Magical Cherry Blossom Experience off the Beaten Path
The best way to enjoy spring - Japan’s Best Hot Spring Town, Kinosaki Onsen
In Kinosaki Onsen (Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan), you can enjoy a magical cherry blossom experience while enjoying the town's seven public onsen and traditional atmosphere. From the end of March to the beginning of April, visitors marvel at sakura trees lining the canals of Kinosaki Onsen and decorating the base of the Izushi Castle ruins.
Sakura illuminated at night in Kinosaki
In Kinosaki Onsen and its surrounding towns, while enjoying Japan's best onsen town*, you can experience the magic of the cherry blossom season. This includes the contrast of cherry blossoms from day to night, the ensemble of sakura and traditional landscapes, and the beauty that comes from both the start and the end of the blooming period.
*voted "best onsen town" by Lonely Planet and received a Certificate of Excellence for its mesmerizing atmosphere from TripAdvisor
At the season's peak, one can fully appreciate the cherry blossoms in the area. During the daytime, the delicate pale pink of the cherry blossoms stands out against the town's green willow trees and red bridge. At night, the sakura glows among the lanterns that run along the river.
At the end of the season, it is customary in Kinosaki Onsen to watch the petals fall off the trees, dance in the air, and then float down the Otani River. Sakura petals floating down the river is a popular phenomenon called hana ikada. Hana Ikada, meaning floral raft, occurs at the end of the sakura season when clusters of cherry blossoms cover the river's surface. The clusters of petals resemble a raft floating down a river.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms in Kinosaki and the surrounding towns of Takeno, Izushi, Tanto and Kannabe.
Kinosaki Onsen: One great place to see the sakura both during the day and at night is in Kinosaki Onsen along Kiyamachi Street near Ichino-Yu, one of the town's seven public onsen. Sakura line the small canal and create a soft pink canopy for nearly 1 kilometer, stretching all the way back to the ropeway. At night the pink lanterns glow softly, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll between onsen and shop visits.
Izushi: To spread out a sheet under the cherry blossom trees and enjoying the flowers while eating a packed lunch is a traditional pastime in Japan, and is called hanami or flower-viewing. One excellent place to partake in this hanami tradition is in Izushi, our castle town. The sakura trees decorate the perimeter of the Izushi Castle ruins. Participating in hanami under the sakura trees at the foot of castle ruins is a uniquely Japanese experience that you will never forget.
Other locations: If you miss the ones in Kinosaki Onsen or Izushi, you can try your luck and timing with the ones in Kannabe, as they tend to bloom slightly later.
Ideal visit plan: 2-3 days in Kinosaki Onsen and its surrounding areas from Kyoto/Osaka
Day 1: Leave Kyoto/Osaka by train to Kinosaki Onsen, explore the town
Day 2: Go on a guided tour through Izushi Castle Town
Explore the Hachigoro Toshima Wetlands and learn about the Oriental White Stork
Day 3: Have breakfast in your ryokan and then check out of Kinosaki Onsen. Return to Kyoto/Osaka
Kinosaki Onsen and Nearby Towns
Kinosaki Onsen
Kinosaki Onsen
is a town of time-honored hot springs dating back 1300 years. It is home to seven public
bathhouses, all located within walking distance of each other and the train station. Guests are encouraged
to wear yukata and geta, stroll through the town, and go onsen-hopping.
Toyoka
Toyoka is a downtown area home to the Oriental White Stork, a bird that was saved from extinction in
this very town. The city's efforts restored the Oriental White Stork population, and now about 140 fly the
skies of Japan. Toyoka is also known for the Genbudo Caves.
Izushi
Izushi is the resident castle town, popular for its nostalgic atmosphere of Edo-era Japan. It is
home to many interesting attractions such as castle ruins, a samurai house, a kabuki theater, and a
clock tower. The town's specialty is Izushi Sara Soba, buckwheat noodles served in small portions on small plates.
Kannabe
Kannabe is a mountainous area with fun activities year-round. In the winter, one can go
skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. In the warm months, one can go camping, paragliding,
fishing, tree climbing, and more. Kannabe is the perfect destination for adventurers.
Takeno
Takeno is a quaint fisherman town that is a hidden gem among the northern coast of Hyogo
Prefecture. The beach has clear, blue waters while the mountains surrounding it offer great hiking
opportunities. It is encouraged to stroll through the peaceful town, where one can find small shops
and traditional landscapes.
Tanto
Tanto is a quiet countryside town with magnificent nature—including a giant field of
tulips in the spring and brilliant red-leaved trees in the fall.
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