Every Year, spring in Kinosaki begins with the flowering of the cherry blossoms trees and the budding of the willow trees that line Otani Street. On April 23rd and 24th, there is a festival called "Douchi-Shonin festival".
Douchi-Shounin, as local folklore has it, was a priest responsible for the founding of Kinosaki Onsen. From the year 717 A.D., Douchi-Shonin prayed for 1000 consecutive days. After 1000 days, the Onsen sprung forth from the ground in the present location of Mandara-yu.
The Onsen Temple (Onsenji), was built in honor of Douchi-Shonin from 1394 - 1427 A.D.

The summer is a great season to stay in Kinosaki Onsen. There are very many interesting activities in which one may participate in and around Kinosaki Onsen. The nearby Maruyama River provides a great location for boating or just watching boating regattas.
The Japan Sea is only five minutes from Kinosaki Onsen by car or bus. One can relax and swim at any of the nearby beautiful beaches, such as Kai Beach.

Kinosaki Onsen is an ideal location for the autumn season. Nestled within lush forested mountains, one can admire a beautiful view of the changing colours of the autumn leaves. Kinosaki Onsen's autumn is usually quite peaceful with the exception of the Autumn Festival (Aki Matsuti).
Aki Matsuri is held from October 14th and 15th.
During this festival, many of the residents wear traditional Japanese clothing. Groups of men carry portable shrines through the main street. In the evening, the festival reaches a climax as the shrine and their carriers are crashed head on into each other in a type of ritual battle.

Winter is a very nice time of the year to enjoy Kinosaki Onsen. The Onsen, hot springs, are particulariy relaxing and refreshing during this cooler season. The winter is also the height of the crab season. One can enjoy the delicious taste of crab cuisine freshly caught in the nearby Japan Sea. A person can also participate in a number of winter sports in the local area.
Just across the Maruyama River is the Culture, Sports and Recreation Center where there is an outdoor ice skating rink.
Also some of the Kansai region's finest downhill ski areas are located near Kinosaki Onsen. Two well known ski areas, can be accessed by car, car, Kannabe Ski area, forty minutes, and Mt. Hachibuse, one hour away.