What is Kinosaki Onsen？
Kinosaki Onsen is a famous hot spring town in northern Hyogo Prefecture, near the Sea of Japan. The town is known for its 7 public bathhouses, willow trees along the river, and people walking in yukata. It is very easy to reach from Kyoto and Osaka.
Where is Kinosaki Onsen?
- Located in northern Hyogo, close to the Sea of Japan
- About 150 km north of Osaka and Kyoto
- About 500 km west of Tokyo
- The nearest station is JR Kinosaki Onsen Station
- The town is small and easy to walk. Most ryokan and bathhouses are close to the station
Conclusion: Train is the BEST choice for foreign travelers
No matter where you start, train travel is the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable way to reach Kinosaki Onsen.
Why trains are the best
- Fast: The quickest routes from all major cities are by train
- Comfortable: Wide seats, smooth ride
- Easy: Stations have good English signs
- JR Pass OK: Big advantage for foreign visitors
- Buses are confusing: Bus stops are hard to find, even for Japanese people
- English support: Trains have English announcements; buses often do not
→ Even if the train is a little more expensive, it is the safest and least stressful option for first‑time visitors.
Access from Each City (Overview)
Tokyo → Kinosaki Onsen
- Shinkansen + Limited Express Kinosaki ★★★★★
- Flight (not recommended) ★☆☆☆☆
- Night bus ★☆☆☆☆
Osaka → Kinosaki Onsen
- Limited Express Kounotori ★★★★★
- Flight (not recommended) ★☆☆☆☆
- Highway bus ★★☆☆☆
Kyoto → Kinosaki Onsen
- Limited Express Kinosaki ★★★★★
- Highway bus ★★☆☆☆
Kobe → Kinosaki Onsen
- Limited Express Hamakaze ★★★★★
- Highway bus ★★☆☆☆
Route Details (Time, Price, Stations)
🗼 Tokyo → Kinosaki Onsen
① Shinkansen + Limited Express Kinosaki (Recommended)
- Route: Tokyo → (Shinkansen) → Kyoto → (Ltd. Exp. Kinosaki) → Kinosaki Onsen
- Time: 4 hr 40 min – 5 hr
- Price: around 18,000 yen
- JR Pass: Yes (extra fee for Nozomi)
- Best for: Fast, easy, comfortable
② Flight (via Itami Airport)
- Route: Haneda → Itami → Tajima Airport → Bus (45 min) → Kinosaki
- Time: about 6 hours
- Price: 25,000–40,000 yen
- Note: Very few flights, not practical
③ Night Bus
- From: Tokyo Station (Kajibashi Parking)
- Time: 9–10 hours
- Price: 5,000–10,000 yen
- Note: Cheapest but long and tiring
🏙️ Osaka → Kinosaki Onsen
① Limited Express Kounotori (Recommended)
- Route: Osaka → Kinosaki Onsen
- Time: 2 hr 40–50 min
- Price: 6,000–7,000 yen
- Easy, direct, comfortable
② Flight (Tajima Airport)
- Route: Itami → Tajima → Bus
- Time: about 2.5 hours
- Price: around 20,000 yen
- Note: Very few flights
③ Highway Bus
- From: Osaka Umeda Terminal
- Time: 3 hr 10 min
- Price: 3,000–4,000 yen
- Note: Bus stops are confusing for foreigners
🏯 Kyoto → Kinosaki Onsen
① Limited Express Kinosaki (Recommended)
- Route: Kyoto → Kinosaki Onsen
- Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Price: 5,500–6,500 yen
- Note: Some trains require a transfer at Fukuchiyama
② Highway Bus
- From: Kyoto Station Karasuma Exit
- Time: 3 hr 40 min
- Price: 3,000–4,000 yen
- Note: Limited English support
🌉 Kobe → Kinosaki Onsen
① Limited Express Hamakaze (Recommended)
- Route: Sannomiya → Kinosaki Onsen
- Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Price: 5,500–6,500 yen
- Direct and easy
② Highway Bus
- From: Sannomiya Bus Terminal
- Time: 3 hr 20 min
- Price: 3,000–4,000 yen
- Note: Bus stop is hard to find
From Kinosaki Onsen Station to the Town
- 5–10 minutes on foot
- Flat and easy to walk
- Many ryokan offer free shuttle service (check in advance)
- Beautiful river with willow trees
- Many people walk in yukata to visit the 7 bathhouses
Things Foreign Travelers Often Get Confused About
- IC cards (Suica/ICOCA) do NOT work → Buy a paper ticket
- Bus stops are difficult to find and have little English
- Tajima Airport flights are very limited
- Limited Express trains have luggage space
- Station staff can help you in English if you need directions
Summary
- For first‑time visitors, train travel is the best and safest choice
- Access from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe is simple
- The town is small and easy to walk from the station
- Knowing a few tips in advance makes your trip stress‑free