Gosho no Yu Onsen - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo

Gosho no Yu (御所の湯) captures the essence of royal tranquility in Kinosaki Onsen, a town with 1,400 years of hot spring heritage. Established in 1267 and named after Princess Kuniko (sister of Emperor Go-Horikawa), this architectural marvel mimics Kyoto's Imperial Palace with its stunning cypress beams and glass-ceiling bath that bathes bathers in natural light.

​

Unlike many traditional bathing establishments, Gosho no Yu proudly welcomes tattooed visitors without restriction—reflecting Kinosaki's progressive approach to international tourism while preserving authentic Japanese bathing traditions. Here, you can experience the same therapeutic waters once enjoyed by nobility, complete with the soothing sounds of cascading waterfalls in the celebrated three-tiered outdoor bath.

• Imperial Heritage: Bathe in waters with royal connections dating back to the 13th century—the design inspired by the Emperor's Kyoto residence
• Architectural Wonder: Experience bathing beneath a stunning glass ceiling supported by majestic cypress beams that fill the space with natural light
• Unique Three-Tiered Rotenburo: Enjoy varied water temperatures across three outdoor cascading pools with soothing waterfall features
• Central Location: Perfectly positioned for onsen-hopping through Kinosaki's seven public baths, just steps from the scenic ropeway
• Tattoo-Inclusive Environment: Feel completely at ease with your body art fully displayed in both indoor and outdoor bathing areas
• Evening Magic: Experience the transformative atmosphere as lantern light reflects off the water surface after sunset

The centerpiece of Gosho no Yu is its magnificent three-tiered outdoor rotenburo, where therapeutic waters cascade naturally between pools of varying temperatures. The top tier begins at a comfortable 42°C, gradually increasing to 44°C in the lowest pool—allowing you to find your perfect comfort zone while gazing at the surrounding mountains. Your skin will tingle pleasantly from the alkaline spring water (pH 7.3), rich in sodium and chloride minerals known for improving circulation and softening skin.

​

Indoors, the Tenku Furo (heavenly bath) offers a different but equally rewarding experience. Natural light streams through the glass ceiling, illuminating rising steam while the cypress wood elements release a subtle, grounding aroma. The combination of mineral-rich waters and architectural beauty creates a multisensory experience that soothes both body and mind—deeply representative of traditional Japanese bathing culture.

✈️ From Kansai International Airport → 🚆 Limited Express Haruka to Osaka → 🚆 JR Limited Express Hamakaze to Kinosakionsen Station (total 3 hours)

​

🚆 From Kinosakionsen Station → 🚶 10-minute walk northwest following the willow-lined canal

​

🚋 From Kinosaki Ropeway → 🚶 5-minute walk south along the main street

No advance reservations are required for Gosho no Yu as it's a public bathhouse. Simply purchase your entry ticket at the front desk upon arrival, or show your ryokan-provided bath pass.

​

🌐 Website: Visit Kinosaki Official Site  

📞 Phone: +81 796-32-2230  

📍 Address: 448-1 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan