Kinosaki Onsen in northern Hyogo is a famous, historic hot spring town with about 1,300 years of history. It’s known for doing the “seven public bath” tour and for strolling along the willow-lined Otani River.
In winter, walking down the old-school onsen streets feels so charming. There are little cafés everywhere, so it’s easy to grab a coffee and a dessert, take a break, and just chat.
The town has kept its traditional Japanese vibe, and the snowy winter scenery is especially beautiful. It’s such a lovely, polished little place. I can’t wait to come back when the willows are lush again—soaking in the baths and wandering around in a yukata has to be super chill.
Kinosaki Onsen | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is the only national park in Hokkaido. 400 hectares (988 acres) of premises are divided into four zones - colorful flower gardens, a large playground, three waterfalls and a forest for hiking.
Visiting this national park, you get wide-open views as well as beautifully designed flower gardens, with little surprises everywhere.
Walking the nature trails and breathing in the fresh forest air, then strolling through gardens filled with floral fragrance, lets you experience the charm of Hokkaido’s nature again and again. -
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Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.
A must-visit at night on any trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido: Tanukikoji Shopping Street. It stretches across seven blocks and runs nearly 1 kilometer, packed with popular shops for drugstore items, great food, and souvenirs. It’s also connected to the underground shopping area, making it one of Sapporo’s hottest shopping spots. Definitely worth taking your time and shopping to your heart’s content.
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Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs)
A historical hot spring resort located in Minami-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, also known as the inner city of the large Sapporo metropolis. It has been designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park for more than 150 years since the hot spring opened. The hot spring resort extends along the riverbanks carved by the Shirai River and the Toyohira River.
Jozankei Onsen, near Sapporo, is a well-known hot spring town in Hokkaido, often called Sapporo’s backyard retreat. It’s famous for the beautiful Toyohira River gorge scenery. Staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying an authentic sulfur hot spring bath is highly recommended.
As you stroll through the hot spring town, you’ll spot cute kappa everywhere, along with lots of kappa-themed souvenirs and keepsakes.
You can also enjoy water activities. Even beginners who can’t swim can easily have fun paddling, getting close to the water and the forest while surrounded by lush green mountains and clear streams—it’s such a joyful experience!
After night falls, listen to the sound of the stream under the soft lights, and in the dreamy glow, you might just have an unexpected encounter with a kappa. -
