Kinosaki Onsen

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 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.

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.

One of Japan's three oldest hot springs, located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy two types of water: gold spring (iron-rich) and silver spring (carbonate/radium). Beloved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this historic resort sits at the foot of Mount Rokko, just 30 minutes from central Kobe. Historical remains including Taiko's bathhouse ruins add cultural depth.

A distinctive ryokan management culture in Kurokawa Onsen, Minami-Aso Village, Kumamoto Prefecture. Centered around the communal bath 'Shinyu,' approximately 30 ryokan operate cooperatively. The 'Bath Pass' system introduced in the 1960s allows guests to bathe at multiple ryokan. Praised for balancing atmospheric streetscape preservation with sustainable business practices.