An Introduction to Awaji Ningyo Joruri for Beginners! The video this time is called "What is Awaji Ningyo Joruri?" (淡路人形浄瑠璃って何やろ？). This is an introductory video on the traditional Japanese performing art, Ningyo Joruri (Awaji Puppet Theatre). Ningyo Joruri is a traditional Japanese performing art made for the masses. Be sure to follow along with the video that explains Awaji Ningyo Joruri in detail, and experience the fascinating culture unique to Japan! Awaji Ningyo Joruri - A Traditional Japanese Culture Source :YouTube screenshot Puppet shows have been performed on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture for approximately 500 years, around the Warring States period of Japan. Awaji Ningyo Joruri was originally performed as a Shinto ritual in honor of Ebisu in Nishinomiya. Ningyo Joruri, also called Bunraku, is a theatrical art culture, and the story is performed by a gidayu (a joruri narrator), shamisen music, and 3 puppeteers, as seen at 3:08 in the video. The three puppeteers bring the puppets to life with their fluid movements. Unlike many other Japanese performing arts, Awaji Ningyo Joruri also has many female puppeteers. The Charms of Awaji Ningyo Joruri Source :YouTube screenshot The Awaji Puppet Theater is a cultural facility where you can watch Awaji Ningyo Joruri shows. Awaji Island is a historical spot that is associated with "Kuniumi," Japan's creation myth, and the Awaji Puppet Theater has a performance called Ebisu Mai (Ebisu Dance) that is associated with this myth. Awaji Ningyo Joruri has a unique way of producing a dynamic traditional art form that incorporates quick changes and the use of large props, creating a performance that keeps the crowd glued to their seats. In recent years, Awaji Ningyo Joruri has been attracting attention outside of Japan as well. Awaji Ningyo Joruri Theater is making efforts to further promote traditional Japanese performing arts, including overseas tours. Summary of Awaji Ningyo Joruri Source :YouTube screenshot Awaji Ningyo Joruri is a traditional art form unique to Japan, and is something we highly recommend viewing if you have the chance. The video introduces the charms and characteristics of Awaji Ningyo Joruri, so if you still haven't yet, be sure to check it out. When you go to Awaji Island, a place famous for the whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, be sure to stop by the Awaji Puppet Theater, and the Minamiawajishi Awajiningyojoruri Museum! 【Official Website】Awaji Puppet Theater: Homepage https://awajiningyoza.com/other/en/

Fuku Otoko 2023 – A Race to Be the Lucky Man at Nishinomiya Shrine: Video Introduction This video, titled "A Return After 3 Years! Nishinomiya Shrine's 'Fuku Otoko' Event - This Year's 'Lucky Man' Is a 22-Year-Old University Student From Kobe!" (3年ぶり開催！西宮神社「福男選び」　一番福は神戸の22歳大学生), was uploaded by "Kobe Shimbun (kobedigital)" (神戸新聞社（kobedigital)). Every year, there's a unique ritual held at Nishinomiya Shrine on Toka Ebisu, a festival on January 10 dedicated to Ebisu, the god of fortune. It's called Fuku Otoko. Since 2019, there has been only one Fuku Otoko event held at Nishinomiya Shrine. But this year, the ritual has finally returned! Before the coronavirus pandemic, the event was massive, with nearly 1,500 participants, but it was cancelled for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, making it the first time in three years that the event has been held. Check out the video below to see the 2023 Fuku Otoko event! The Lucky Man of 2023! Source :YouTube screenshot Of the first 1,200 people to arrive, approximately 108 were in the forward group. Just prior to the opening of the gates, a curtain was hung with the words "Shuku Fukatsu" (祝復活, Celebration Revival) in celebration of the first time the event had been held in three years. At 6:00 a.m. on January 10, 2023, the Main Gate opened to the sound of taiko drums, followed by participants rushing into the precincts of the temple and sprinting for the finish line. [Video] 0:02 - The Celebration Revival Curtain The first man to pass through the gate arrives at the main shrine, dodging all the obstacles in his path! He was the lucky man of 2023. [Video] 0:45 - The Moment the Lucky Man of 2023 is Decided The lucky man for 2023 is a 22-year-old baseball player from Kobe, Hyogo, who is a member of the regulation baseball team at Osaka University of Commerce and holds a record of 5.9 seconds in the 50-meter dash. In the interview, he says, "I am standing here because of my luck, so I want to make this a year in which I can share this luck with everyone. [Video] 0:50 - The 3 Lucky Winners The second blessing was given to a 25-year-old public servant from Nishinomiya, Hyogo, and the third to a first-year college student from Kishiwada, Osaka. In the 2020 Nishinomiya Shrine Fuku Otoko event, a male PE teacher in his 30s, who has participated 13 consecutive times, was awarded #1 Fuku Otoko for the first time in 2023. Incidentally, the last lucky man of Japan's Heisei period (1989-2019) was a male firefighter in his 20s. Fuku Otoko – When & Where to See the Event Photo：Nishinomiya Shrine, Hyogo