Japan’s Machu Picchu %s A Stroll Through Kinosaki Onsen – Autumn Clouds Drifting Over Kansai
Last updated 2026-09-27 — Leaves turn green to gold, the air cools—perfect for a soak. Autumn is the best season of the year for travel. Sunlight filters gently, distant clouds stretch as fine as silk threads, and a gust of wind sends a fallen leaf twirling, as if whispering to travelers that it’s time to go. ...
By TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting
Thanks to West Japan Railway Company (JR West), Hyogo Prefecture, Toyooka City, J & T CONTENTS Co., Ltd.
Leaves turn green to gold, the air cools—perfect for a soak. Autumn is the best season of the year for travel. Sunlight filters gently, distant clouds stretch as fine as silk threads, and a gust of wind sends a fallen leaf twirling, as if whispering to travelers that it’s time to go.
For Taiwanese mystery fans, JR West has launched the “Detective Conan Kinosaki Onsen Mystery Adventure Tour.” Upon arriving at Kansai Airport, exchange your ticket at the JR Midori-no-Madoguchi counter for the Conan Mystery Tour Pass and a travel kit related to the mystery. Then take the JR line from Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Okayama, Wakayama, and the key setting of this mystery journey—Kinosaki Onsen. Travelers must read the route guide, search for clues placed at tourist spots, and solve the mystery to find the culprit. Those who successfully complete the mission will receive a lovely souvenir. Upon arriving at Kinosaki Onsen Station, everyone’s eyes sparkle with childlike excitement, eager to start hunting for clues and competing to be the first to crack the case. While enjoying the scenic beauty of Kinosaki Onsen, participants also engage in brain-teasing and deduction, instantly elevating the fun of the trip.
Takeda Castle, known as Japan’s Machu Picchu, retains its ancient stone walls, evoking visions of its former glory. (Photo provided by Yoshida Toshih)
Participate in JR West’s Detective Conan Kinosaki Onsen Mystery Adventure Tour, and complete the mission to win a special souvenir.
A Thousand-Year-Old Hot Spring Stroll
Kinosaki Onsen, with a history of 1,300 years, is a favorite hot spring destination among many Japanese literati. Along the Oigawa River lies a quaint hot spring town featuring seven open-air baths (sotoyu), each with unique health or spiritual benefits. Among them, Goshono-yu, known as the “Beauty Bath,” attracts many women. With small bridges over flowing water and willows providing shade, it feels as though time has reversed, exuding timeless charm. As you visit the open-air baths, your face glows red from the warmth, while people of all ages, dressed in yukata and wearing geta, stroll leisurely through the streets, the rhythmic sound of wooden clogs filling the air. The upcoming festival adds to the lively atmosphere, with the beat of drums from a nearby shrine. Amidst the beautiful night scenery and the swaying of geta, one can’t help but feel enchanted.
When in Kinosaki Onsen, be sure to wear a yukata and geta for an open-air bath tour. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting)
A Stroll Through an Edo-Era Town
The next day, we head to Izushi, known as “Little Kyoto of Tajima.” Built in 1604, Izushi Castle was destroyed during the Meiji period, so the current site is a modern reconstruction based on its original design. Beside the castle ruins, climb 157 stone steps and pass through 37 continuous red torii gates to reach Kumano Shrine on Mount Shiroyama, the deity of a bountiful harvest, which offers a panoramic view of Izushi town.
Climb the red torii gates to reach Kumano Shrine on Mount Shiroyama, the deity of a bountiful harvest. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting)
Izushi Castle Town, built around the castle with a moat surrounding it, was an important town during the Edo shogunate period with an annual rice yield of 58,000 koku. Today, the main street is lined not with temples, but soba noodle shops, giving the town its unique character. Moreover, Izushi preserves Edo-period residences of town elders and temple architecture, laid out in a grid pattern reminiscent of Kyoto. Towering above the lush green mountains, the grand Tatsudagura drum tower is one of Izushi’s iconic buildings. In the past, drums were beaten here at 8 a.m. to signal samurai to head to the castle; today, free from wartime strife, it stands as a beloved clock tower for visitors.
With a gentle breeze brushing against your face, stroll along the gravel path where the black-tiled roofs and low wooden houses along the street radiate a strong Edo-era nostalgic vibe—serene and peaceful. Here, enjoy a rich and creamy black bean ice cream, offering relief from the unusually hot autumn sun. By noon, savor Izushi’s famous soba noodles, typically served on small white Izushi-yaki plates divided into five sections. Then dip the springy noodles into various toppings such as green onions, mustard, yam, and egg for a light and refreshing taste.
The most unique way to eat soba in Izushi is to serve it in five small sections, dipped in various toppings like green onions, mustard, yam, and egg. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting)
- 1
- 2
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-38961
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines