Kinosaki Onsen is a charming hot spring town located three hours from Kyoto and Osaka in northern Hyogo Prefecture, overlooking the Sea of Japan. This atmospheric 1,300-year-old Japanese town boasts seven public hot spring bath houses within walking distance of each other, all free of charge for visitors staying at one of the town’s numerous traditional ryokans (inns). The spa town is a year-round delight, whether draped in cherry blossoms, autumn leaves or fresh snow. The town’s center is bisected by the willow-lined Otani River. Visitors tend to wander around clad in a yukata, a light cotton kimono, and geta, elevated wooden sandals, and take dips in the public bath’s steamy therapeutic waters. The other popular activities are riding the ropeway up the mountain to Onsenji Temple and a scenic lookout point, visiting the Stork Sanctuary and shopping. Grab a drink at a local bar and relish delectable fare prepared using fresh Matsuba crabs and the world-renowned Kobe beef.