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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.)

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