The name can be traced back to Kagawa Shutoku, a physician in the 1700's and proponent of balneology (therapeutic effects of bathing) who called this hot spring as "best on earth". The building is built in the style of an old kabuki theater and its central location makes it one of the symbols of Kinosaki Onsen.

Goshono-yu was renewed in 2020 and features all open-air baths with beautiful natural views. Its waters are said to bring beauty and luck in love.

Mandara-yu is known historically as the first hot spring in Kinosaki Onsen. According to one legend, 13000 years ago the priest Dochi Shonin prayed for 1,000 days straight and on the 1,000th day a hot spring sprung forth where today Mandara-yu is located.

Jizou-yu is very popular with locals in town and has a retro design inspired by Japanese lanterns. The hexagonal windows are reference to hexagonal rock formations found at nearby Genbudo Park.

The name of "Kounu-yu" is derived from the local white stork, which is the symbol of Kinosaki Onsen and Toyooka. According to legend, 1,400 years ago a white stork was seen healing its injured leg in the thermal waters which lead to the discovery of the hot spring waters.

Yanagi-yu is named after the willow tree, which line the street in numbers around this hot spring located in centra Kinosaki Onsen. This hot springs operates from the evening only.