KINOSAKI ONSEN - Things to Do, How to get there - Tattoo friendly hot springs town in Japan, 2023

[@HeathBarbierPhoto]

Your videos are fantastic! My wife and I are currently in Kinosaki at Morizuya and we watched this video a few times to prepare. Thanks for such great tips and information. We bought your book too and it's the best guide to Japan we have read. Highly recommended to anyone who reads this comment.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much, that's really great to hear! Hope you've enjoyed Kinosaki - it's such a gorgeous place! Morizuya is the true ryokan experience.💯

[@Themightyquinn1703]

I went to Kinosaki today and I hit the target, twice! Your videos are great!

[@cakeswithfaces]

You're better at throwing than I am...! 😂 So glad you went to Kinosaki - it's such a gorgeous place!

[@carolmarie2520]

Thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much, that's much appreciated! 🙏 Are you planning a trip to Kinosaki?

[@ArejA-yx6wb]

It’s so lovely listening to a soft spoken voice it’s so calming 💕

[@cakeswithfaces]

Haha thank you!

[@mizelle4096]

I am headed to this onsen town because of my tattoos. thank you for providing very useful information! I can't wait to go

[@cakeswithfaces]

You'll love it! Such a gorgeous place. 😍 Have a wonderful time!

[@Omni0404]

My sister has a lot of tattoos and was so disappointed when I told her about how hard it can be to find an onsen that will accommodate. I can't wait to tell her about Kinosaki!

[@cakeswithfaces]

She'll be able to go to any of the baths in Kinosaki! So great that everyone can enjoy them.

[@MissiBoo]

This is definitely going on my bucket list Amy. The video was beautiful, thank you so much for bringing Japan to us 🇯🇵❤️

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'd definitely recommend it! Such a beautiful place! :-)

[@towada1066]

To be fair,.... Beppu is so much better for hot spring .... but Kinosaki Onsen was loved by Japanese novelists and poets .... and the one hot spring water source is sacred .... at least according to locals ....

[@awesomeadamfrom2099]

Awesome job Amy thumb up see you in two weeks.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!!

[@RedikTrios]

I've been planning a trip to Japan for some time now and I just had the hardest of time finding a good Onsen town that wasn't too much out of the way on the agenda. This place will be perfect for me, since I have a Tattoo as well.

[@cakeswithfaces]

You'll love it! I honestly can't imagine how any onsen town could be better! :-)

[@KimLechelle]

Great video! What a beautiful town! I “Love” how Japan has smaller towns for one or two days visits.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Absolutely! There are so many smaller places to visit outside the big cities that are so charming, and all so different!

[@ironwolfosiris]

I am making my return to Japan after 6 years, and made Kinosaki Onsen a one-night stay! First Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka and then Kinosaki

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sounds like a great plan! I loved Kinosaki, it's such a gorgeous place. I've just come back from Fukuoka so there'll be some new vids coming up!

[@AirWhiteRose]

Oh we left Kinosaki 5 days ago. It was magical although the fireworks and lantern events took it to another level for us! Such a cozy atmosphere and the onsens were so beautiful. We tried Satono yu, Goshono yu, Kono yu and Ichino yu. All had their different charms ❤ Also outdoor onsen at ~10 pm was sooo good in the summer heat 🤩 We stayed 2 nights, definitely recommend to stay more than 1 night. Alot of things to see and you really want to have a slow pace to take it all in. The hike up the mountain was well worth it imo ❤

[@cakeswithfaces]

That sounds fantastic! You visited all the top bath houses on my list! I was wondering what it'd be like in the hot water during the summer and whether it'd still be enjoyable when it's hot. That must have been magical with the fireworks and lanterns, I can only imagine how beautiful that must have been! So glad you enjoyed it there too!

[@aprildoucet139]

Which Ryokan did you stay at? Thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@aprildoucet139 Morizuya - loved it! My next video will be all about it. :-) Where did you stay?

