Among Kinosaki Onsen’s seven public bathhouses, Sato no Yu (さとの湯) is the newest. The bathhouse is just next to the town’s train station and faces the Maruyama River (円山川). Its outdoor onsen pool offers a scenic view of Toyooka City‘s nature. If you are lucky, the country’s Special Designated Natural Monument, White Stork (コウノトリ), may just come within the range of vision from the hot spring pool, making your visit more memorable!
Table of Contents
- Sato no Yu’s Facility
- The Best Time to Visit Sato no Yu
- Sato no Yu’s Business Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
Important: Sato no Yu will be closed from April 2024 until further notice for major renovation.
Sato no Yu’s Facility
The scenery from the outdoor bath isn’t Sato no Yu’s only selling point. The town’s biggest bathhouse is also equipped with Western and Japanese-style baths and saunas, including a dry sauna and a steam room. Even herbs are used to scent the air in one of the wet saunas!
Because there is only one Japanese-style and one Western-style bathing area, each gender will take turns enjoying what Sato no Yu has to offer. So, if you are a ryokan guest and have a pass that gives you free access to all public bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen, visit Sato no Yu two days in a row!
A magnificent hot spring waterfall awaits you at the open-air onsen pool on Sato no Yu’s top (third) floor. This is another reason the bathhouse attracts many visitors when the weather is good. But because the outdoor area has no roof, you can also visit Gosho no Yu on a rainy day. You can stay in the covered area and gaze at a waterfall while bathing.
If you want a jet bath, the indoor bathing area on the second floor will massage you with its water jets. Cold water pools are also available on the same floor.
Sato no Yu’s resting area is on the ground/first floor. It is quite spacious, so you can stretch and relax even when others are around.
Tip: The Japanese-style bathing area is female-only on odd-numbered days.
Furthermore, there is a free foot spa in front of the bathhouse. Why not use it while waiting for the train or as a gathering point?
The Best Time to Visit Sato no Yu
As you can imagine, Sato no Yu is a very popular bathhouse in town. But we understand that the experience wouldn’t be pleasant if it was jam packed. So when is the best time to visit it?
- Between 6 pm and 8 pm, when most ryokan guests are having dinner.
- You can also be there by 1 pm and be the first couple of guests of the bathhouse for the day.
Sato no Yu’s Business Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Sato no Yu is open daily from 1 pm to 9 pm except for Mondays.
- The admission fee is:
- 900 yen for adults
- 450 yen for children from 3 to 12
- The bathhouse is next to JR Kinosaki Onsen Station.
Other Public Bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen
As you know, Sato no Yu is just one of the seven public bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen. Especially if you plan to stay in one of the town’s ryokan, trying out other public bathhouses is highly recommended. Why? Because you will get a free pass to all of them!
For more information about the public bathhouses in town, refer to our article on the Seven Public Bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen!
Visit Kinosaki Onsen for Extraordinary Michelin Certified Sceneries
Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring resort with rich historical and cultural elements that also sports many recreational activities. In addition, the spectacular view from Mt. Daishi is the recipient of a two Michelin star rating!
So when you visit it, don’t just stay in the ryokan or public bathhouses. Explore the town!
For more information, please refer to our article on Kinosaki Onsen!
