HOME Kansai Hyogo Kinosaki Onsen Local Specialties & Restaurants in Kinosaki Onsen: A Food Lover's Guide to Sea and Mountain Delicacies
Local Specialties & Restaurants in Kinosaki Onsen: A Food Lover's Guide to Sea and Mountain Delicacies

Local Specialties & Restaurants in Kinosaki Onsen: A Food Lover's Guide to Sea and Mountain Delicacies

Date published: 14 May 2024

The famous hot springs resort area of Kinosaki Onsen is also renowned for its exceptional food. Expert tour guide and food writer Miyu Shimada highlights Kinosaki Onsen's must-try restaurants and local specialties.

Table of Contents
  1. The Food Culture of Kinosaki Onsen
  2. Seasonal Specialties to Savor in Kinosaki
  3. 3 Gourmet Dishes to Try in Kinosaki Onsen
  4. From Sea to Summit: Kinosaki is a Gourmet Paradise of Local Delicacies!

Kinosaki Onsen, a famous hot springs resort in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, is particularly popular among international visitors for its rich history, relaxing hot springs, and exceptional food.

Here, Miyu Shimada, an experienced tour guide and travel writer with years of expertise in food writing, shares her top recommended eateries and must-try dishes in Kinosaki Onsen. Whether you're exploring the best restaurants or savoring the local specialties, these culinary delights will enhance your visit to this charming town.

The Food Culture of Kinosaki Onsen

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Kinosaki Onsen is a treasure trove of delicacies, where local specialties abound. Due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, its seafood is also exceptional. With crab (known as kani in Japanese) being the most famous, you can also indulge in a variety of other seasonal seafood, including nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), firefly squid, and more.

Tajima-gyu (Tajima Beef)(Photo: PIXTA)
Tajima-gyu (Tajima Beef)(Photo: PIXTA)

Hyogo Prefecture also boasts its own brand of beef, known as “Tajima-gyu (Tajima Beef),” sourced from cattle known as Tajima cows. This famous beef is considered the best among all Wagyu beef brands, and in fact, the majority of Japan’s Wagyu brands trace their origins back to Tajima beef.

(Photo courtesy of Toyooka City Photo Library)
(Photo courtesy of Toyooka City Photo Library)

They also have their own brand of rice, known as Kouno-tori. Cultivated without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, this rice aims to create a habitable environment for storks, which are not only Hyogo Prefecture's prefectural bird but also a designated natural treasure.

And where there's rice, there's also sake! The Kinosaki Onsen area is home to several sake breweries, offering unique and rare varieties exclusive to the region and not widely distributed.

Seasonal Specialties to Savor in Kinosaki

Kinosaki offers a number of seasonal delicacies that come highly recommended!

Seafood Delicacies Herald the Arrival of Spring

Blackthroat seaperch (Photo: PIXTA)
Blackthroat seaperch (Photo: PIXTA)

Red snow crabs landed at Kosumi Port, are in their prime season during spring and fall; alongside them, seafood delicacies like blackthroat seaperch and firefly squid. Each inn and restaurant also offers its own seasonal menus with Tajima-grown spring vegetables and wild plants.

Refreshing Seafood and Sweets to Beat the Summer Heat

Refreshing Seafood and Sweets to Beat the Summer Heat

Summertime brings squid, turban shells, and sea urchins, along with the highly recommended local Kinosaki eels. At hot spring resorts, indulging in treats like ice cream, shaved ice, and sweets from cafes, coffee shops, and confectioneries at this time of year is customary.

A Hearty Menu of Harvest Season Meats

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

Tajima beef is available year-round. Leading up to November, when crab is in season, many inns feature an array of dishes featuring Tajima beef as a “taste of autumn.” This is also the time of year when you can enjoy of autumn flavors like matsutake mushrooms, oysters, and sweet shrimp.

Kinosaki’s Winter Crab Delicacies

(Photo: PIXTA)
(Photo: PIXTA)

When visiting Kinosaki, indulging in crab is an absolute must. Crab fishing kicks off in early November, marking the start of Tsuiyama crab season, and lasts until the end of March. Throughout this period, delectable crab dishes are served all across Kinosaki. However, they're only available for a limited time.