[@AirWhiteRose]

@@aprildoucet139 Suigo. It was a cheap ryokan experience since it was a 7-10 minute walk to the main street/river. Good value for us but really depends on what you are looking for 🙂

[@bh0666]

Another great video from 'Cakes with Faces'! You have yet to disappoint. Thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much - this one took me AGES to edit, so that means a lot! :-)

[@bobbyc404]

Thanks for the video. We will be in Kinosaki next month (2/2024) can't wait!

[@cakeswithfaces]

You'll love it! Such a gorgeous place.

[@nateshf9303]

My wife and I recently took the brand new Yakumo train to Yonago (Kaikeonsen beach town) from Okayama, and then local train to Tottori Sand Dunes and Kinosaki onsen, and then back down to Osaka. We highly recommend this route.

[@cakeswithfaces]

That sounds like a great route! How was the new Yakumo train?

[@nateshf9303]

@@cakeswithfaces Semi-luxury with single cabin spaces, not sure how to reserve those. Maybe they are first-come-first serve.

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@nateshf9303 Sounds good! It might be they're in a particular carriage number, so if you reserve a seat in that carriage, you get the private space; sometimes that's the case!

[@panathenaea]

Excellent! I was there in May this year. And what a coincidence - you stayed at the same ryokan as I did!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ah what a coincidence! Isn't Kinosaki gorgeous?! I think it's the perfect onsen/ryokan experience!

[@panathenaea]

@@cakeswithfaces restaurants, shopping, a variety of baths, and a lovely temple. An amazing stop.

[@tinafina1961]

I was there in may. Beautiful onsens and beautiful town.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It really is, such a beautiful place! 😍

[@Andy_001_]

Thank you Amy, I loved this video- Kinosaki looks amazing...🤩

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's such a beautiful place, really glad we went!

[@seebastian5834]

I still have 2 bathhouses left to visit at Kinosaki, because I went for one day only and another was closed (Goshonoyu and Ichinoyu, I think) for renovation. Kounoyu was very nice, the forest atmosphere was so relaxing. My favorite thing, though, was Onsenji. The priestess seemed so thrilled to have a foreign tourist there to hand her english guide sheet to, and I got a towel as a gift.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ahh that's lovely, it's so nice when you meet kind people on your trip, it always makes for such a lovely experience. :-)

[@daolinchen]

new sub here, you are doing a great job, thank you 😊

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much, glad you're enjoying my videos! ✨

[@bogdanwalewiadro5717]

Really interesting video i hope more people will enjoy your content cause its great.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much, that's very kind of you! I hope so as this video took me AGES to edit!! 😅

[@ehlersdanlosandi]

Such a great video, thank you! I'll need to add Kinosaki to our list of must do's when we plan our next trip! Your voice is so pleasant to listen to, and I enjoy that you explain how you do things and not just take pretty photos of you two doing the fun things like other vloggers. Thanks for that, it's super helpful!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much - I try to include everything I wanted to know when I first went to Japan! :-)

[@WolfyLuna]

A very worth while to watch video, enjoyed seeing the town and your experience there. Perhaps a location I will visit myself in a future trip to Japan.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I'd definitely recommend it! Such a beautiful place. 😍

[@drlink7691]

this will be on my list for our next trip thank you

[@cakeswithfaces]

Enjoy! I'd definitely recommend it!

[@elpresso1983]

Thanks for making the lovely video. We'll be visiting Kinosaki in early April and we're really excited now! Also, pressing F to pay respects for Phil and his lack of breakfast at the start of the video 😂

[@cakeswithfaces]

Great choice - I love Kinosaki! Such a gorgeous town, I really don't know how any onsen town could be better. Make sure you don't miss out on breakfast / train snacks! It's a long journey with no food cart! 😂

[@Neeono]

Hahaha, you rolled up with the anime protagonist hair! Thanks so much for this video, we're planning to go here in a couple months and this video has helped us immensely!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Biggest hair compliment ever! Enjoy Kinosaki - it's gorgeous! 😍

[@onionbag9]

Hi Amy We’re planning our very first trip to Japan in April next year. Came across your channel among the vast array of content. Have to say your videos are the best I’ve seen by a long way. Perfect mix of personal insight and helpful practical information in an easy going style. Enjoying working my through all your videos (and ever changing hair colour!) and have also ordered your guide book. I’d love to visit Kinosaki Onsen although my wife and grown up kids are a little more nervous of the experience! Thanks for sharing Andy

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much for your kind words, that's really lovely to hear, and much appreciated! Thanks for ordering my book - it'll be with you very soon! Kinosaki Onsen's a great choice. I was nervous about it too but glad I went for it in the end. You could always stay in a ryokan like Morizuya where you can use the bath privately, then there are no worries!