The Gate Opening ritual for selecting the "lucky men" is held at Nishinomiya Shrine in Nishinomiya, Hyogo in Japan's Kansai region. Although the 2021 and 2022 rituals were canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, the 2023 ritual was held for the first time in three years and was very popular. Nishinomiya Shrine's annual Fuku Otoko ritual is held on January 10 during "Toka Ebisu," a major festival dedicated to the deity Ebisu, with the large red gate closing at midnight on January 9 and opening at 6:00 a.m. on January 10. A large number of participants dash through the precincts of the shrine to be the first to arrive at the shrine to pray for good fortune. For the first time in three years, Nishinomiya Shrine will hold a lottery to select the participants of the event, with the number of participants being limited to 1,200, down from the usual 1,500. Despite the ritual being called Fuku Otoko (福男, lit. "Lucky Man"), women are also eligible to participate. If a woman wins, she becomes a "Fuku Onna" (福女, lit. "Lucky Woman"). Tracing the History of Nishinomiya Shrine Photo：A statue of Ebisu Nishinomiya Shrine is the head shrine of all Ebisu shrines throughout Japan, which are worshipped as gods of good fortune. The origin of the shrine is said to originate from an idol that originally appeared off the coast of Wadamisaki, Kobe, in Osaka Bay and was enshrined by fishermen, who later entrusted it to Nishinomiya Shrine. The main shrine is a beautiful building with an unusual structure called sanren kasuga-zukuri (a triple-pitched roof), and is designated as a National Treasure. It was donated by Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was destroyed by fire during an air raid during the war, but has been beautifully restored to its present appearance. The beautiful green forest that stretches across the grounds behind the main shrine is called Ebisu no Mori (えびすの森, Ebisu Forest) and is designated as a Natural Monument by the Hyogo Prefectural Government. It is a wonderful shrine where visitors can experience nature and the long history and culture of the area. Fuku Otoko's Course, Obstacles, and Time! Photo：The large front gate of Nishinomiya Shrine, Hyogo Prefecture Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko ritual is a major event on Toka Ebisu, in which contestants race through a 230-meter long-course along a stone-paved approach from the red Akamon Gate to the main shrine building. Every year, many applicants compete for the title of "lucky man," but many give up even before the more difficult points along the course. One of the most difficult points that eliminates many participants is the "Tenbin Curve" located at the end of the straight shot extending from Akamon Gate. Many participants have been seen on TV dropping out of the race after failing to make this turn. You might be curious as to how fast people get to the finish line during the Fuku Otoko rituals at Nishinomiya Shrine, but they unfortunately don't record this. According to a spokesperson, the races are usually about 30 seconds long. This means that the races start and end in a flash. Merits to Being a Lucky Man or Lucky Woman Photo：A lucky bamboo branch on Toka Ebisu So, what happens if you're a lucky man or woman at Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko ritual? First, you'll receive an effigy of Ebisu and a certificate. Then, you'll receive Ebisu's rice, sake, yakidai (grilled sea bream), an Ebisu mask, a happi coat, and other gifts. Winners will also participate in shrine festivals and rituals as a lucky man or woman. The events included are as follows: rice cake pounding at the shrine in February, the Okoshiya Festival in June, and the Nishinomiya Festival in September. The winners are also invited to corporate events and other events, where they deliver good fortune to everyone as that year's Fuku Otoko or Fuku Onna. Rules & How to Participate in Fuku Otoko To participate in Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko ritual, it's actually very simple. If you just want to participate, simply gather at Omote-daimon Gate in time for the 6:00 a.m. start time. However, if you are serious about becoming a Fuku Otoko, you'll need to win a drawing. The lottery draw will take place at 10:00 p.m. on January 9, with registration starting at midnight on January 10. At the registration desk, you'll have to sign a "Participant's Agreement" indicating that you agree to participate in the shrine's events on a priority basis if you become a lucky man or lucky woman. There is a red lottery for the A block (108 people) at the front of the gate, and a blue lottery for the B block (100 people) behind the A block. All others will be placed in Block C. The lottery will be closed once it reaches the maximum enrollment. If you want to be a lucky man or lucky woman, be sure to participate in the lottery. Summary of Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko Event Photo：Toka Ebisu, Nishinomiya Shrine The sight of so many people running as fast as they can to become a lucky man is exciting to watch. Although the Toka Ebisu festival is crowded with many worshippers, it's a unique event and you can also see the unusual sakasa kadomatsu, an upside-down pine decoration. Bring a camera to take some awesome photos of your visit. You can participate in the selection of a lucky man and become one, or just come to experience the excitement of the festival! If you're traveling to Hyogo Prefecture during this season, consider checking out the gate opening ritual, which will be held for the first time in three years, and pray for a happy new year! 【Official Website】Nishinomiya Shrine 【TripAdvisor】Nishinomiya Shrine

