“Can I wrap myself with a towel?” I thought to myself.

When I said this out loud in my head, naked women strolled by me in the pubic shower. I peeped over as they walk, trying not to look like a creep. But, I realized I'm only allowed to bring a face cloth with me before heading out to the Japanese hot springs. I returned awkwardly into the ladies’ room and shuck off my last bit of security.

Japanese bath hopping in their beautiful yukatas in Kinosaki Onsen

Hot Spring Resort Town – Kinosaki Onsen

Kinosaki Onsen was a popular hot spring sanctuary where we got our first dip at this bathing culture in Japan. As part of our honeymoon trip, I wanted Will and I to get pampered and relaxed. The trip to the town took about 3 hours via the bullet train (one of the fastest trains in the world!) from Osaka Station. The train ride although long, was the most comfortable ever. Not only that the train was fast, smooth and spacious, the view was amazing to look at!

Japanese love their natural hot springs for a lot of good reasons. They claimed that the water was magical! The natural minerals in the water could cure a lot of health issues such as stiff muscles and pain, improve digestive problems and soften skins! Hence, many locals love spending their time here as a relaxation getaway.

Superior Service and Suite at Yuraku Kinosaki Spa & Gardens

We arrived on a quiet Thursday afternoon. And that meant fewer people to photobomb our pictures at this beautiful town! We grabbed some quick bites in the old-fashioned looking town just before checking in at our Ryokan – traditional Japanese inn with woven straw mat (known as tatami).

We felt a phenomenal customer service as soon as we entered Yuraku Kinosaki Spa & Gardens. Besides having a shuttle bus to pick us up from and to the train station, their concierge lady also knew how to speak in Chinese! And that wasn't just it. The bell boy escorted us to take the elevators up to our room while he ran 3 floors with all of our heavy loaded bags. Yet, he still managed to appear in front of us before the doors opened! All without breaking a single sweat! I always knew Japanese perform one of the top customer services but this just had us blown away!

Let’s talk about the room! I should call it a suite because it was huge, equipped with two private toilets, a great size dining area and a living room that you could section off with a sliding door! As a kid, I was always into these traditional tatami rooms. I got to sleep on a thin mattress (futon) on the tatami floor and rolled around like a baby. And the best part of the room? Definitely the balcony looking out to the exquisite garden view!

Every visitor must change into their Yukatas provided by their Ryokans before heading out to the hot springs

Bath Hopping to 7 Public Hot Springs!

With our stay at any Ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen, we also got a free pass to sample all 7 other public hot springs. I was beyond excited because bath hopping was a must-do activity in this famous hot spring resort town!

We got into our Yukata (Japanese style bath rope) and wooden clogs provided by our Ryokan and began our first bath hopping experience.  Thankfully, both men and women were separated in the hot springs. Hubby was smart enough to do his homework about its etiquette before coming here. Whereas, I thought I'd just take it as it comes.

I got into the change room. I saw ladies of all sizes stripped down to nada and showered beside each other in the bath area! I was astonished. I crept into a side corner where I sat on a stool and started lather myself with soap like all others. Everybody was supposed to shower and rinse before entering the hot spring. But I felt uncomfortable being naked around people I didn't know. But, nobody else seemed to care of my existence. I tossed a bucket of cold water over my head to rinse free of soap. I imitated others cautiously, and returned the stool to its original state as soon as I was done.

Outdoor hot spring of Yuraku Kinosaki Spa & Garden

I entered into my first outdoor hot spring and sat among all other naked bodies. The hot spring was built by natural stones and surrounded by greenery. I could even hear crickets chirping too! An experience very down to earth and soothing. To be honest, I was a little taken aback by the blatant nakedness at first. I didn’t know where to lay eyes on. But after soaking in and absorbing the goodness of nature, I felt relaxed and could care less about these strangers. I won’t be seeing them again anyway. Each natural hot spring offered a unique setting and atmosphere so I was glad that we got to try all them out.

The streets were filled with the clopping sound of these wooden clogs

14-Course Mega Feast in Our Room

Besides, bath hopping and strolling around town in wooden clogs, the feast provided by our Ryokan was a true definition of fine-dining! Our room reservation included dinner and breakfast. So, we didn’t have to worry about food during the duration of our stay at all.

The hostess set up the tables inside our room at the time we requested for each meal. And she laid out each course like a piece of art! The dining table was filled with so many dishes that she had to come back to serve us a second round! Even though, we had as many as 14 courses, the truth was some of the portions were meant to be bite-size or "fine-dining portion".

The highlight of our meal was definitely the giant crab legs and the tender Tajima beef served in two ways (grilled steak and shabu shabu)!!! I'm still thinking about them as I write this post. So delicious!

Abalone!

Breakfast in room the next morning!

Have you tried Japanese bath? Let me know what you think!