3 Gourmet Dishes to Try in Kinosaki Onsen

1. Daikokuya: Crab Box Sushi Set

1. Daikokuya: Crab Box Sushi Set

You can't visit Kinosaki without trying their crab dishes! However, the idea that crab can only be enjoyed in the winter is simply not true. The fishing season for Kozumi crab (red snow crab) spans from September to the end of May, while those sourced from the Hokuriku Region can be eaten year-round. One of the most highly recommended crab offerings is Daikokuya's Crab Box Sushi Set.

Daikokuya interior
Daikokuya interior

Established over 100 years ago and run by the same family for generations, Daikokuya is a cozy restaurant with the nostalgic charm of a traditional Japanese eatery. Famous for its crab sushi, one of Kinosaki's main specialties, it's no exaggeration to say that it all started right here at Daikokuya!

While many restaurants use shredded crab meat, this one purchases their crabs as-is and prepares each menu item with the meat still intact on every piece.

“Although it certainly costs more, it really makes a difference when it comes to the taste... That’s why we prepare the meat as-is,” explains shop owner Kishida.

Crab Box Sushi Set
Crab Box Sushi Set

The Crab Box Sushi Set (1,600 yen) is an absolute must-try, featuring delicious crab box sushi alongside crab udon or soba, which you have the option to choose when ordering the set menu.

Kani Udon
Kani Udon

If you’ve never heard of crab and noodle combinations like Kani Soba and Kani Udon, you’re about to be pleasantly surprised! The taste is as gratifying as a crab hot pot, as the plump, flavorful crab meat fully absorbs the mild broth.

Pressed sushi with sweet vinegar
Pressed sushi with sweet vinegar

Daikokuya also offers a refreshing pressed sushi with sweet vinegar year-round, featuring Kouzumi crab, which is well-known for its subtle sweetness.

One noticeable thing was the absence of any discernible crab odor, while the meat itself was both sweet and fragrant. Despite the set’s generous portions of noodles and rice, it’s so delicious, you’ll devour it in no time!

Nigiri-zushi (left) and gunkan (right)
Nigiri-zushi (left) and gunkan (right)

The nigiri-zushi (pictured left) allows you to savor the pure taste of the crab itself, while the gunkan (pictured right) is filled with delicious crab paste. Both are brimming with crab goodness, so if you’re up to it, we highly recommend giving both a try!

The Crab Box Sushi, along with other options like the Chirashi Sushi, Crab Rolls, and Crab Nigiri, are all available for take-out, so you can enjoy them even if you don’t have the time to dine in. But for those who are planning on eating in, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

Daikokuya is close to the station, so you can also make a quick stop on your way home and indulge in Kinosaki's delicacies right until the end of your journey, making for a memorable train ride.

  • Kani zushi Daikokuya
    かに寿司 大黒屋
    • Address 87 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyoka City, Hyogo, 669-6101
    • Phone Number 0796-32-2728
    • ・Hours: 11 AM–4 PM
      ・Closed: Irregular days

2. Burger & Cafe Kinosaki Roko: Tajima Beef Steak Sandwich

2. Burger & Cafe Kinosaki Roko: Tajima Beef Steak Sandwich

Tajima beef is one of the most popular local dishes that visitors can indulge in all year round. All Japanese beef brands trace their origins back to Tajima beef, with some of the most famous being Matsusaka and Kobe beef.

One delightful Tajima beef dish that’s easy to eat and reasonably priced is the Tajima Beef Steak Sandwich from Burger & Cafe Kinosaki Roko.

Formerly known as Kinosaki Coffee Club, this shop underwent a rebranding, reopening about two years ago. In the tradition of its predecessor, they continue to serve burgers and sandwiches crafted with Tajima beef, along with an extensive selection of drinks and gelato.

From Tajima beef burgers and sandwiches to gelato and original drinks, this restaurant is perfect for both casual cafe outings as well as hearty lunches.

While hamburgers are indeed on the menu, we highly recommend the Steak Sandwich (1,450 yen) for the full, flavorful Japanese taste of Tajima beef.

Steak Sandwich
Steak Sandwich

The Steak Sandwich boasts such a hearty portion of grilled Tajima beef, it practically explodes out of the bread! The beef is cut into small pieces, cooked on a griddle, and seasoned with a blend of salt, black pepper, and two types of cheese (cheddar and plain), along with a dash of soy sauce for a distinct flavor.

It also pairs perfectly with the onions, and is so rich and savory with the cheese, it’s nothing short of a satisfying dish.

