Kinosaki Onsen is a famous hot spring resort located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and is highly popular in Japan and abroad for its beautiful townscape and historical background. Spread out in a mountain valley rich in nature, the town is lined along the river with emotional out-spa baths and ryokan (Japanese-style inns), and the atmosphere of a good old Japanese hot spring resort has been handed down to the present. The history of this hot spring is very old, dating back more than 1,300 years. There is a legendary story about its origin, and it is said that the onsen was discovered by a priest, Dochi Shonin, in the Nara period. According to the legend, when Dochi Shonin prayed for the healing of people's illnesses, he found a stork soaking its injured leg in the hot spring and healing it. This anecdote has become a symbol of Kinosaki Hot Springs, and storks are still a symbol of the hot springs today. From the Heian period to the Muromachi period, Kinosaki Hot Spring developed as a “hot-spring cure”. At that time, the hot-spring cure culture spread, and the number of people visiting for medical treatment increased. Its fame spread among aristocrats and Buddhist monks, and the hot spring resort is mentioned in classical literature such as “The Pillow Book” and “Tsurezuregusa”. In the Edo period, Kinosaki Onsen achieved further prosperity. During this period, an out-spa culture was formed, and the custom of visiting multiple hot springs scattered throughout the region was born. The “Shichiyumeguri,” or “seven hot spring tours,” as they are known today, are a remnant of this period. In addition, with the development of transportation systems and highways, the number of travelers from all over the country increased, and the area's status as a hot spring resort was established. It is known that Naoya Shiga visited the area in the Meiji period and wrote his masterpiece “At Kinosaki. Through this work, Kinosaki Onsen became a special place among writers and artists, further enhancing its literary value. In addition, the Kita-Tajima Earthquake of 1925 devastated a large part of the hot spring resort, but in the process of reconstruction, the townscape was renewed and the beautiful landscape of today was formed. In particular, willow trees were planted along the Otanigawa River, making the area a seasonal attraction. Even today, Kinosaki Onsen continues to preserve the tradition of “out-spa tours” while evolving its appeal as a tourist destination. Visitors are attracted not only by the benefits of the hot springs themselves, but also by the cuisine using fresh local ingredients and the local culture. Through its long history and cultural background, Kinosaki Onsen remains a hot spring resort that embodies the traditions and beauty of Japan.