Getting Around Locally

DRIVING

Due to the preservation of the town's buildings and atmosphere, the streets in Kinosaki are a bit narrower than most general streets. Please slow down and give the right-of-way to all pedestrians. Watch out for oncoming traffic, as all roads in Kinosaki are two-way and there will be a lot of foot traffic as well as large tour buses passing through.

Parking is a premium in Japan, as well as in Kinosaki. There are a few public parking lots scattered throughout town that charge by the hour or flat rates. Check the signage in front of the lots for pricing. If you are staying at a hotel or ryokan in Kinosaki, do call ahead to see if they have parking available. You will need to notify them ahead of time that you will be coming by car so that they can reserve you a parking spot.

Here are some websites that we suggest using as driving resources. You will find information on Japan's traffic rules, expressway tolls, rest areas, roadside assistance, self-service gas stations, and more.

TRAIN

Rural parts of Japan, including Kinosaki, are accessible by train but tend to have fewer routes, stations, and lines compared to the larger cities.
Kinosaki is located on the San'in Main Line (San'in Hon-sen), which is part of the Japan Railway, so JR passes can be used to access Kinosaki. Kinosaki's train station is called KINOSAKI ONSEN STATION. From Kinosaki Onsen Station you can reach the seaside town of Takeno, and the larger town of Toyooka with all of its izakayas & cafes. You can also get to the mountains and ski slopes of Kannabe by taking a local bus from the train station in Hidaka.
If you are traveling with the JR pass you can easily take the local train, express train, or limited express train without worrying about extra fees. For those traveling without the JR pass, we suggest using the local trains if you are looking to get to a station just a few stops from Kinosaki Onsen Station. This will cost you less and will still get you there in about the same amount of time.

Below is an outline of the stations and their nearby attractions that are just one or two stops from Kinosaki Onsen Station. Be sure to check if you will need to transfer to the local ZENTAN BUS to get where you want to go. Please note that only a limited number of trains stop at Genbudo Station.

ZENTAN (LOCAL) BUS

TAKING THE LOCAL BUS

ZENTAN BUS is the main local bus company that operates in and around Kinosaki. They have both local buses and highway buses, the highway buses traveling between Kinosaki, Kobe, Osaka, and Himeji; and are an affordable alternative to the train if you are traveling on a budget and without a JR pass.
When taking the bus you should be sure to check the bus schedule, since the weekday hours are usually different than the hours they run on the weekends and holidays. On the front of the bus above the front windshield, they display the bus's final destination, so you can use this to locate your bus. Please note that most buses display their destinations in Japanese, while some have it written in English or a romanized spelling.
To board the bus you must enter through the rear door, as passengers will be departing from the front door at the same time passengers board from the rear (located on the side of the bus in the middle). When you board, you MUST take a ticket from the machine dispensing small tickets. The ticket is marked with a number that corresponds with the display above the driver. Look for your number when you reach your destination. Your fare will be displayed under your number.

When you are approaching your destination's bus stop, you will need to press one of the small buttons to notify the driver to stop. These buttons are located along the window and aisle, so you can press the one closest to where you are seated on the bus. Timing-wise, once the driver says your bus stop as the approaching stop, push the button. The next destination / approaching stop will also be displayed on the number and price chart located at the front of the bus, above the driver.
Once you have reached your stop, walk to the front of the bus and place your ticket and bus fare in the box next to the driver. After you have paid, you may depart the bus. If you need change, there is a change machine located at the front of the bus near the driver.

TAKING A HIGHWAY BUS

Zentan also operates an express highway bus. This bus has routes between Kinosaki & Kobe and Kinosaki & Osaka. The fare is very reasonable and it is a great option for those traveling to Kinosaki Onsen on a budget and without a JR pass.

BICYCLE

A great way to get around, explore, and to see all of the hidden beauty and landscapes of Kinosaki is by bicycle. Bicycles are available for rental in Kinosaki at Kinosaki Onsen Tourist Information SOZORO and at the Hotel Information Counter. Both are located right outside of Kinosaki Onsen Station.

There are also bicycle   rentals available in Takeno (the seaside town and beach area) and Toyooka (city or downtown area).