the signature experience. Also known as the setting of Shiga Naoya's literary work 'At Kinosaki.'

A Japanese public bathing culture dating from the Edo period, serving as community social spaces. With distinctive features like painted Mt. Fuji murals and tile art, sento have been rediscovered by younger generations and international tourists amid retro and sauna trends.

A hot spring town in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, with beautiful willow-lined streets and stone arch bridges. The culture of visiting seven public bathhouses in yukata and wooden clogs remains, and the town is known as the setting of Naoya Shiga's literary work. Winter crab cuisine paired with hot springs is a popular luxury of the Sea of Japan coast.

The gateway to the Hakone hot spring region in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Known since the Kamakura period, it is the premier of the Hakone Seven Spas. Lined with traditional inns and souvenir shops along the Hayakawa River, it preserves the authentic onsen town atmosphere. Its excellent access via the Hakone Tozan Railway makes it popular for day-trip visitors from Tokyo.