Onsen-ji Temple
温泉寺
The guardian temple of Kinosaki Onsen, founded in 738 by the monk Dōchi. Its main hall is an Important Cultural Property, and paying respects here before bathing is a tradition.
Onsen-ji was founded in the Nara period by the monk Dōchi, who developed Kinosaki Onsen. It belongs to the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist school. Its principal image, the Eleven-Faced Kannon, is a National Important Cultural Property and is displayed only once every 33 years. The main hall dates from the Muromachi period. The Yakushi-dō hall beneath the gate enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the guardian of the hot springs. By tradition, visitors pray here before bathing. At the foot of the mountain, the Kinosaki Art Museum displays temple treasures. You can get off the cable car at the middle station, and the main hall costs about 300 yen to visit.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:30 (main hall)
Nearby sights
- Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway
- Kinosaki Seven Public Baths
- Otani River Willow Street
- Kinosaki Literary Museum
- Genbudo Park
- Kinosaki Marine World
- Takeno Beach
- Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork