Kinosaki Onsen Matsudaisan Onsenji Temple (城崎温泉 末代山 温泉寺)

Flow of the course

About this spot

An ancient temple founded in 738 by the priest Dochi (道智上人), who is said to have discovered Kinosaki Onsen, and the guardian temple that has watched over this hot-spring town for 1,300 years. The main hall, built in the early Muromachi period, is designated a National Important Cultural Property as one of the oldest wooden buildings in the Tajima region, its solid, curving roofline beautifully set against the green mountainside. The principal image, a standing statue of the eleven-headed Kannon, is also an Important Cultural Property, and a quiet air conveying the long history of this hot-spring town flows through the hall. Though it's just a short walk from the ropeway's midway station, the calm here is a world apart from the bustle of the hot-spring town. Praying together for a safe trip and good health here should make you appreciate the Kinosaki hot springs you soak in afterward all the more deeply.

Tips

Get off right at the ropeway's midway stop, Onsenji Station (温泉寺駅). You can also walk up the stone steps of the approach from the foot of the mountain (about 20 to 30 minutes on foot). Viewing the main hall requires a fee, so check at the reception desk. The stone steps have many steps, so comfortable walking shoes are reassuring. You can also receive a goshuin temple seal, which makes a nice memento of your trip together.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour. The quiet early-afternoon hours, when there are fewer worshippers, allow for a leisurely visit.

Access & map

〒669-6101 兵庫県豊岡市城崎町湯島９８５−２