7 New Sweet Stops in Kinosaki Onsen

    LOS ANGELES, CA, November 22, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- By the end of next month, winter will be well-approaching the hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen. As the white powder-cloaked streets set the stage for a magical winter wonderland (the crunching of geta wooden sandals against snow is a symbolic sound of the season), shop-owners are also eager to welcome chilly guests into their cheery and cozy cafes. Be sure to check out these seven newly opened cafes and shops during your next hot spring hopping adventure this coming winter:

1. Paradi
Paradi is a French-inspired bakery newly established within a formerly abandoned building on the quiet Kiyamachi Street. Fresh-baked bread, croissants, and sweets are sold to passersby appreciating the ever-changing scenery of this hidden road, ranging from cherry blossoms in spring, snow in winter, and vibrant foliage in autumn.

2. Motosue
Located just a few steps from Kinosaki Onsen Station, Motosue is a highly popular bread shop specializing in NON-GMO "tamago pan" (known as egg bread in English). Four times a day at 10:00, 11:30, 14:00, and 15:30, visitors can be found lining up in front of the shop waiting for freshly baked bread to come out of the oven.

3. Bloom Cake
Located just ten meters Goshono-yu, Bloom Cake accommodates hot spring hoppers on the go with their flower-topped cakes sold from their vending machine storefront. One of these handmade sweet bean and cream cakes goes for 500 JPY, and are only available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so be sure to walk by during the weekend.

4. Book Cafe Un
Book Cafe Un is Kinosaki Onsen's modern-day twist on the town's tradition of being a haven for the arts, furnished with mod-art lamps, book sculptures, and even private workspaces inspired by popular symbols found around Kinosaki. Those looking for a cozy retreat during their stay are welcome to pop in for a coffee and some sweets while they browse through the endless walls of books lining the cafe. Dorayaki, two small pancakes stuffed with Japanese bean paste and flavored filling, is Book Cafe Un's staple sweet.

5. Alter Ego MATIC
A hip cafe repping Toyooka's "Bag Street," Alter Ego MATIC is owned by the head designer of Alter Ego, a certified Toyooka Kaban bag boutique. Customers ordering their sweets and drinks on the first floor will receive a warm welcome from Hachibei, MATIC's friendly dog mascot and the model for Alter Ego bags. MATIC's interior is decorated with sewing machines, shabby-chic leather workings, and a rustic wood finish. Exclusive ice cream sandwiches inspired by Toyooka's willow bags are a local favorite found at this cafe.

6. Yuagari Vanilla
Especially popular with young travelers and couples, Yuagari Vanilla is a recently opened ice cream shop serving soda floats, parfaits, and other fun sweets. One of their most popular treats is three chocolate coated vanilla ice cream hearts served on a lollipop stick, a perfect quick snack for in between hot springs.

7. Katashima Seikodo
As Kinosaki Onsen prides itself on its culinary culture and hospitality, Katashima Seikodo combines both concepts with its inclusive all-gluten-free menu including cakes and French canneles (small cake-like pastries with various toppings). The shop is located in Kiyamachi Square adjacent to Kiyamachi Street and has particularly gained notoriety for its canned cake vending machine. Whether it be a small helping of canneles or a quick cake pitstop, Katashima Seikodo is the perfect gluten-free sweets shop in town.

Kinosaki Onsen is a town of time-honored hot springs dating back 1300 years ago. It is home to seven public bathhouses, all located within walking distance of each other and the train station. Guests are encouraged to wear yukata and geta, stroll through the town, and go onsen-hopping.

Toyooka is a downtown area home to the Oriental White Stork, a bird that was revived from extinction in this very town. The city's efforts restored the Oriental White Stork population, and now over 250 fly the skies of Japan. Toyooka is also known for the Genbudo Caves.

Izushi is the resident castle town, popular for its nostalgic atmosphere of Edo-era Japan. It is home to many interesting attractions such as castle ruins, a samurai house, a kabuki theater, and a clock tower. The town's specialty is Izushi Sara Soba, buckwheat noodles served in small portions on small plates.

Kannabe is a mountainous area with fun activities year-round. In the winter, one can go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. In the warm months, one can go camping, paragliding, fishing, tree climbing, and more. Kannabe is the perfect destination for adventurers.

Takeno is a quaint fisherman town that is a hidden gem among the northern coast of Hyogo Prefecture. The beach has clear, blue waters while the mountains surrounding it offer great hiking opportunities. It is encouraged to stroll through the peaceful town, where one can find small shops and traditional landscapes.

Tanto is a quiet countryside town with magnificent nature—including a giant field of tulips in the spring and brilliant red-leaved trees in the fall.

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