Wonderful Winter Fun in Kinosaki Onsen
Take to the cozy hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen this chilly season! After soaking up the warmth under a snowy sky, remember to make time for the area’s wonderful winter activities. Skiing, snowshoeing and more await with a winter visit to Kinosaki Onsen and the surrounding areas!
Skiing Lessons in the Kannabe Highlands
South of Kinosaki Onsen, the Kannabe Highlands is centered around the picturesque 467-meter-high Mount Kannabe (an inactive volcano). The area is also a part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark, one of Japan’s national geoparks.
Kannabe Snow Academy offers English-language lessons for beginner skiers right at the base of Mount Kannabe. The instructor will walk you through the essential steps:
- Putting on your rental ski equipment
- How to walk through the snow in your gear
- How to get on the ski lift (if necessary)
- Learning how to turn and break
Beginner Snowboarding with English Guides
Kannabe Snow Academy also offers snowboarding lessons for beginners. With an English-speaking guide, learn the basics on gentle slopes. Snowboarding equipment is also available to rent, and the instructor will go at the group’s pace.
Scenic Snowshoeing Treks
Try snowshoeing with Kannabe Nature School. Head to a private trekking path with a local guide and enjoy a warm snack while overlooking the Kannabe Highlands. This activity is perfect for those who find snowboarding and skiing a bit difficult, or for visitors who just want to have a particularly unique hiking experience. Snowshoeing is fun and easy for all ages. It’s also a great way to enjoy the outdoors at a leisurely pace.
The Winter Gourmet Gem: Snow Crab
The Snow Crab, also known as Matsuba Crab, is a local delicacy caught in the waters just north of Kinosaki Onsen. Residents and tourists praise the taste of Snow Crab for its unique sweetness and ability to go with a variety of other dishes.
The praise starts with its legs—with an average length of 70cm, the legs of a Snow Crab pack an impressive amount of sweet, briny flavor in their succulent meat. Part of the Snow Crab’s allure is its elusive, seasonal exclusivity. While frozen Snow Crab is available all year long in Japan, Kinosaki Onsen prides itself on timing. Guests are served this sumptuous delicacy in winter, when the Snow Crabs are freshly fished from the nearby Sea of Japan.
Local Nightlife and Snack Pub Hopping
Warm up inside a Japanese pub. Kick it old-school with a Kinosaki Onsen local on this pub hopping tour of the town’s friendliest bars. Also known as snacks in Japanese, these retro-style pubs are a part of Kinosaki Onsen’s local culture. After many a soak in the hot springs dotting the town, it is customary among locals to relax with a drink and a karaoke session while exchanging lighthearted conversation with the pub staff.
FAQ
Is English support available for winter sports in Kinosaki?
Yes. The Kannabe Snow Academy offers skiing and snowboarding lessons with English-speaking guides, and the Kannabe Nature School provides snowshoeing tours with local guides.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Rental equipment is available for both skiing and snowboarding. Instructors will help you put on your gear and learn how to walk in it.
When is the best time to eat Snow Crab?
The best time is during the winter season. While frozen crab is available year-round, Kinosaki Onsen serves fresh Matsuba Crab caught in the nearby Sea of Japan during the winter months.
Ready for your Winter Adventure?
From the thrill of the slopes at Mount Kannabe to the culinary delights of fresh Snow Crab, Kinosaki Onsen offers a perfect blend of activity and relaxation. Whether you are looking to master the ski lift or simply enjoy a warm drink in a retro “snack” bar, this winter wonderland is ready to welcome you.