What other travelers are saying about Onsenji Temple, Hyogo
On the first stop of the gondola you will run into this temple. Quiet and peaceful. It has two separate parts, the main building you can go in and a museum which is further back in the path. Lots of history and the staff gives you a pamplet with info on each room. I would recommend going to the temple after you have visited the top unless you are hiking up and down the mountain
If you are going to go up the ropeway, this temple is at the half way point. It's recommended to go to the top first and on the way down stop to check out the temple and surrounding area.
I got stuck at the stop due to there not being the usual 12:30 ropeway carriage. While looking for ways to burn through some time, I noticed the temple was open and was accepting visitors. It cost 300 yen to enter and you get to see a few Buddhist statues of significance to the area. The guide also provided and english print out explaining things. The temple is incredible old and creaky so do be careful.
With that said, if you are stranded at the half way point stop and need to kill some time and don't mind spending 300 yen, it's not a bad visit to learn more about the history of that region.
One of my favorite shrines & I highly recommend to visit when in Kinosaki. They were so kind & gave us a leaflet in English that explained each building & important statues. If I’m ever back to Kinosaki, I’ll make sure to visit again 🦋
The two-meter-tall Eleven-Faced Kannon Buddha is displayed to the public in its entirety only once every 33 years for a period of three years, with the next full viewing scheduled from 2054. However, a partial glimpse of the statue can be taken every year on April 23rd and 24th during the Onsen Matsuri (hot spring festival). During the festival period, visitors can connect with the statue through colored strings tied to its wrist that lead to the viewing area.
The temple gate and ropeway's lower station are located at the western end of town, near the Kono-yu public bath house, about a 20-minute walk from Kinosaki Station. From there, you have two options: take the Kinosaki Ropeway to the intermediate Onsenji station, or walk up a steep, forested path for about 15-20 minutes. The walking path consists of approximately 450 stone steps through the forest.
In ancient times, people suffering from bodily ailments would first visit Onsenji Temple and pray before entering the healing hot springs. They would receive a "yu-shaku," or hot spring ladle that would serve as an entry ticket to the hot springs. Those who found relief would leave their canes and mobility aids at the temple altar as proof of healing. While this ritual is no longer required, visitors can still purchase the traditional ladle at the temple to honor this custom.
Entry to the temple costs 300 yen, and it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry to the Yakushido Hall at the base of the mountain is free. The temple is closed on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The adjacent Treasure Museum can be visited for an additional fee. English information materials are provided with admission.
The temple houses a Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Mercy statue that originally had 1,000 arms individually carved but now has 834 arms remaining due to wear and tear over the centuries. The main hall building dates from the early Muromachi Period and is the oldest wooden structure in the Tajima region, designated as an Important National Cultural Property. At the Yakushido Hall, visitors can find a hot spring drinking fountain said to be beneficial for digestive ailments.
