Kinosaki

Kinosaki (Kinosaki-chō) was a town located in Kinosaki District, Hyōgo, Japan. On April 1, 2005 Kinosaki, along with the towns of Hidaka and Takeno, all from Kinosaki District, and the towns of Izushi and Tantō, both from Izushi District, was merged into the expanded city of Toyooka and no longer exists as an independent municipality. As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 4,169 and a density of 133.66 persons per km². The total area was 31.19 km².

Kinosaki is famous as a resort area, with onsen (Japanese spa) based in its natural hot springs. In 1913, the writer Shiga Naoya came to Kinosaki and stayed there for three weeks. Kinosaki provided inspiration for his short story, Kinosaki ni te or "In Kinosaki".

Readily accessible by rail, this fascinating centre attracts thousands of nationals during holidays to luxuriate in the spas fed by geothermal sources below the town. Don't be surprised to see groups of visitors wandering the streets in yukata accompanied by the characteristic clicking of geta, the traditional wooden stilt sandals you can see lined up in the entrance halls of the hotels.

A feature is the fountains in the square where mesh bags of eggs can be immersed and boiled while you wait. There are also several small ponds of running hot water where you can sit by the edge of the road among the locals and indulge in the relaxing soaking of your feet. A ropeway at the far end of the street will take you to the lookout or you can walk it if you fancy the experience.