Toyooka City: A Journey Through Nature, History, and Hot Springs in 2 Days

With its proximity to major cities like Kyoto and Osaka, Toyooka is the perfect weekend escape. Here’s how you can spend two days exploring the best this city offers!

• Table of Contents
• Day 1: From Mysterious Nature to Soothing Hot Springs
• Day 2: Discovering Edo-Period Japan

Day 1: From Mysterious Nature to Soothing Hot Springs

Start your adventure at Toyooka Station, the region's gateway. Conveniently accessible by public transportation, it’s just a 2.5—to 3-hour train ride from Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe, making it an ideal getaway from city life. Despite being close to these major hubs, Toyooka remains a hidden gem, offering an authentic, crowd-free Japanese experience.

Genbudo Park: Step Into a Prehistoric World

One of Toyooka’s standout attractions is Genbudo Park, a geological wonder with unique volcanic rock formations. Dating back 1.6 million years, volcanic activity sculpted the area into striking hexagonal basalt columns, creating one of Japan’s most remarkable geological formations. Check the access information here.

The unique volcanic rock formations at Genbudo Park

The geometric basalt pillars of Genbudo Park

Walking through Genbudo Park feels like stepping into a prehistoric world. The towering geometric basalt pillars are a striking reminder of nature's power. A fascinating local detail is that these stones have magnetic properties—bring a magnet close, and you’ll feel a surprisingly strong pull, offering a physical connection to the ancient earth.

These stones are magnetic—if you bring a magnet close, you'll feel a surprisingly strong pull

What adds depth to Genbudo’s story is its role in Toyooka’s recent history. After the devastating Kitatajima Earthquake in 1925, stones from Genbudo were used to help rebuild the nearby Kinosaki Onsen town. Today, this natural wonder is designated as a National Natural Monument, offering stunning views and a deep connection to the region's history.

Kinosaki Onsen: Japan’s Most Foreigner-Friendly Hot Spring Town

Kinosaki Onsen removes many of the common challenges that foreign travelers face at traditional Japanese hot springs, like language barriers and tattoo restrictions. This makes it one of Japan’s most welcoming hot spring destinations for international visitors.

With a history of over 1,300 years, Kinosaki is home to seven unique onsen bathhouses, each with its own charm. Visitors stroll between them dressed in yukata (light cotton kimono) and geta (wooden sandals), fully embracing the town’s relaxed pace. The tradition of soto-yu(bath-hopping) has been cherished for centuries, offering visitors a chance to experience all 7 onsen baths. *One onsen bath is currently closed due to renovation.

While those staying at a ryokan in Kinosaki are usually given a pass to all 7 onsen, included with their stay, those who are not staying in Kinosaki can still get a day pass, which grants unlimited access to all public onsen baths for just 1,500 yen—a great value for bath enthusiasts.

One of the seven outdoor public baths

The Kinosaki Ropeway and Miharashi Terrace

After soaking, take the Kinosaki Ropeway up the mountain to Miharashi Terrace for panoramic views of the town and the Sea of Japan while enjoying coffee from the terrace café.

Retro red car of the Kinosaki Ropeway

At the summit, participate in the kawarake-nage ritual, a traditional activity where small clay discs are thrown off the mountain for good fortune.

You’ll throw three discs, which can be purchased at the summit café for 300 yen. Each represents a different blessing: yaku-yoke (warding off evil), kichi-shō (good fortune), and kano (happiness). 

If your disc passes through the ring target, your wish is said to come true! Even if you miss, the breaking of the discs symbolizes the removal of misfortune, offering a sense of spiritual cleansing and protection.

Day 2: Discovering Edo-Period Japan

On your second day, head to Izushi Castle Town, often called ‘Little Kyoto’ for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets. Walking through Izushi feels like stepping back in time, with its samurai residences, white-walled storehouses, and traditional gates.

A key landmark is the Shinkoro Clock Tower, built in 1871. This wooden clock tower stands tall against lush mountains, offering a picture-perfect view of Izushi’s timeless charm.

Arikoyama Inari Shrine: A Mini Fushimi Inari

One of Izushi’s most remarkable attractions is Arikoyama Inari Shrine, a hidden gem that bears a striking resemblance to Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine—but without overwhelming crowds.

The tranquility of Arikoyama Inari Shrine

Walking through the vibrant red torii gates snaking up the hillside, I felt an immediate sense of peace and tranquility. The air was filled with the soft sounds of chirping birds and the gentle rustling of leaves, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Quietly praying at the Arikoyama Inari Shrine

For anyone seeking a similar spiritual experience to Fushimi Inari but with more solitude and intimacy, Arikoyama Inari Shrine offers that magical feeling wrapped in the quiet embrace of nature.

Izushi Soba: 300 Years of Tradition

While wandering through Izushi, you’ll come across many soba shops. Izushi soba is a 300-year-old tradition introduced during the Edo period by the Sengoku clan from Nagano. What makes Izushi soba unique is its presentation—served on small porcelain plates, typically five or more per serving. You can enjoy the delicate noodles with condiments like green onions, grated daikon, and raw egg.

 Izushi soba is unique in its presentation—served on small porcelain plates

For a hands-on experience, join a soba-making workshop, where local craftsmen will guide you through making soba from scratch. For 3,300 yen, you can try kneading and rolling the dough and then tasting your handmade noodles. You can make your reservation through this website. If needed, use the Google Translate function for assistance.

Give it a try! It's much more complicated than it looks!

Don’t miss the modern twist on this tradition—soba-flavored macarons and soba ice cream, perfect for a sweet and refreshing treat.

Soba-flavored ice cream

One of many cute shops in Izushi

Eirakukan Theater: The Oldest Kabuki Theater in Kansai

End your journey with a visit to Eirakukan Theater, the oldest surviving Kabuki theater in the Kansai region, built in 1901. The theater offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s traditional performing arts. The hanamichi (a raised platform extending into the audience) and revolving stage allow visitors to witness kabuki performances in an authentic historical setting.

The retro charm of the oldest Kabuki theater in the Kansai region

Though it closed temporarily in the mid-20th century, Eirakukan was revived in the early 2000s through community efforts. Since reopening in 2008, the theater has hosted annual performances, keeping the kabuki tradition alive in Toyooka.

Conclusion: Discover the Best of Toyooka

Toyooka City isn’t just another stop on your itinerary—it’s a place where history, nature, and tradition come alive in ways that are hard to find elsewhere. Picture yourself wandering through the ancient rock formations of Genbudo Park, soaking in the centuries-old hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen, or strolling the Edo-period streets of Izushi Castle Town. Ready to escape the ordinary? Toyooka is waiting to show you a side of Japan that’s both timeless and unforgettable.