Kinosaki Onsen will soon trade its summer sunshine for a tranquil and cozy autumn ambiance. The magnificent foliage set to grace the town is sure to enchant the season’s guests. While soaking up the hot springs and beautiful scenery, make sure to book some exceptional experiences unique to Kinosaki Onsen and the surrounding areas. This guide covers the best autumn activities, from exclusive passes and scenic tours to hands-on traditional workshops, ensuring a memorable fall trip.

Passes and Easy Exploration 

What is included in the Kinosaki Must-Visits Pass? 

Available for purchase both online on visitkinosaki.com and in-person at Sozoro Tourist Information Center near Kinosaki Station, the Must-Visits Pass is your insider go-to for all of Kinosaki’s must-see attractions and shops.

The pass includes admission and a ticket to the following key attractions: 

• A ticket on the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway
• Admission to Onsenji Temple
• Admission to Onsenji Temple Museum
• Admission to Kamiya Mingei, Kinosaki’s famous straw craft workshop

How can I make the most of a visit to Kinosaki Marine World?

Kinosaki Marine World Access Pass with Fishing Experience

Extend the fun and magic of your trip with a visit to Kinosaki Marine World! Enjoy shows with dolphins, sea lions and walruses. You can even prepare your own lunch at the aquarium with a fishing session and enjoy your fresh catch as tempura with some ice cream as dessert.

How can I learn about Kinosaki Onsen’s 1300-year history?

2.5 hour Tuk-Tuk/Electric Bike Check-in Tour of Kinosaki Onsen with English-Speaking Guide

Experience the essence and stories of Kinosaki Onsen, which boasts a 1300-year history, traditional culture and a way of life in harmony with nature! Tabizou’s friendly guides welcome newcomers to town every day with unforgettable backyard tours of Kinosaki Onsen. This guided tour allows you to familiarize yourself with the town’s history before check-in.

On this tour, you will: 

• Learn the unique “Ancient Bathing Etiquette” that was once required for bathing in Kinosaki Onsen.
• Receive a Yushaku (hot spring ladle).

Outdoor Adventures and Sightseeing

What is the best way to see the scenic sights near Kinosaki Onsen?

Kinosaki Picturesque Riverside Cycling Tour

Discover breathtaking landscapes located just a short bike ride away from Kinosaki Onsen! Meet up with an English guide in Kinosaki Onsen and bike together past lush green rice paddies, quaint rural homes and along the Maruyama River. You’ll see sights best reached by bike that few tourists find such as the mythical Dragon Palace atop a small island out at sea.

Can I trek on a volcano’s lava flow near Kinosaki?

Volcanic Rock Trekking in the Kannabe Highlands

With a local guide, retrace historic footsteps while trekking on Mount Kannabe’s 25,000-year-old fossilized lava flow. You can choose from a three kilometer or six kilometer roundtrip course. Together with an English-speaking guide, you’ll follow a trail to hidden waterfalls and other magnificent natural wonders.

Hands-On Traditional Workshops

Can I try traditional Kumiko woodworking in Izushi Castle Town?

Kumiko Woodworking

Kumiko is a traditional Japanese woodworking technique in which pieces of wood are assembled together without the use of nails. In Izushi Castle Town, and with the guidance of a master kumiko craftsman, you can create your own kumiko design with pre-cut pieces of wood.

Guests have the option to create a: 

• One-sided kumiko
• Two-sided kumiko
• Four-sided kumiko (which can be used for a candle lantern)

How do I make Izushi Sara Soba?

100% Buckwheat Soba-Making Activity (With Mortar Experience)

Make your own soba from the very first step! Participants experience every detailed step of creating Izushi Sara Soba, a delicacy unique to Izushi Castle Town. You’ll start from the very first stage of grinding 100% pure buckwheat using a traditional stone mortar. The traditional method of grinding the buckwheat in a stone mortar ensures no flavor is lost.

FAQ 

Where can I purchase the Kinosaki Must-Visits Pass?

You can purchase the Must-Visits Pass online at visitkinosaki.com or in-person at the Sozoro Tourist Information Center near Kinosaki Station. The pass is your all-in-one ticket to key local attractions.

What is unique about Izushi Sara Soba?

Izushi Sara Soba is a local delicacy of Izushi Castle Town. Its unique quality in this workshop is that it is made from the very first stage using a traditional stone mortar to grind 100% pure buckwheat, which helps ensure no flavor is lost.

Is Volcanic Rock Trekking suitable for all skill levels?

The trek on Mount Kannabe offers a three kilometer and a six kilometer roundtrip course, providing options for different fitness levels. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking local guide.

Conclusion and Call to Action 

The beautiful autumn foliage and tranquil onsen atmosphere are the perfect backdrop for exploring the rich culture and adventure Kinosaki Onsen and its surrounding towns offer. From hands-on crafts like Kumiko woodworking to the dramatic landscapes of the Kannabe Highlands, these unique experiences ensure a perfect fall trip.

Ready to start your autumn journey? Book your unique Kinosaki experiences today and immerse yourself in the season’s ambiance!