Kinosaki, Japan Summary

Roughly halfway between Tottori and Amanohashidate, in the northern part of Hyugo Prefecture, is the atmospheric onsen town of KINOSAKI, a mecca for hot-spring aficionados, who flock in droves – especially in the winter months – to soak in the therapeutic waters and sample crab from the nearby Sea of Japan. People can be seen sauntering down the ryokan-lined street in _ geta_ and yukata; perhaps for this reason it is rumoured that Steven Spielberg is considering Kinosaki as the location to shoot Memoirs of a Geisha. Aside from the hot springs, and a couple of mildly interesting temples and a willow-fringed canal reminiscent of Kurashiki, there isn’t much to see. However, if you’re after an indulgent onsen experience, then Kinosaki will make a worthwhile overnight stop on your journey. Because of its compact size, the town is easily explored on foot.