Kinosaki Onsen Festival

Kinosaki’s Onsen Festival (Onsen Matsuri), held annually on April 23 and 24, honors the legacy of Dochi Shonin, the Buddhist monk credited with founding the town’s hot springs over 1,300 years ago. According to legend, Dochi Shonin prayed for 1,000 days to heal the sick, and in response, a miraculous spring emerged—becoming the heart of what is now Kinosaki Onsen. The festival coincides with the anniversary of his death in 717 AD and pays tribute to his spiritual devotion, which continues to shape the town’s identity.

During the celebration, monks from Onsenji Temple walk through Kinosaki’s streets in traditional robes, stopping at each of the seven public bathhouses to offer prayers for safety, health, and prosperity. Locals and visitors line the willow-shaded canal to watch this solemn yet uplifting ritual. The atmosphere blends reverence with festivity, featuring cultural performances, taiko drumming, and seasonal food stalls that add to the town’s nostalgic charm. For travelers seeking a celebration that fuses deep spiritual roots with vibrant local energy, this event offers a rare window into Kinosaki’s enduring onsen tradition.