Kinosaki Onsen

A distinctive tourism tradition in Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka, where visitors tour seven public bathhouses in traditional yukata robes. Continuing from the Edo period, each bath features unique mineral properties and architectural styles. The entire resort town was designed based on sanatorium principles, embodying therapeutic culture in its urban layout. It preserves a Taisho-era romantic atmosphere and represents an important cultural heritage.

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 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.

A mountain hot spring resort in Minami-Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture, with approximately 30 traditional inns lining a charming street. The 'yumeguri' practice of visiting multiple inns with different spring qualities is popular, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Known as a hybrid resort preserving Edo-period atmosphere while offering modern services, it represents Japan's hot spring culture.

A hot spring resort in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture, flourishing since the Edo period. Seven public baths dot the banks of Daitani River, with guests in yukata enjoying bath-hopping culture. Beloved by literary figures including Naoya Shiga's 'At Kinosaki,' its charming willow-lined streets and stone-paved lanes have been preserved through modern restoration projects.

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.