Text by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting
Thanks to West Japan Railway Company (JR West), Hyogo Prefecture, Toyooka City, J & T CONTENTS Co., Ltd.
The leaves are turning yellow, the weather is cooling down, and it’s the perfect time for a hot spring soak. Autumn is the best season of the year for travel. Sunlight gently spills over the landscape, distant clouds are as fine as silk threads, and the wind carries a fallen leaf, as if whispering to travelers that it’s time to set off.
For Taiwanese mystery fans, JR West has launched the “Detective Conan Kinosaki Onsen Mystery & Detective Tour.” Upon arriving at Kansai Airport, visitors can exchange their Conan Mystery Journey Pass and detective-themed travel kit at the JR Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket window, then take JR trains to destinations across Kansai including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Okayama, and Wakayama—as well as the key story location of this mystery tour, “Kinosaki Onsen.” Travelers must read the itinerary guide, then search for clue hints placed at various sightseeing spots, and finally solve the mystery to identify the culprit. Those who successfully complete the mission will receive a special souvenir. Upon arriving at Kinosaki Onsen Station, everyone’s eyes sparkle with childlike excitement, eager to set out in search of clues and compete to be the first to solve the case. While enjoying the beautiful sights of Kinosaki Onsen, participants also engage in brain-teasing deductions, instantly elevating the fun of the trip.
Known as Japan’s Machu Picchu, Takeda Castle preserves ancient stone walls that let visitors imagine its former glory. (Photo provided by Yoshida Toshih)
Join the Detective Conan Kinosaki Onsen Mystery & Detective Tour launched by JR West, and complete the mission to win a special souvenir.
A Thousand-Year-Old Hot Spring Town Stroll
With a history of 1,300 years, Kinosaki Onsen is a beloved hot spring destination among many Japanese literati. It forms a uniquely charming hot spring street along the Kinosaki River, featuring a total of seven open-air baths (public bathhouses), each offering unique health or prayer benefits. The “Gosho no Yu” bath, known as the “Beauty Bath,” attracts many female visitors. Small bridges over flowing water, shaded by green willows, seem to turn back time with their classic elegance. Soaking in the open-air baths until your face glows red with happiness, locals and tourists of all ages stroll leisurely through the town in yukata and geta sandals, while the rhythmic clacking of wooden clogs fills the air. Due to an upcoming festival, drums thunder from a nearby shrine, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Rocking gently in your geta, amid the stunning night view, it’s easy to feel enchanted.
When visiting Kinosaki Onsen, be sure to wear a yukata and geta sandals for an open-air bath stroll. (Photography by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting)
A Stroll Through an Edo-Era Town
The next day, visit Izushi, known as “Little Kyoto of Tajima.” Built in 1604, Izushi Castle was destroyed during the Meiji period, so the current Izushi Castle Ruins were reconstructed in modern times to resemble the original structure. Beside the ruins, climb 157 stone steps and pass under 37 continuous red torii gates to reach the Kumano Shrine on Mount Shiroyama, a shrine that blesses a bountiful harvest, which offers a panoramic view of the Izushi town.
Climb red torii gates to reach Kumano Shrine on Mount Shiroyama, the deity of a rich harvest. (Photography by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting)
The castle town of Izushi, built around the castle and separated by a moat, was an important town with a stipend of 58,000 koku during the Tokugawa shogunate era. Today, the main street is lined not with temples, but soba noodle shops—becoming a unique feature of Izushi. Not only that, Izushi also preserves Edo-period residences of town elders and temple architecture, with its grid-like street layout echoing that of Kyoto. The towering Tanroka Tower, backed by lush green mountains, is one of Izushi’s iconic buildings. In the past, drums were beaten here at 8 a.m. to signal samurai to ascend the castle; now free from warfare, it serves as a beautiful bell tower that all visitors must see.
With a breeze brushing your face, stroll along the gravel path where black-tiled roofs and low wooden houses exude a strong Edo-era nostalgic vibe—serene and peaceful. Here, treat yourself to a rich and smooth black bean ice cream to cool off during an unusually hot autumn day. By noon, enjoy Izushi’s famous soba noodles, traditionally served on small white Izushi-yaki plates divided into five sections. Then dip the springy noodles into various condiments 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 with various condiments like green onions, mustard, yam, and egg. (Photography by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine Zhuang Weiting)
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