Toyooka City Travel Guide | A Lesser-Known but Healing Hot Spring and Sea Town

| A Lesser-Known but Healing Hot Spring and Sea Town. 🌟 Toyooka City Travel Guide | A Lesser-Known but Healing Hot Spring and Sea Town🌿 🏯 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Kinosaki Onsen Town Keywords: Ancient hot spring, seven public baths, wooden clogs Put on a yukata and wooden clogs, walk on the stone-paved streets, and visit the seven public baths. Each bath has its own unique legend! We recommend visiting in the evening, when you can enjoy a hot spring bath, eat onsen eggs, and watch the lanterns light up the streets. 2. Genbudo Park Keywords: Volcanic rock wonder, a must-visit for geology lovers Here, you can see rare hexagonal basalt columns that look like giant natural building blocks! The park is small but perfect for taking photos. The contrast between the rocks and the blue sky on a sunny day is stunning. Remember to wear non-slip shoes. 3. Kinosaki Marine World Keywords: Family-friendly, dolphin show, close interaction A small but exquisite aquarium by the sea, with daily sea lion and dolphin shows, and you can even touch stingrays! The rooftop terrace offers a view of the Sea of Japan. After visiting, you can go to the nearby seafood market for sashimi. 4. Izushi Castle Town Keywords: Edo-style, soba challenge, history lovers' paradise The quaint streets are lined with samurai residences and warehouses. Be sure to try the local specialty, "Izushi Sara Soba"—soba noodles served on five small plates, eaten with dipping sauce. It's a fun experience! Don't forget to collect the town's unique stamps. 5. Takeno Coast Keywords: Clear water, summer fireworks, TV drama setting The water is so clear it looks like jelly! In summer, you can swim and snorkel, while in winter, you can walk along the coast and listen to the waves. There's also a nearby café where you can enjoy hand-brewed coffee with a sea view. 🍱 Food Recommendations Matsuba crab dishes on the hot spring street: Winter exclusive! The Matsuba crab in Kinosaki Onsen is sweet and fresh. We recommend the "Crab Gozen" set meal, where you can even suck the crab shells clean. Tajima beef barbecue: Toyooka is located in Hyogo Prefecture, the home of the top-grade Tajima beef. Any small restaurant you find will serve beef so delicious it will bring tears to your eyes. Hanabayashi Restaurant: A local favorite for Japanese home-cooked meals. We recommend the set meals. It's located in Hidaka Town, so remember to make a reservation in advance. 🛏️ Accommodation Suggestions Top hot spring inns: 1. Nishimuraya Honkan: A century-old inn with a beautiful private bath garden and kaiseki dinner. 2. Sennen no Yu Gonzaemon: Great value for money, with an open-air bath facing the mountains. Enjoy a morning bath with misty views. If you're on a budget, choose an affordable inn on the hot spring street. Most include breakfast and dinner, with attentive service! 🚃 Transportation Tips How to get there: Take the JR Limited Express "Kinosaki" from Osaka for about 2.5 hours to Kinosaki Onsen Station. The sea views along the way are stunning! City transportation: Attractions are scattered, so we recommend renting a car or using the sightseeing bus (routes cover major attractions, but the schedule is sparse, so check the timetable). 🎨 Hidden Activities Cycling adventure: Rent a bike and ride along the coast, discovering deserted beaches and small fishing villages. Stamp collecting: The hot spring street and Izushi Town have unique stamps. Collect them all to exchange for a small gift! Night shrine visit: Visit Izushi Shrine or Onsenji Temple at night. The lantern-lit shrines are mysterious and tranquil. 💡 Tips Shower before entering the hot spring, tie up long hair, and those with tattoos can choose a private bath or use a cover sticker. Some small shops only accept cash, so bring enough yen. The winter snow scenery is beautiful, but wear non-slip shoes and a thick coat! Toyooka City is like a gem embraced by mountains and the sea, perfect for a slow-paced healing journey. Take this guide and experience the blend of hot springs, waves, and history!✨