[@Nemuimori]

Great video. Kinosaki looks lovely and TabiEats loved it too, time to start researching if it would fit well in a trip! Looking forward to the next video about your ryokan.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I watched their videos before going!! Kinosaki really had everything you could want from an onsen town. 💜

[@riccardoantonelli1977]

Lovely place and, of course, lovely video... as always.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much, that's very kind of you!

[@LucianCiel]

I like seeing the stamps that you collect. Have you made a video about them? If not could you make one, please?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Collecting stamps was so much fun! I'll definitely be making a video about it for sure! :-) Makes a really nice souvenir.

[@asiandetective4998]

Thank you for your information in your videos. I have only just discovered your channel, you both are lovely people. I subscribed and also just bought your book so you will know who I am. From Australia.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you so much, that's very much appreciated! Enjoy the book - and the videos!! Hope it makes its way to Australia quickly!

[@aldente2011]

Thank you for the video. This onsen is one of the many to visit in my list. Kinosaki is quite a journey from Osaka/Kyoto, and have missed the opportunity, as well as the choices for mid-range onsen ryokans were limited. After watching this, I am more keen to get there for onsen. In Shin-Osaka Station, there is a section where you can get eki-ben for lunch onboard (in the main concourse inside ticker barriers). Because of such a huge selection to choose from, you will be overwhelmed. The frisbee was fun, wasn't it.😆

[@cakeswithfaces]

I can't imagine any onsen town being better than Kinosaki! :-) The journey from Kyoto/Osaka sounds long on paper, but it really didn't seem long at all. The journey's scenic, so I really enjoyed it, and the train's very comfortable. You're right, the choice of ekiben is overwhelming! Sometimes you have to go pot luck and see what you get!

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

Kinosaki Onsen is a small but very charming and beautiful town. 💖✨ I've been on the train many times, but I've never gotten off. 😓 I'd like to go oneday. 💓 The Green🍀 class car of the Kohnotori limited express seemed to be comfortable. 😚

[@cakeswithfaces]

I hope you'll have time to step off the train one day at Kinosaki, even for just a quick walk around town! It's such a beautiful place!

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

​​@@cakeswithfaces Thank you for reply. Kinosaki is a very attractive city, so I'd like to watch more videos of Kinosaki if possible. 🙏 You were very kawaii💠 in Yukata👘. 🥰

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@あいうえお-o6s1f My next video will be about the ryokan! 🙂

[@あいうえお-o6s1f]

@@cakeswithfaces I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait. 💓 I think Japanese style Ryokans are interesting for many foreigners. 🧐

[@aikotecho_desu]

Aaaaahhhhh! So happy to find your YT. Visiting Japan for 20 days end of Oct to Nov

[@cakeswithfaces]

Exciting!! Where are you planning on going in Japan?

[@aikotecho_desu]

@@cakeswithfaces it’s me and my family’s firs time we’re doing the famous route of Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and back for more in Tokyo, but since we have so much time I might be able to add an Onsen trip!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@aikotecho_desu That's a great idea! I really loved Kinosaki - it'll be a taste of historic Japan but much more chilled and less busy than Kyoto. A good chance to slow down for a day or two (your feet will need it!).

[@CharlieStuff407]

It's such a pretty town!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Everywhere you look is like a photo! 😍

[@YonathanG]

I truly loved this video! Such a good walking tour and another place added to my list :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! Definitely one of my favourite places I've been in Japan!

