Shin'onsen, Thermal resort town in northern Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Shin'onsen is a thermal resort town in northern Hyogo Prefecture featuring natural hot springs scattered throughout its mountainous terrain. The town sits near the Sea of Japan with rivers running through it, and the San'in Main Line railway connects its different areas.
The region gained town status in 1891 under the name Hamasaka, later merging with the settlement called Onsen. This union led to the creation of present-day Shin'onsen in 2005 as an independent administrative entity.
The hot springs here are woven into daily life as locals and visitors gather at these spots to soak and socialize together. This tradition has shaped a unique community where the thermal baths serve as natural meeting places and help bind people together.
The town has several schools and railway stations along the San'in Line that make it easy to explore different parts of the area. Visitors should know that the mountainous terrain means some spots require more effort to reach on foot.
The entire town territory is designated as part of the San'in Kaigan Geopark, a special area recognized for its geological significance. This means visitors encounter rock formations and natural features that tell the story of how the landscape was shaped over time.
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