At a different pace than in Kyoto, we spent two night in Kinosaki Onsen, walking around in our yukata (robe) and geta (wooden sandals) to soak in the six available public onsens (and the onsen at our lodging, Yamamotoya Ryokan).

Photos, of course, are not allowed in an onsen.  Men and women bathe separately, and each of the six onsens has its own ambience. 

The process is similar regardless of the establishment.

1) Remove shoes

2) Walk into the dressing room

3) Remove clothes and put in a small locker

4) Shower – everyone must be thoroughly clean when entering the water

5) Bathe – many women keep a small towel folded on the top of their head to keep the towel dry

6) Dry off – using the small towel 

7) Get dressed

In addition to the onsens, we rode the Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway to the top of Mount Daishi.  On the way down, we stopped midway to quickly visit Onsen-ji Temple, where a monk added a goshuin to our books (more on these later!).

Kyoto Station

Otani River at night

Breakfast at our ryokan

Otani River during the day

Yukata and geta

Mount Daishi:  Stone Buddhist figure

Mount Daishi:  Stone inscription

Ropeway station

Buddhist guardian:  The facial expression!

Walking down the street, wearing yukata and geta