Introducing a Video on Japanese Yokai This video, titled "Yokai - The Monsters That Ward off Plagues With the Wishes of the People" (妖怪 〜疫病退散 ! 人々の願いを込めて〜), was uploaded by "Japan Video Topics - Japanese" (Japan Video Topics - 日本語). In Japan, there is a culture of yokai, Japanese folklore which believes in the existence of numerous supernatural monsters and ghosts. The yokai introduced from 0:19 are the ones that most Japanese people are familiar with. The first one is the Tengu. Tengu, who roam the mountains, are probably the most well-known yokai. Next, there's Hitotsume kozo, a monster that appears out of thin air to scare and play with people. The third yokai is Zashiki warashi, a monster that appears in the form of a child and is known as a yokai that brings prosperity to one's home. Yokai Depicted in the Past and Present Photo：An image of yokai The International Research Center for Japanese Studies has been conducting research on yokai, and one of the documents, the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki, depicts many yokai and appeared in the 16th century. As time passed, these once feared monsters became a part of Japanese people's daily life. You can see the Hyakki Yagyo Emaki at 0:48 in the video. Even today, yokai are seen in a number of different works. Gegege no Kitaro, which can be seen from 1:04 in the video, is a famous manga featuring yokai, and has also been made into an anime. In addition, there are many other popular works in which yokai appear, such as "Natsume's Book of Friends." Fukusaki, Hyogo - Revitalizing a Town Through Yokai Photo：A statue of a kappa emerging from the water, Fukusaki, Fukushima In Fukusaki, Hyogo, the birthplace of the folklorist Kunio Yanagita, author of "Yokai Story" (妖怪談義), the town is being revitalized with the help of yokai. When a statue of a kappa jumping out of a pond was installed, it attracted attention from all across Japan. On the benches of the town, visitors will find fascinating yokai sculptures, including kappa, oni, and many others. There are also some unusual and humorous yokai sculptures on display, such as a yokai relaxing on a convenience store bench, an oni taking a selfie with a smartphone, and a tengu working in a suit. Since then, the town has held the "National Yokai Modeling Contest" and sold plastic models of kappa and other yokai, leading to an increase in the number of tourists. The Many Yokai Towns of Japan Fukusai is not the only town in Japan with yokai. The town of Yamashiro in Tokushima Prefecture is known as Oboke Yokai Village, where yokai folklore is still passed down to this day. In addition, yokai have appeared in various places such as Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato, Yokai Street in Kyoto, and in Yokaichi , Shiga, yokai are being used to revitalize towns. Amabie - A Yokai as a Symbol to Ward off Plagues Photo：An Amabie Amabie, introduced from 2:30 in the video, are yokai that are said to have appeared in the sea in Higo Province, present-day Kumamoto Prefecture, during the Edo Period (1603-1868 AD) in Japan. They are said to have predicted good harvests and warded off epidemics, saying, "If an epidemic should appear, show the people my image, that their plagues shall spread unto me," before disappearing into the sea. Amidst the difficult situation caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus, information about Amabie began to spread. The cute Amabie, a half-human, half-fish, but not in a ghost story kind of way, triggered the Amabie boom. The boom, known as the "Amabie Festival," is just as Amabie once said it would be, and people have been posting pictures and illustrations of Amabie on social networking sites. Using the hashtag "#アマビエチャレンジ" (#AmabieChallenge) it has become an internet phenomenon. Many amabie goods have also appeared, including figurines, Japanese sweets, cafe items, origami, and even coloring books. The mascot craze has become so popular that it has even made the news outside of Japan. Summary of Japan's Yokai Culture With the Amabie boom, shrines around Japan, including Gokoku Shrine in Himeji, began to hand out charms depicting Amabie to worshippers. In addition to Amabie, there are also Amabiko and Arie, yokai that are very similar to Amabie. In the past, when there was an epidemic of cholera in the late Edo Period, Amabie was also popular as a way to ward off cholera. Japan's yokai culture has been around for hundreds of years. From the distant past to the present, they continue to be a part of Japanese people's lives.

