Yanagiyu

♨️ I've visited Yanagiyu twice, and it stands out as the smallest onsen in Kinosaki, tucked inside a beautifully traditional-looking building. Be warned — the water here is extremely hot. Even some locals tend to avoid it, but personally, I think it's one of the best places to visit in winter, when the outside temperature drops and soaking in the hottest bath feels like the ultimate retreat. Since the space is small, timing your visit is important. Yanagiyu opens from 3:00 PM, and in my experience, the best time to go is between 7:00–8:00 PM, when both locals and tourists are usually busy with dinner 🍱. A quick, intense onsen experience — and a perfect reset after a cold day in Kinosaki.

Yanagi-yu is said to ensure fertility and safe childbirth for woman. Yanagi is Japanese for weeping willow, and gets its name from the willow-lined street that runs in front of the Yanagi-yu. This is a cozy bath house. The interior is a classic twist on modern-Japanese style. The rustic wooden interior, from the walls to the bath made from cypress, provides a warm and relaxing experience.

Very, very hot! Even though this one was quite small compared to the other 7, I liked it. It's very pretty (in a soothing sense) with dark walls and wood beams, plus nice lighting from the opaque windows. Also has two foot baths: one out front near the entrance, and another along the side road towards the back.

The hottest, smallest, deepest onsen in Kinosaki. They close on Thursday and on other days open from 3pm only. While small in size, they make up for it with the wooden structure and cypress wood top panel which is quite lovely. Though, this is not for the faint hearted as the water is very very hot.

Hottest by far but after visiting Satano-you which was quite cold by comparison it was awesome. The pool has 2 sets of jets. It is very small but was one of my favorites. I had the onsen all to myself for a few minutes. Staff was kind.