[@Taiyaki4Me]

These two Kinosaki videos are great! You did a wonderful job explaining and capturing the town and its character. I appreciate how your love and respect for Japan (my ancestral homeland) just really comes through in your videos. I definitely now want to get a stamp book - wish I would’ve done that sooner. And we have now added Kinosaki Onsen to our list for future trips to Japan. (Public baths do take a little getting used to, but they are so relaxing - and honestly, it’s all just “normal” for a public bath. 😊)

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much, I'm really glad you enjoyed them! Collecting stamps as you go around is so much fun, and makes a lovely collection. My next video, up later today, is about the seaside nearby at Takeno.

[@carolmarie2520]

I’m so glad you visited Kinosaki! I mentioned it on a survey awhile ago and you posted a video on it. We are planning to visit Kinosaki/tooyoka and this video was super helpful. Thank you 🇯🇵❤️

[@cakeswithfaces]

Excellent, thank you! I really loved it there - definitely recommended!

[@letiziacastiglione2492]

I was already planning to go and loved getting all this info!! I also have the same stamp book!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yay, you'll love it! Collecting stamps was so much fun - hope you find lots!

[@F70100]

Thank you Amy & Phil for a great travelogue, i't's really whetted my appetite for my first trip to Japan coming up in October. Can't wait!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Not long to go now - it's next month!!

[@flyffpsy]

I think I was in the same Ryokan in April but it was raining. That one on the right at 10:45 or 19:07. And you had a little matcha tea ceremony at check-in.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I stayed at Morizuya - it'll be in the next video. Hope you enjoyed it! I loved it - and it was so friendly, being family run. Couldn't believe they'd been the owners for 7 generations!

[@alpha4072]

Thank you Amy

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MagicGreenSquid]

Approximately 30 minutes of quality travelogue later, I'm still legit shocked that a Japanese cashier left an item out of a shopping bag.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Me too!! Only time it's happened thankfully, but bad timing when there are no snacks available on the train!

[@おかもとおかもと-y1g]

​@cakeswithfaces 1

[@driftertravels928]

Thanks Amy..I have always enjoyed going to onsens but am heavily tattooed so my choices are limited. I will visit here one day. Look forward to your next video.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's great that tattoos are allowed everywhere in Kinosaki! Such a friendly and welcoming place. Looking forward to showing off the ryokan!

[@SarahPartridge-l2i]

aw so amazing!! you have just sold us on it. can i ask can you wear a towel in the onsens? i think my daughters will be a little shy. though we are looking at getting a private onsen hotel.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I loved it there - absolutely gorgeous, it has everything you could want from an onsen town! 💖 You're not allowed to wear a towel in the onsen - it's believed it would contaminate the onsen water. That's also the reason you can't wear swimsuits. When I went to the public bath, I bought a towel from the counter and it was small hand towel size. You can hold it over yourself for privacy when you're walking to the bath (although it's not large enough to cover up much tbh!), then you either leave it on the side or fold it up and put it on your head (!) so it doesn't touch the water. I guess you could take a larger towel with you, but you'd have to leave it on the side. If you don't fancy that, then a private bath is the best option. I don't know if you saw my video about the ryokan I stayed at (Morizuya) - there are two baths there that you can use privately in the evenings. You just go in whenever they're empty and lock the door behind you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ-ygGCbYtmcZrc A less pricey option than a room with a private bath in it - although that would be lovely!!

[@daisystace]

This is such a relaxing and detailed video - thanks so much for including so much helpful information as always! Kinosaki looks so beautiful and just got bumped even higher on my list for my next visit to Japan. I can't wait to find out more about your ryokan stay. I've never stayed in one and had food served since I'm vegan, but I'd love to. Also congrats on making it in the public bath, it's nerve-wracking! I've done it a few times but I never manage to do the right thing with my towel 😆

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you!! I'd definitely recommend Kinosaki. Quite a few of the ryokan offer vegan options - there's a list on the excellent visitkinosaki.com. It was a real feast - can't wait to edit my next video about the ryokan!

[@briandemodulated]

Good for you for mustering the courage to visit the onsen! My wife expressed interest but I'm too chicken. Well done!

[@cakeswithfaces]

I picked a ryokan that let you use the bath privately because at first I originally had no intention of going in the shared bath. It was only after I saw how nice they looked that I set myself the challenge!