Kinosaki Onsen Soto-yu Tour: Video Introduction This video, titled "Kinosaki Onsen Soto-yu Tour - Experience the Bathhouses With a Stroll" (城崎温泉外湯巡り~散策しながら外湯を堪能しました～), was created by "fukuchiyama." The video introduces seven soto-yu (a type of public bathhouse which is not part of the facilities of a hotel or inn), while going into detail on the origins of each, as well as introducing the ryokan (a Japanese style hotel) the video creator stayed in. We especially recommend this video if you happen to be planning a trip to Kinosaki Onsen. Check it out above! Kinosaki Onsen – A Tourist Destination and Hot Spring Town With 1300 Years of History! Origins, Characteristics and Recommended Cuisine Photo：Kinosaki Onsen Located in the northern part of Hyogo on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Kinosaki Onsen, located in the city of Toyooka, is one of the many hot spring towns dotting Japan's Kansai region. This hot spring resort has a long history too, dating back to the Nara period (710–794 AD). Used as a healing hot spring in the past, the resort is also known for the list of famous authors and poets known to have visited it. In 2020 a host of special events were held to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of Kinosaki Onsen's opening. Kinosaki Onsen's popularity isn't limited to domestic tourists either; the Michelin Green Guide gives it two stars, stating "If you're in the area, you should make a detour to visit." This hugely popular tourist spot goes by the slogan "The whole town is an onsen ryokan." Kinosaki Onsen Station (城崎温泉駅, kinosakionsen-eki) is the front door; the streets its corridors. Imagining each individual inn to be a guest room and the soto-yu as the "daiyokujo" (the large communal bathing area found in most onsen ryokan), the residents of the area band together to entertain visitors whilst protecting the traditions of old, giving the resort a lively feel. And then there's the cuisine. Kinosaki Onsen's famed "kani" (crab) is a winter delight. Snow crabs caught at the nearby Tsuiyama Fishing Harbor (津居山漁港, Tsuiyama gyoko) are known as Tsuiyama-gani (津居山ガニ, lit. "Tsuiyama crab"), and are said to be amongst the best quality snow crabs you can eat. Crab season comes in the colder months, and tourists descend upon the town to get a taste of fresh crab, as well as enjoy the hot springs. We're sure plenty of you will be checking lists of crab restaurants in search of the best crab dishes out there. Kinosaki Onsen Soto-yu Tour – Opening Hours, Origins, and Characteristics of the Seven Bathhouses + Recommendations Photo：Kinosaki Onsen's Yanagi yu Kinosaki Onsen is famous for its "soto-yu" bathhouses. "Soto-yu" (外湯, lit. "outside bath") refers to a communal bathing space that is "outside" the facilities of an inn or hotel. In Kinosaki, there are seven soto-yu within walking distance, each with its own unique charm. The waters contain sodium and calcium, and are supposedly effective against nerve pain, muscular pain, bruising and digestive problems. If you're planning to spend the day at the hot springs, you can save money with the soto-yu tour pass, "Yumepa"! For 1,300 yen (650 yen for minors), you can use the soto-yu as many times as you like for as long as you want for one day. In Kinosaki Onsen, where yukata (a casual summer kimono) and geta (traditional Japanese wooden sandals) blend seamlessly into the scenery, why not don a kimono yourself, grab a map, and take a stroll through the ancient townscape whilst immersing yourself in the onsen mood? Next, we'll walk you through the characteristics and origins of each of the seven soto-yu, following the order in which they appear in the video. ● Jizo yu (地蔵湯) Upon leaving Kinosaki Onsen station, head straight down the main road in front of the station to find "Jizo yu." This soto-yu has been a popular spot of the locals since the Edo period (CE 1603-1868). It gets its name from tales that Jizo (the Buddhist guardian deity of children) once appeared from its waters. The building has the most modern Japanese appearance of all the soto-yu, with hexagonal windows that echo the shape of Japanese lanterns and the nearby Genbu Cave (玄武洞, genbu-do). 