Yes, Kou no Yu Onsen allows guests with tattoos without restrictions.
Nestled among the willow-lined canals of Kinosaki Onsen, Kou no Yu (鴻の湯) stands as a living monument to Japan's bathing traditions, with roots stretching back 1,400 years. This historic bathhouse owes its origins to a captivating legend—an injured oriental white stork discovered and healed itself in these therapeutic waters, giving rise to both the name "Kou" (stork) and Kinosaki's enduring symbol. Unlike many traditional onsen across Japan, Kou no Yu embraces visitors with tattoos, making it a perfect destination for international travelers seeking authentic Japanese bathing culture without worry or restriction. Here, centuries of tradition blend seamlessly with modern inclusivity against a backdrop of rustic wooden architecture and tranquil garden views.
Fully Tattoo-Friendly: Kou no Yu welcomes guests with tattoos of any size without restrictions. No covering required, no private reservations necessary—simply enjoy this historic bath as generations have before you.
- Living Heritage: Experience one of Kinosaki's oldest bathhouses, linked to the town's founding legend of healing storks
- Tattoo-Inclusive Environment: Enjoy complete acceptance regardless of tattoo size or design
- Therapeutic Waters: Benefit from alkaline-rich springs known for skin-softening and muscle-relaxing properties
- Garden Rotenburo: Immerse yourself in an outdoor rock garden bath where nature and tradition harmonize
- Auspicious Tradition: According to local belief, bathing here brings good fortune in marriage and longevity
- Authentic Architecture: Admire traditional wooden construction featuring hinoki cypress elements
- Uncrowded Atmosphere: Often less busy than other Kinosaki baths, offering a more intimate experience
Onsen Facilities & Amenities
Bathing Experience & Onsen Etiquette
Stepping into Kou no Yu feels like traveling through time. The indoor bath welcomes you with the gentle aroma of hinoki cypress, its deep waters inviting tired muscles to surrender to warmth and weightlessness. Steam rises from the surface, carrying minerals that have soothed bathers for centuries. The true highlight awaits outside, where the rotenburo garden bath offers a communion with nature. Here, the alkaline-rich waters (pH 8.4) embrace your body with sodium and calcium minerals that leave skin noticeably softer. Surrounded by artfully arranged rocks, moss, and seasonal plants, the 40-42°C waters work their magic on both body and spirit—dissolving tension while you gaze at the sky or stars through rising steam.
Prices & Ticket Options
- Adults: ¥800
- Children (under 12): ¥400
- Towel Rental: ¥200-¥350
- Onsen Pass: ¥1,300 (access to all seven Kinosaki public baths, valid for 1 day)
- Two-Day Pass: ¥2,000 (recommended for complete Kinosaki experience)
Booking & Contact Information
No advance booking required—simply purchase tickets at the entrance. As with all Kinosaki public baths, Kou no Yu operates on a first-come, first-served basis and maintains consistent year-round hours.
🌐 Website: Visit Kinosaki
📞 Phone: +81 796-32-2195
📍 Address: 610 Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka-shi, Hyogo 669-6101
Opening Hours
- Monday: 7:00 – 23:00
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 7:00 – 23:00
- Thursday: 7:00 – 23:00
- Friday: 7:00 – 23:00
- Saturday: 7:00 – 23:00
- Sunday: 7:00 – 23:00
Guest Reviews from Tattooed Travellers
Good efficient check in. Nice place. Tattoo friendly.
Nice tattoo friendly onsen. It costs 700 yen to enter unless you have a onsen day pass. There is one indoor and one outdoor onsen, gender separated. The indoor one was a bit too hot for me, the outdoor was perfect. The place is spacious but can get easily crowded during the holidays. After the onsen, I reccomend getting a milk coffee from the vending machine and trying their massage chair. It's 100 yen for 10 minutes, it was very relaxing.
🚆 Kinosaki Onsen Station → 🚶 15-minute walk northwest along the Otani River 🚌 Free Ryokan Shuttles → 🚶 Brief walk (most ryokan offer shuttle service to public baths) 🚅 From Osaka/Kyoto → 🚆 2.5-hour Limited Express train to Kinosaki Onsen Station 🚶 Walking Tip: Follow the canal-side walkway past willow trees; Kou no Yu sits near a small bridge
Map
FAQ
Question text goes here
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Overview