About
Caption: Kouno-yu's signature outdoor bath set in an attractive rock garden with forest backdrop
Kouno-yu stands as the oldest bathhouse in Kinosaki Onsen, carrying a legendary history spanning 1,400 years. According to ancient legend, the hot spring was discovered during Emperor Jomei's reign when an injured Oriental White Stork was observed healing its wounded leg in the thermal waters. When the stork miraculously recovered and took flight, villagers investigated the spot and discovered the healing springs that would become known as "Kou-no-Yu" (Oriental White Stork hot spring bath).
The facility's crown jewel is its outdoor bath, consistently praised as the best feature and principal attraction. Set within a carefully designed rock garden and surrounded by lush greenery, the outdoor pool offers an intimate connection with nature while providing views of the verdant mountains and woodland-covered hills. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
The bathhouse represents the original foundation of Kinosaki as an onsen destination, embodying the town's 1,300-year tradition of healing and spiritual purification. The Oriental White Stork legend connects to broader themes of divine intervention and natural healing in Japanese culture, with the facility maintaining traditional beliefs in marriage blessings and longevity through bathing. The beautifully landscaped garden showcases two stork statues positioned as welcoming elements, serving as permanent reminders of the legendary origin story. 🔗
Visiting Information
Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM (7:00-23:00) daily Closed: Every Tuesday (except national holidays) Admission: Adults ¥800, Children (up to 12 years) ¥400 Alternative: Yumepa day pass ¥1,500 for all seven onsen Transportation: 20-minute walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station (furthest onsen from station) Parking: Paid parking lot available Current status: Open and operational with no restrictions 🔗
The Experience
The Kouno-yu experience centers on two distinct bathing areas connected by the facility's unique design. The large indoor bath features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed views of the outdoor bathing area and surrounding forest. The water temperature is maintained at a comfortable 42°C. The outdoor bath, slightly cooler than the indoor pool, sits within an attractive rock garden setting that creates an intimate atmosphere with nature.
The stone-lined pool is surrounded by carefully arranged rocks and trees, with the backdrop of woodland-covered hills providing a serene natural panorama. Unlike larger onsen facilities, Kouno-yu maintains a small, intimate scale that enhances the peaceful experience. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Best Visiting Strategy: Visit early morning (7:00-8:00 AM) for solitude and peaceful atmosphere. Check real-time occupancy tracker on Visit Kinosaki website to avoid crowds. Start with outdoor bath (cooler) then move to indoor bath (hotter).
Cultural Preparation: Complete shower and rinse before entering any bath. Only bring small towel and locker key (soap/shampoo provided). Walk through town in yukata for authentic cultural immersion.
October 28-30, 2025 Considerations: Perfect timing for fall colors in surrounding mountains and cherry tree-lined approach street. Comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor bathing. High chance of witnessing morning cloud formations from nearby Mt. Kuruhi around 5:30 AM. 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kinosaki/kouno-yu.md