[@bekahvon]

Where did you get the little booklet to stamp? So cute, I want one

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's from Neko Neko Post (run by Sharla in Japan & her friend Ushka) www.nekonekopost.com/shop/product/4724788271

[@aprildoucet139]

Amazing! For your Ryokan video. I would love to know how to book, sometimes it's confusing if you pay per person or per room. What the meals are like, set Veggie/fish options. And maybe just like what to look for when your booking. I'm getting so confused half the time trying to research be great to know more about the Ryokans themselves. Thanks!

[@aprildoucet139]

Also I like the longer videos 😅

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks - I'll be sure to include that in my next video - I was confused about all those things too when I was trying to decide which ryokan to book! Sometimes it's a bit of a mystery when you're new to it! Can't wait to show you the ryokean - the meal was amazing!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

I was worried it was too long but I couldn't edit it any shorter!! :-)

[@kellyp7112]

can you tell share accommodation link to book please

[@cakeswithfaces]

Here's the link to the ryokan I stayed at: www.morizuya.com/en/

[@nateshf9303]

We went to Yumura, a less-crowded and underrated but beautiful onsen town in April instead, which was closer to Amarube Sky Bridge.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Hope you enjoyed it! It's great to get off the beaten track!

[@margaretgerhardus6247]

I just added this to my list for November I think a day trip from kyoto if I can get a late train back so that it is worth the long train journey ❤

[@cakeswithfaces]

Glad you'll be going! I know some people have done it as a day trip - just get an early train there so you have enough time! You can buy the day pass for the bath houses.

[@ericawilley3859]

Hey! Love your videos! They have been so helpful with planning my trip to Japan for next March. I was wondering, though, I if you might know the best way to get from Kinosaki to Shinjuku? My trip will start in Shibuya, then Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Kinosaki, then back to Tokyo. Thank you!!!

[@cakeswithfaces]

So glad you'll be going to Kinosaki, it's a lovely place! You'll need to take the train from Kinosaki Onsen Station to Kyoto Station, then the shinkansen to Shinagawa in Tokyo. Then the Yamanote Line round to Shinjuku Station.

[@Lextasy.420]

When I was browsing some of the Ryokan on booking sites I only found two that explicitly said they were tattoo friendly, are they all actually tattoo friendly?

[@cakeswithfaces]

All 7 public bath houses in Kinosaki are tattoo-friendly (and they're gorgeous!). Most ryokan give you a pass for all 7 bath-houses, or you can buy one; they're not expensive. When it comes to the bath at the ryokan, they may have their own individual rules. If you can use the bath at the ryokan privately, it's usually ok if you have tattoos.

[@leijen208]

❤your videos. So relaxing and informative. Leaving for Japan in a week and your videos have been super useful! If you can, can you recommend a type of bread in Japan that would pair well with apple or pumpkin butter (gift)? Thank you!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank you! I haven't tried apple or pumpkin butter but they sound delicious! Even basic Japanese shokupan (their version of sliced bread) is SO soft and fluffy, it's like a dream and would surely go well, maybe toasted? Get it from a bakery if you can - convenience store bakery items are good but everything's even better from a bakery!

[@cheriewhite976]

I absolutely must have those kitty glasses! Can you let me know where I can find them? I’ll be in Kyoto in October.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I got them from Takeshita Street in Harajuku, just a random shop with racks of sunglasses outside. Not sure if they still have them as it was a few years ago but you're bound to find cute sunglasses somewhere in Harajuku!

[@裕之武石]

ゲタの音久しぶりに聴きました。素晴らしい。

[@lorkhanart4122]

Hello! Silly question but may I ask how do I look for the stamping stations or places? Will be traveling soon and I don't want to miss any of them 😂

[@cakeswithfaces]

I have a video all about that! It includes how to find stamps - happy collecting! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpbQfWysacyEl68

[@KittyB4ngB4ng]

Another wonderful video! Do you know if there's any private baths to rent for an hour or so? Or is it public only available? We're thinking of making a day trip so we won't have a ryokan

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Kinosaki's such a gorgeous place. 💖 It says here that several of the public bath-houses offer private "family" baths: www.japan-guide.com/e/e3527.html

[@KimAquamarine]

Great video Amy, I love all your videos as they're really helpful, informative and stay focussed to the topics and subjects. Thank you for making great content. I have a question please which i hope you don't mind. Seeing as you sometimes do travel to these smaller towns away from the bigger urban settings, do you vaccinate yourself against Japanese Encephalitis? I am wondering whether it's necessary for an itinerary of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Shibu Onsen and back to Tokyo (only one night each in the smaller towns)?