【Hours】7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 【Closures】Fridays [Video] 1:35 - A large stone lantern marks "Jizo yu" public bathhouse ● Sato no yu (さとの湯), a Hot Spring Inside a Station Located right next to Kinosaki Onsen station, Sato no yu is also known affectionately as "Station Onsen" (駅舎温泉, ekisha onsen). Of the seven soto-yu, Sato no yu's facilities were built the most recently, and the hot spring offers the latest equipment, giving the onsen a spa-like vibe. As well as the open air bath from which you can gaze upon the Maruyama River (円山川, maruyama-gawa), there is a full complement of saunas of various types. There's even a footbath at the entrance that's free to use. Best of all, its proximity to the station makes it ideal for a quick dip while you're waiting for your train. 【Hours】1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 【Closures】Mondays [Video] 2:12 - Sato no yu, Right by Kinosaki Onsen Station ● Yanagi yu (柳湯) Running through the heart of Kinosaki Onsen is the Otani River (大溪川, otani-gawa). The sight of the willow trees ("yanagi" in Japanese) that line the river are a defining image of Kinosaki Onsen, and holds a beauty that the famous Japanese writer Naoya Shiga is said to have held close to his heart. The name "Yanagi yu" comes from the onsen's source, bubbling up from beneath the roots of a willow tree transplanted from China's renowned Xi Lake. Although this is the smallest of the soto-yu, the minimalistic wood-construction bath has an atmosphere all its own. Here, too, there are free footbaths - both out front and in the back - which can be enjoyed as part of a leisurely stroll. 【Hours】3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 【Closures】Thursdays [Video] 3:20 - Yanagi yu as Seen From the Bank of the Otani River Photo：Kinosaki Onsen's Soto-yu tour, Ichi no Yu ● Ichi no yu (一の湯) Ichi no yu stands close to the center of Kinosaki, in front of Obashi Bridge (王橋, lit. "King's Bridge"), as it crosses the Otani River. In the mid-Edo Period, Ichi no yu was known as "Ara yu" (新湯). However, in renowned doctor Shutoku Kagawa's book, "Ippondo Yakusen," the onsen is described as "tenka ichi," meaning "the best under the heavens." Thanks to this, Ara yu's name was changed to "Ichi no yu" (一の湯, lit. "best hot spring") taking the "ichi" from "tenka ichi." With its striking facade resembling a Kabuki Theatre, its stand-out feature is the cave-like bath, hewn from natural bedrock. 【Hours】7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 【Closures】Wednesdays [Video] 4:24 - Ichi no yu With its Kabuki Theatre-esque Building ● Mandara yu (まんだら湯) Mandara yu is where Kinosaki Onsen began. Just off the main road, it is situated at one end of the peaceful Kiyamachi Street. The story goes that when, in the year 717, Dochi Shonin, the founder of Kinosaki's Onsenji Temple (温泉寺) chanted the Hachimandara sutra (八曼荼羅経, hachimandarakyo) for one-thousand days, his prayer was answered and an onsen burst forth from the ground, marking the beginning of Kinosaki Onsen. This is a relatively compact soto-yu, but with its location in the foothills of a mountain it's definitely an atmospheric place, and you can enjoy the view of the mountain whilst taking a dip in the open-air bath. 【Hours】3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 【Closures】Wednesdays [Video] 5:43 - Mandara yu, With Its Impressive Vivid Emerald Green Roof and Karahafu (Curved Gable) Entrance ● Gosho no yu (御所の湯) This soto-yu takes its name, Gosho no yu, from a text in the Nanbokucho period (CE 1337–1392) historical tale "Masukagami," stating that Emperor Go-Horikawa's elder sister, "Anka Monin" bathed there in 1267. Its imposing style - which imitates that of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto - makes it stand out, even when compared to the other soto-yu. Reopening in 2020 following renovation work, it has been reinvented as a spacious, fully open-air bath. Also known as "Bijin no Yu" (美人の湯, lit. Beauty Spring), the facility is fully equipped with an onsen mist sauna with skin beautifying properties. This soto-yu has found favor particularly amongst female visitors. 【Hours】7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 【Closures】Thursdays [Video] 6:48 - Goshono yu, With Its Architecture Reminiscent of Kyoto's Imperial Palace」 ● Ko no yu (鴻の湯) Although not featured in the video, Ko no yu is also one of the seven soto-yu. Its open-air bath surrounded by nature is its stand-out feature. a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022822-d2364311-Reviews-Ko_no_Yu-Toyooka_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html" target="_blank" class="textlink">Ko no yu gets its name from a story that long ago, a wounded stork (コウノトリ, "konotori" in Japanese) went there to soothe its wounds. Upon inspection, an onsen was found to be welling up from the place it had been standing. 