Stroll around “Kinosaki Onsen Town” in Hyogo where Fireworks Are Set Off Every Night until 22nd August with Rental Electric Scooter

“Kinosaki Onsen Town” (城崎温泉), located in the northeastern of Hyogo Prefecture and is facing the Sea of Japan, is a nostalgic hot spring town with stone drub bridges (太鼓橋), line of willow trees, wooden inns having tiled roofs and authentic souvenir shops. You can also find seven different hot springs within a reach of a 20-minute walk. In order to enjoy the charms of the hot spring town, why not rent an electric scooter only for 1,600 yen an hour if you have an international or Japanese driver’s license. By the way, fireworks are set off every night until 22nd August, so it should be the best time to visit and have fun in the area in summer.

By Taking The Limited Express Kounotori, it takes two and a half hours from JR Takarazuka Station, the one close to Takarazuka Washington Hotel, to Kinosaki Onsen Station.

[Destination 1] Overlook the Michelin Green Guide Japan star winning view from the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway; The perfect harmony of Mt. Taishi, Sea of Japan and the townscape of Kinosaki Onsen

The “Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway” (城崎温泉ロープウェイ) is operated between Kinosaki Onsen and the summit of Mt. Taishi, and there are three stops: Valley, Onsenji, and Mountaintop Stations. First of all, get your ropeway ride and head to Mountaintop Station with enjoying the view as if you are flying. You will be thrilled by the nostalgic scenery of Kinosaki Onsen, the abundant nature that covers the slopes of the mountains, the gently running Maruyama River, and the spectacular Sea of Japan. Don’t miss the view that was Michelin Green Guide Japan star rated. On the way back, why not get off at Onsenji Station and visit ‘Onsenji Temple’ (温泉寺), the oldest in the northern part of Hyogo prefecture and has a history of 1,300 years, and the ‘Onsenji Treasure Museum’ (城崎美術館) exhibiting cultural properties owned by the temple?

Operating Hours	Except for the 2nd and 4th Thursday in every month *As the operation may change depending on the weather, refer to its accounts on social media for details.
Address	806-1 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	7 minutes by electric scooter from Kinosaki Onsen Station
URL	https://kinosaki-ropeway.jp/

[Destination 2] Feel the overwhelming power and the artistic view of great nature at “Genbudo Park”, landscaped by volcanic activity 1.6 million years ago

“Genbudo Park” (玄武洞公園) is in the area where magma flowed by volcanic activity about 1.6 million years ago and was cooled and solidified. People mined stones at the huge rock wall that appeared approximately 6,000 years ago due to the sea level descent, and caves were created eventually. Inside the park, there are five caves named as ‘Genbu’ (玄武, Black Tortoise), ‘Seiryu’ (青龍, Azure Dragon), ‘Byakko’ (白虎, White Tiger), Kita Suzaku (北朱雀, North Phoenix) and Minami Suzaku (南朱雀, South Phoenix). Among them, ‘Genbu’ and ‘Seiryu’, which are designated as natural monuments, are truly spectacular. The appearance of hexagonal stone pillars called columnar joints covering the surface is an artwork of great nature.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	1362 Akaishi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	15 minutes by electric scooter from Kinosaki Onsen Station
URL	https://discovertajima.com/things_to_see/genbudo/

[Destination 3] Cool down at “Kinosaki Kinako” where you can enjoy a unique soft ice cream made with fragrant Kuromame Kinako of Tamba region

Reference from らんらんらんちと甘いもん♡ “キノコロ (兵庫 城崎温泉)“

As the store name of “Kinosaki Kinako” suggests, it offers sweets made with Kuromamo Kinako (black bean flour) of Tamba (a neighboring area famous for good quality black beans) and locally brewed craft beer. If you visit the place in summer, you should definitely want to try soft ice cream. Though three flavors are available, Kinako, Matcha and Mix, Kinako is the one you should enjoy. Compared to soft ice cream in general, it has a lighter texture like that of sorbet, so you can have a refreshing taste till the very last bite.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 10:30PM *Days off vary
Address	440 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	5 minutes by electric scooter from Kinosaki Onsen Station
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/hyogo/A2808/A280801/28052645/

[Destination 4] Wear a summer Yukata and enjoy the fireworks “Natsumonogatari -Yumehanabi-” coloring the night sky of Kinosaki Onsen; The finale to spend a quaint summer night only Japan can offer

The summer tradition of Kinosaki Onsen, “Natsumonogatari -Yumehanabi-” (夏物語-夢花火-, Tales of Summer -Fireworks of Dreams-). In 2021, it’ll be held from 26th July through to 22nd August. Fireworks are set off every day (with some exclusion days) for about 5 minutes from 9:00 PM to illuminate the night sky of Kinosaki Onsen. Otani River running through the center of the town, the historic inns lining on the banks, and the willow trees lining along the river will make you feel as if you are traveling in the world of 1,300 years ago. To fully enjoy the summer night in Japan, why don’t you rent a summer Yukata? That surely adds Japan’s summer essence to photos you’ll take. Besides, “Otanigawa Noryo Toro Nagashi” (Otani River Summer Lantern Floating) will be held on August 22nd. The scenery of countless lanterns with the wishes of people flowing through the river is epic.

Period	26th July 2021 to 22nd August 2021 and 22nd August *Except for every weekend, public holidays, 13th August, 16th August, 21st August
Venue	Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access	Around Kinosaki Onsen Station
URL	https://kinosaki-spa.gr.jp/do/16398/