Originally Posted by
evergrn
Kinosaki Onsen is probably too far out of the way for the OP, but you are right that it is a good destination as far as a place to experience an onsen town. It may be the best place for onsen in the Kansai region.
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Agree that Kinosaki is likely out of spec for the OP but just wanted to throw my two cents in for any future reference to this thread. We visited Kinosaki Onsen this past spring and really enjoyed the experience as a whole as a tourist. It was a bit of a trek from Osaka but not difficult to get to. We found the town really quaint; very walkable with people getting into the mood strolling/onsen hopping in their yukata. My only minor regret was visiting late spring during the offseason which has its typical pros and cons.