The Deluxe Burger is available in limited quantities and may not be available after 3 PM, so we recommend visiting early if you’d like to sample it for yourself.

  • BURGER&Cafe Kinosaki Roko
    BURGER&Cafe城崎ロコ
    • Address 114, Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyoka City, Hyogo, 669-6101
    • Phone Number 0796-32-2349
    • ・Hours: 10:30 AM–5 PM
      ・Closed: Thursdays

3. Soft Cream Specialty Soft Koubou: Experience Bliss with Kouno-tori & Onsen Egg Soft Serves

3. Soft Cream Specialty Soft Koubou: Experience Bliss with Kouno-tori & Onsen Egg Soft Serves

One of the essential elements of Japan's hot spring culture is indulging in soft-serve ice cream after a hot spring bath!

Soft Cream Specialty Soft Koubou is the perfect spot for a break during a stroll around town, or for dessert after a meal. And of course, it also makes a wonderful treat after a dip in the springs!

What’s really surprising is the great variety of items on the menu! They offer more than 40 types of soft-serve ice cream, original drinks, shaved ice, and other sweets such as warabimochi and zenzai.

Amongst the several soft-serve shops in Kinosaki, Soft Koubou has the most variety, including the curiously original Crab Soft-Serve.

One absolute must-try at Soft Koubou is the Shiawase wo Hakobu Kounotori Soft Cream (450 yen). This Kinosaki delicacy combines matcha and vanilla soft serve ice cream blended with ponkashi, a confection crafted from Kounotori rice, a special rice brand from Toyooka City cultivated without the use of pesticides. Ponkashi is made by pressurizing and immediately removing the rice to make it puff up.

The smooth soft cream is nicely accented by the crunchy ponkashi, while the matcha ice cream is easy to eat with its elegant sweetness, tea flavor, and subtle aroma. Even if you don’t typically enjoy sweets, you just may find this treat delightful enough to gobble right up!

Kinosaki Onsen Onsen Tamago Soft
Kinosaki Onsen Onsen Tamago Soft

Pictured here is the Kinosaki Onsen Onsen Tamago Soft (620 yen), an original soft serve with an Onsen Egg as one of its toppings. This is a soft-boiled hot spring egg that you enjoy by breaking it into pieces and eating together with the ice cream.

The blend of cream and eggs makes it reminiscent of a freshly-made custard cream, a result that's perfectly aligned with the ingredients used. The thick, rich egg mixture is an undeniable delicacy, while the sticky Shiratama tango (white bean dumplings) is a uniquely Japanese sweet you’ll often encounter at a hot spring resort.

The interior is lined with tea chairs, offering an ideal setting for a quick pause from exploring the town. Toward the back of the shop, you'll also find a tatami room, where you can enjoy the cafe menu or a simple cup of tea.

Along with soft serves, you can also buy other Kinosaki specialties, including accessories and sweets, making it an ideal spot for a break while perusing for souvenirs. Either way, if you find yourself at Kinosaki, don't pass up the chance to indulge in their novel soft serves, all crafted from ingredients exclusive to the region and its springs.

(*Please note that menu items may vary by season and are subject to change.)

  • Soft Cream Specialty Soft Koubou
    ソフトクリーム専門店 そふと工房
    • Address 397, Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyoka City, Hyogo, 669-6101
    • Phone Number 0796-32-2260
    • ・Hours: 9 AM–10:30 PM
      ・Closed: Irregular days

From Sea to Summit: Kinosaki is a Gourmet Paradise of Local Delicacies!

Kinosaki Onsen is brimming with delicious cuisine sourced from the seas and mountains, and creative menus featuring local ingredients. As you explore the springs, be sure to check out some of the restaurants, and treat yourself to some diverse dishes of enticing entrees and tasty treats!

*Information in article as of April 2024. Please see official websites for the latest updates & information.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki

Written by:
Miyu Shimada
Miyu Shimada

Miyu is a travel writer and tour conductor with over a decade of experience in developing educational content for working individuals. She has a passion for exploring new cultures and has visited more than 150 cities in around 50 countries. Her goal is to sample great food, experience nature, enjoy historical sites, and bathe in hot springs around the world. Miyu left her corporate job to pursue her passion for travel and now spends over 100 days a year abroad while working as a writer. She promotes the joy of travel, the beauty of Japan, and the diverse cultures of the world by traveling to different parts of Japan and collaborating with inbound tour operators and fellow travel writers.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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