SPRING
Every year, spring begins in Kinosaki with the flowering of the cherry blossom trees and the budding of the willow trees that line Otani River. On April 23rd and 24th, there is a festival commemorating Douchi-Shounin.
Douchi-Shounin, as local folklore has it, was the priest responsible for the founding of the first onsen (hot spring) in Kinosaki. Beginning in the year 717 A.D., Douchi- Shounin prayed for 1,000 consecutive days. After these 1,000 days, an onsen sprung forth from the ground in the present location of Mandara-yu. Onsen Temple (Onsen-ji) was built in honor of Douchi-Shounin during the years 1394-1427 A.D.
SUMMER
The summer is a great season to stay in Kinosaki. There are many activities in which one can participate in and around Kinosaki. The nearby Maruyama River provides a great location for boating or watching boating regattas. The Sea of Japan is only five minutes from Kinosaki by car or bus. One can relax and swim at any of the nearby beaches Kei Beach and Takeno Beach (Kei no Hama and Takeno Hama).
AUTUMN
Kinosaki is an ideal location in autumn. Nestled within forested mountains, one can get a beautiful view of the autumn leaves changing colours. Autumn in Kinosaki is usually quite peaceful with the exception of the Autumn Festival (Aki Matsuri).
The Aki Matsuri is held on October 14th and 15th. During this festival, many of the residents wear traditional clothing. Groups of men carry portable shrines (mikoshi) through the main streets. In the evening, the festival reaches a climax as the shrine carriers clash with one another in a type of ritual battle.
WINTER
Winter is a very nice time of year to enjoy Kinosaki. The hot springs (onsen) are particularly relaxing and refreshing during this cooler season. The height of the crab season is also in winter. One can enjoy the delicious taste of crab freshly caught in the nearby Sea of Japan. One can also participate in a number of winter sports throughout the local area. Just across the Maruyama River is the culture, sports and recreation center, Maruyamagawa Kouen, where there is an outdoor ice skating rink.
Also some of the Kansai region’s finest downhill ski areas are located near Kinosaki. Mt. Kannabe is about a 40 minute car ride away and Mt. Hachibuse is an hour.