Visited Kansai area for koyo from end Nov for 13 days.
Overall itin – KIX > Osaka (o/n) > Kinosaki onsen (o/n) > Amanohashidate (o/n) > Kyoto (4n) > Biwako (3n) > Osaka/Namba (3n)
Stayed in Osaka/Umeda overnight after landing in KIX. On next morning took JR express train to Sanda, Hyogo Prefecture (40 min direct) and picked up a rental car. Dropped by Kogen-ji along the way to Sannin area.
Kogen-ji (高源寺)
Took about an hour to arrive at Kogen-ji along national roads. Picked this temple to catch its Tenmoku maple (天目かえで), which was said to be brought back from Mt Tenmu, Hanzhou (China) by its founding master monk where he was trained. The Tenmoku maple is characterized by smaller leaves and drooping branches.
Koyo was past peak when viewed from behind the 3-storey pagoda, let alone with plenty of falling leaves when stepping onto the temple ground. There were not many visitors on a normal weekday and we stayed for around 1 hour.
Kinosaki onsen (城崎温泉)
Arrived at Kinosaki onsen town and took ropeway uphill. Nice views with peak koyo. Returned to onsen town and strolled around before checking into onsen hotel.
On top of the Kinosaki ropeway station
Had a sumptuous crab and beef dinner course in onsen hotel. One whole seasonal crab was served for each person with servings including steamed, grilled etc. Dinner commenced from 18:30 and it took well over 2 hours to finish – almost a record !
Took a stroll at dusk for night views as well as to help digestion. Luckily it was chilly though w/o strong wind. While there are several public onsen houses with free entry for staying customers, we did not bother but content with the rotenburo inside onsen hotel that we stay as usual.
On next morning had breakfast and strolled around before checking out.
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