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| Welcome to Kinosaki Onsen. We the authors
of this guide feel that Kinosaki is a wonderful place to spend a
little time and unwind. Aside from the invigorating hot springs
(onsens), for which the town is famous, one can discover many other
attractions. There are plentiful interesting locations, cultural
events, traditional dining and fine products to experience, both
within Kinosaki and the surrounding Tajima region. Kinosaki provides
a traditional place where one can relax in all four of the seasons.
The town of Kinosaki took its name from the marshlands that were
formed where the Maruyama River flows into the Sea of Japan. These
marshlands were called "Kinusaki "hand subsequently the
name of the town became"Kinosaki". |
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| Since the beginning of the eighteenth
century, many well known artists, writers, and calligraphers have
come and stayed in Kinosaki. In 1913, the famous author Shiga Naoya
came to Kinosaki and stayed for three weeks. Kinosaki provided inspiration
the his well known short story, Kinosaki Nite or "In Kinosaki".
Throughout the years, Kinosaki's fame has grown from such visits
and the works of art that were produced in its charming and hospitable
environment. |
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| Crab (MATSUBA KANI) |
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Apart from the onsens for which the town is famous, Kinosaki
is also renowned for the high quality of its seafood, particularly
crab. No stay in Kinosaki would be complete without trying it
at least once. Prime crab season is from November to March but
crab is available outside of this period too.
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| Japanese straw-work (MUGIWARAZAIKU) |
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A handicraft truly unique to this area of Japan is called Mugiwarazaiku,
a form of Japanese straw-working. The techniques used in this
craft have been refined to the current level of mastery over a
period of about 300 years.
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| Bungeikan Museum |
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There is a small art and literature museum located across the
Otani Stream from Kiyamachi-Dori.This museum was constructed in
the style of a traditional Japanese storage house. Inside, one
can find works of poets, authors, artists, and other famous people
reflecting on Kinosaki.
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| Onsen Temple (Onsenji) and the Ropeway |
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Onsenji was
built in 738 to commemorate the founding of Kinosaki onsen in memory
of Douchi- Shonin, who it is said prayed for 1000 days to usher
the onsen waters forth from the rocks.
The ropeway is located at the base of Onsenji. One can ride the
tram halfway to the top of the mountain, where the main building
of the temple is located, or to the very mountain peak, where an
observation platform commands a fine view of Kinosaki, Maruyama
river and the Japan Sea.
Of course, one can forgo the ropeway altogether and make the scenic
and tranquil walk oneself as there is a clearly marked (although
steep in places) path all the way to the top. At a leisurely pace,
the walk should not take more than about forty minutes up, or thirty
minutes down. |
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