What to know
Onsenji Temple (温泉寺, literally "hot spring temple") sits on a mountainside at the western end of town. It honors the Buddhist saint who, legend says, prayed for 1000 days to bring forth the hot spring waters of Kinosaki.
In the past, visitors had to visit the temple before they were allowed into any of the town's baths. Though most people no longer make the climb before bathing, the temple remains a worthwhile stop.
The temple's main treasure is a two-meter-tall, eleven-headed Kannon Buddha. It is fully displayed to the public only once every 33 years, for a three-year period (next from 2054). A partial view is possible each year on April 23rd and 24th during the Onsen Matsuri.
Next to the main hall is the Kinosaki Art Museum, a small but interesting museum housing historic artifacts and temple treasures.
Most temple buildings are halfway up the forested mountain, but a few structures—including a hall dedicated to Yakushi Buddha and the Sanmon gate—stand at the foot of the mountain, across from the Kono-yu public bath house.
The Kinosaki Ropeway departs near the temple gate and goes to an observation deck at the summit, with an intermediate stop by Onsenji's main hall. The ropeway and deck offer great views of Kinosaki and the surrounding area.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 17:00 (museum until 16:30)
- Closed
- The museum is closed when the ropeway does not run (see below), and so may be the temple
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92) (temple only), 400 yen (~$2.56) (temple and museum)
- English name
- Original name
- Onsenji Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.