[@cakeswithfaces]

So glad you're enjoying my videos! No, I haven't had any special vaccinations for going to Japan. You only need one if you're staying somewhere really rural, or going on a longer trip. All the places you've mentioned are still urban enough that you wouldn't need a vaccination. :-)

[@KimAquamarine]

Excellent, thank you Amy much appreciated and that's very reassuring!@@cakeswithfaces

[@chungus_bombadil3560]

I need Phil's Aggretsuko hat!

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's a collab with Tokidoki (my fav!)

[@curlycreature7693]

are there any mixed gender or private baths in kinosaki? would you recommend going to kinosaki for someone who prefers not to use the communal baths or would you opt for a different area with more private baths? sorry for all my questions btw! binging your channel while pondering my own trip next march :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

No worries, I always love chatting about Japan! The public bath-houses don't have private or mixed gender baths, but many of the ryokan do, including the one I stayed at, Morizuya: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ-ygGCbYtmcZrc I originally wasn't intending on using the public baths, but when I saw how nice they look, I didn't want to miss out. It was a bit of a bravery challenge for me! The whole town of Kinosaki is so gorgeous, and the private baths at our ryokan were similar to the public baths - just a smaller version, so I'd say it's still worth visiting!

[@curlycreature7693]

@@cakeswithfaces Good to know :) thanks!

[@thatshowyoutravel]

Where can I get those nice stamp books you have there? Or is it a DIY. Also, which ryokan would you recommend?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I got my stamp book from Neko Neko Post, which is run by Sharla in Japan and het friend Ushka: www.nekonekopost.com/shop/product/4724788271 I'd definitely recommend Morizuya - I loved staying there, I think it has everything you could want from a ryokan!

[@IceCream-hp7mm]

Check-in & check-out times seem a bit different or was it just your preference to check-in late and out early?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's possible they may have changed them. I didn't request a different check-in time from the standard time.

[@heyawesome7627]

May I know which Ryokan did u stay 6:06

[@cakeswithfaces]

I stayed at Morizuya - the next video will be all about it! :-)

[@blackchamber9918]

I didn't see it in your nightwalk, and you didn't stop in... is that little arcade with the cork gun shooting gallery and pachinko machines gone/closed now?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's still there! visitkinosaki.com/things-to-do/retro-arcades/

[@elchief2210]

How far is this from Tokyo?

[@cakeswithfaces]

From Tokyo you'll need to take a train to Kyoto or Osaka (2 hrs 45). From there it's 2 hours 40 on the train - that one's a lovely scenic journey so it doesn't seem that long. I stopped over in Osaka/Kyoto on the way there and back.

[@awurschmidt]

Thank you for this video. I’ll be staying there for my birthday in 3 weeks 😊 I will also have a JR pass (standard not green car). Do you think I need to reserve my seat for the Kinosaki Onsen train in advance? Did it seem crowded?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Great idea for a birthday trip! You'll love it I'm sure! :-) I'd definitely reserve in advance, because there aren't that many direct trains per day, and it'd mess up your day if you don't manage to get on the unreserved car and have to wait for another train later in the day, or spend longer on an indirect route.

[@MilanFornusek]

I like how people switched to their traditional clothes and shoes at night.

[@cakeswithfaces]

It really adds to the atmosphere and look of the town!

[@effie-Toronto]

Where can I get a stamp book like yours??

