Exploring Jizo-Yu: My First Stop in Kinosaki’s Seven Public Baths After Starting at Kobayashi-Ya

The river that passes through Kinosaki Onsen is the Otani River. It adds to the picturesque charm of the area, flowing through the town with iconic willow-lined banks and traditional stone bridges - Photo by: BeanJP

It was not only my first time enjoying an Onsen, but working in Kinosaki allowed me to wholly experience all seven public baths here. I want to write about my journey with each stop and share what makes each unique. After my first weeks working at Kobayashi-Ya (the premium Ryokan), I began my onsen experience at Jizo-Yu, where I hope to immerse myself in the relaxing waters and the rich traditions surrounding this special place.

First Impressions

In front of me is a big building. It looks oversized compared to other houses in the town. There is a big stone lantern (石灯籠, ishitōrō) in front of a building. As you know, the stone lanterns are common in Japanese gardens, temples, and shrines. They are often used to light the way at night and to create a peaceful atmosphere. The second point that attracted me before I entered the door was a small shrine with a Jizō statue. Jizō is a Bodhisattva, often portrayed as a bald monk wearing a kasaya (袈裟, a type of Buddhist robe) and carrying a staff. Jizō is believed to protect children, travelers, and the deceased. I saw some travelers and guests finish the onsen before leaving the place; they stopped to bow and pray at the Jizō statue, wishing for good fortune. After learning all this, I now understand why this onsen is named '地蔵湯' (Jizōyu), Jizō is Bodhisattva and Yu is hot spring. It is said to have gotten its name from finding a Jizō statue unearthed from the hot spring. It's quite an interesting story, and now let's enter the bathhouse.

Jizo-Yu looks oversized compared to other houses in the town. There is a big stone lantern (石灯籠, ishitōrō) in front of a building - Photo by: BeanJP

Getting Started

When you enter, the check-in counter is on your right side. The ticket price for a one-time entrance is 800 Yen, and the kid price is only 400 Yen (half price). The prices would be the same for all Onsen in Kinosaki except Satono-Yu, for which you must pay an extra 100 Yen (this onsen is now under renovation without a confirmed reopening date). Please note that payment is in cash, so make sure you have coins with you; for those staying in hotels and ryokans, an Onsen Pass with a QR Code for free check-in without limitation of entrance. I use my driver's license with the Toyooka residence address for a 50% discount. The baths are all on the first 1階 "ik-kai" floor as a Japanese floor numbering system; keep this in mind so you don't get confused! (The ground floor is usually referred to as the first floor). I left my shoes in the shoe box and headed to the bathroom.

The Bathing Experience At Jizo-Yu Kinosaki Onsen

Firstly, you will enter the changing room with a locker to put your belongings in. Do not use mobile as prohibited. A quick review of bathroom rules for your notes with English is available. Secondly, remove all your clothes and bring one small towel, which you can use to clean your wet body before returning to the room. Jizo-Yu Onsen's design is simple, with an oversized bathtub in the center. The bathtub looks like a small Ovan swimming pool but old-fashioned. Surrounding it are places to take a shower before you soak yourself in the hot spring. Jizo-Yu Onsen is an indoor hot spring without a view, but the water temperature is hot enough to make you cry, "熱い！ atsui - it's damn hot". I could only soak my body for 3-5 minutes in such a hot level and then sit on the pool's edge to rest for the next rounds. There is also a small corner where kids can enjoy the onsen. However, it is pretty tiny to leave kids there. So just let your kids with you in the main bath for the completed onsen experience.

The bathtub looks like a small Ovan swimming pool but old-fashioned. Surrounding it are places to take a shower before you soak yourself in the hot spring - Photo by: visitkinosaki

Practical Information

You can easily find the location beside the river, across from Family Mart Kinosaki. From Kobayashi-ya, walking there takes only about 3 to 4 minutes. I highly recommend this spot to guests as the perfect first stop among the seven onsens in Kinosaki.

The opening hour is 7:00 AM, and the closing time is 11:00 PM. Every onsen in the town will close one day a week for maintenance and deep cleaning. Jizo-Yu will be closed, as usual, on Mondays.

Jizo-Yu will be closed, as usual, on Mondays - Photo by: BeanJP

---

©2024 BeanJP. All Rights Reserved.