Kinosaki Onsen Goshono-yu

Goshono-yu is often considered the most beautiful of Kinosaki Onsen's seven public bathhouses. Rebuilt in 2005 to resemble Kyoto's Imperial Palace, the facility features high cypress ceilings and expansive glass walls that offer bathers a view of a multi-tiered waterfall and lush forest. It is named after Emperor Go-Horikawa’s sister, who reportedly bathed here in the 13th century. The bathhouse is strictly an open-air experience following its recent renovation, focusing on the harmony between the hot water and the natural surroundings. It is a central part of the Kinosaki tradition of 'soto-yu meguri' (bath hopping) in which visitors stroll between venues wearing traditional yukata and wooden geta sandals.