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's from Neko Neko Post (run by Sharla in Japan & her friend Ushka) www.nekonekopost.com/shop/product/4724788271

[@tiffanyduke7856]

any leads on how to buy train ticket from Tokyo -> Kinosaki Onsen? I'm going in a couple weeks & I'd like to buy the tix in advance, can't seem to figure it out

[@cakeswithfaces]

I've always used a JR Pass so I haven't tried buying train tickets online, but I believe you can use Smartex to buy the shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, then you can get the ticket from there to Kinosaki on JR West's website. Instructions here: www.insidekyoto.com/how-to-buy-japan-rail-tickets-and-shinkansen-tickets-online Otherwise, you'd be able to buy the tickets at a JR station when you arrive in Japan, from the ticket office or a ticket machine.

[@tiffanyduke7856]

thank you!@@cakeswithfaces

[@RoissyAngel]

So, are all the baths naked? Or cossies?

[@nateshf9303]

Completely!

[@garrytuohy9267]

I think you need to have a throwing section in every video from now on ... ;^)

[@cakeswithfaces]

🙈 🙈 🙈 How long would it be before I manage to get the target...! 😝

[@GodAtum]

i thought you arent allowed to eat on a non-shinkensen train?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's ok to eat on long distance, express trains like this one, and the shinkansen, but not on local trains or the metro.

[@ninag6198]

are all public onsen mixed gender or do women go in a separate section from men?

[@cakeswithfaces]

All the public onsen are separate for men and women. If there's a bath you can use privately at your ryokan, you can use it mixed gender if you want to.

[@HouseofToth]

What's it like for a first timer? Can you wear swimsuits in a public Onsen or you have to be naked?

[@cakeswithfaces]

You have to be naked I'm afraid! When I first booked, I intended to only go to the private bath, but the public ones looked so nice that I wanted to try it, and didn't want to miss out because of being nervous. It was strange at first - especially when you're first getting "changed", but I just keep myself to myself and pretended the other people aren't there. Everyone's there to enjoy the bath, so in a way it's not strange - and in a way it is! I'm glad I tried it.

[@nateshf9303]

Naked but no one stares anyway. After your first onsen experience, you'll be hooked.

[@JohnnyNacis]

tattoos allowed?!😮 i can onsen!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes! It's pretty unusual in Japan, but every bath and ryokan in Kinosaki allows tattoos!

[@primokarmasilver]

£7 for crab, thats a small pint in London haha Looks like a nice town to live in, if only I speak Japanese and super rich

[@cakeswithfaces]

Most food in Japan is a LOT cheaper than in London, but crab's a delicacy.

[@davidstorm8879]

tips please

[@cakeswithfaces]

Lots of tips in the video! Are there any particular points you'd like to know more about? :-)

[@谷田滋]

Do you know his T-shirt design mean ? "fine snake."

[@cakeswithfaces]

Not sure it's based on anything - it's a design by a pixel artist (I don't know their name).

[@towada1066]

Kinosaki Onsen was very popular with authors and poets. Technically you should worship at the temple before entering the bath (but I don't think anyone does this now). I always thought that the willow trees planted along the stream came from Hangzhou's West Lake in China,... but when I asked the local government office they said this is just a legend. If you ever go in Winter matsubagani (snow crab) will be in season, as well as my ultimate favorite fish buri (I'm sorry, I don't know how to translate)... Um, I'm wondering if you visited the literature museum? It's not English language friendly but there are some exhibits for many of the really important writers and poets who came to Kinosaki.

[@towada1066]

ahem,.... sorry,.... multiple comment,.... I will never bathe with people with tattoos,.... Beppu Onsen is to me, the best .... the hot spring water literally overflows into the ocean ...

[@johnnacke4134]

Are onsens coed or are they separated by gender?

[@cakeswithfaces]

They're separated by gender. But if there's a private bath, you can do as you like.

[@shokubutsugaku_hi]

how can we trust your opinion when you can't even say "ryokan" correctly?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's a difficult word to say! 😭😭 I try my best. 😭

[@nateshf9303]

Most obnoxious comment. Let's give her the credit for going out of her way to explore Japan and going to an onsen.

[@Jeremy_Fisher]

Looks incredible! It seems very calm and relaxing.Great video!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Perfect place for a getaway - and a total contrast after being in a big city like Osaka!