【Hours】7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. 【Closures】Tuesdays Must Bring Items and Need to Know Manners for Visiting the Soto-yu Photo：A woman touring the hot springs at Kinosaki Onsen If you're planning to spend the day touring the soto-yu at Kinosaki Onsen, you're probably wondering what you'll need to take with you. And it goes without saying that proper use of manners from each visitor is an important aspect of enjoying the soto-yu. Allow us to guide you through the most important items to bring and necessary manners for your soto-yu tour. ・Towels The soto-yu do not have free bath towels or face towels available to use, so it's a good idea to bring your own with you. You can also pay to rent bath towels and purchase face towels at the reception at any of the soto-yu. ・Valuables When staying over, you can leave your valuables at your hotel or inn, but this solution isn't useful if you're only visiting for the day. Fortunately, Kinosaki Onsen Station has coin-operated lockers which can be used even for larger luggage, so we recommend depositing your valuables in one of them. ・Yukata If you want to tour the soto-yu in a yukata, we'd recommend visiting a yukata rental store where you can borrow geta and other accessories together as a package. ・Amenities Each soto-yu provides shampoo, conditioner and body soap. Like any regular public bathhouse hairdryers are also available, but don't forget to bring your own skincare products. ・Bathing Etiquette Onsen are public places. In addition to using the shower area and baths in a hygienic manner, behavior such as soaking towels in the bath and placing personal objects somewhere in an attempt to reserve a shower space should be avoided. The opening times and days vary between the soto-yu. To avoid wasting your time and turning up at a soto-yu only to find it closed, be sure to check the opening times and plan out your route in advance. Recommended Cuisine and Accommodation in Kinosaki Onsen Photo：Tajima Beef Whilst crab is the first thing to come to mind when talking about Kinosaki, Tajima beef is also popular. Brand name "wagyu" (high quality Japanese beef) such as Matsuzaka beef, Kobe beef, Omi beef and others trace their roots back to Tajimi beef. Sampling such quality ingredients as crab and Tajima beef in one place is something you can only do in Kinosaki. Make sure you get a bite to eat as you explore the onsen district from one of the shops in the area. Crab sticks from the tempura specialist "Hokyuan" (汸臼庵) or Tajima beef "menchikatsu" (a fried cake of minced meat) from "Gyusho Ueda" (牛匠 上田) are also good choices. If you want to enjoy Kinosaki Onsen at your own pace, why not stay at one of the historical ryokan in the town? ● Yutoya (ゆとうや) Founded in 1688, and situated in the center of Kinosaki's hot spring district, Yutoya's premises include a gorgeous Japanese garden spanning more than 1.5 acres, which is visible from all of the guest rooms. The Japanese style architecture has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Heritage by the government of Japan. Eikitei (one of Yutoya's guest rooms), with its curved gabled roof similar to those used on shrines, once played host to Emperor Showa and (his wife) Empress Kojun. [Video] 4:58 - Historical ryokan "Yutoya," with its imposing facade ● Tsukimotoya Ryokan (月本屋旅館) Founded in 1869, Tsukimotoya Ryokan sits in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen, a convenient location for those planning to tour the soto-yu. It underwent a renovation in October 2021, and the interior has been re-imagined in modern Japanese style. Heading into the coming season, you can get a full course crab dinner included in certain price plans at this extremely popular inn. Kinosaki Onsen Soto-yu Tour: Roundup Loved by some of Japan's literary greats, Kinosaki is not only a hot spring resort, but also a place with a deep connection to the literary arts, dotted with monuments related to literature. Take a trip to see the monuments and lose yourself in the world of classic Japanese literature. A healing atmosphere, delicious cuisine, unique literature; Kinosaki Onsen has them all amongst its history-steeped streets. Whether it be a girls' trip to the top Instagrammable spots, a relaxing ryokan stay with family or close friends, or a crab tasting tour, why not plan a trip to this atmospheric and enchanting hot spring resort for your winter vacation? [TripAdvisor] Kinosaki Onsen