Arima Onsen
With a history of over 1,000 years, Arima Onsen is one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan along with Dōgo Onsen in Ehime and Nanki-Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama. It attracts people from both Japan and other countries for its therapeutic hot springs and easy accessibility from Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto. Located in the north of Mount Rokko, this small town can bring you a feeling of relaxation and relief also with its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.Unique Hot Springs
The hot springs of Arima Onsen originate from underground, rich in chemical elements like iron, radium and carbonate that benefit body health. There are 7 spring sources in Arima, of which the most famous two are kinsen (gold spring) and ginsen (silver spring).1. Kinsen - Gold Spring
At the first sight of kinsen, you may feel strange at the opaque water in it. In fact, kinsen is rich in iron and salt, which makes it look red or brown when exposed to air. The elements in kinsen are effective in curing chronic skin disease, neuralgia and arthritis. And the high temperature of about 42 ℃ (107.6℉) can help improve blood circulation, which is especially beneficial for women.2. Ginsen - Silver Spring
Different from kinsen, the water in ginsen is clearer and cooler with some radium and carbonate. Carbonate is helpful in speeding up body’s metabolism and reducing dropsy, and radioactive element in water is good for strengthening physical function.Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu are two public bath houses in Arima Onsen resort town offering kinsen and ginsen hot spring bath respectively, the cost of which is 550-800 yen (4-6 dollars) and there is no accommodation service. If you have higher budget or intend to stay for a night or two, the following hotels are recommended, in which you can either take a high quality hot spring bath or stay overnight.
Recommended Hot Spring Hotels in Arima Onsen
1. Taiko no Yu
Taiko no Yu is a hot spring theme park with multiple choices for springs and leisure facilities, in which you can also experience the kinsen and ginsen. The cost of a hot spring bath is about 2,400 yen (16 dollars) per person. You can enjoy massage and body care after taking a bath. Cuisine and accommodation are supplied as well.2. Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo
Founded in 1191, this hotel is well-loved by the literati and celebrities in Japan like Junichiro Tanizaki who wrote a novel here. The Tocen Goshobo is in traditional Japanese style with a variety of rooms to choose from and a courtyard. You can take a hot spring bath either inside the room or in the courtyard.3. Nakanobo Zuien
Located at the entrance of Arima Onsen street, this hotel is easy to reach from Arima Onsen Station. Nakanobo Zuien has a history of about 150 years and there are rooms with open-air bath, from which you can get a view of the town and mountains. Spa facilities and massage service are offered as well. The cost is about 41,000 yen (288 dollars) per person. Please note that this hotel is adult-only.Tips on Taking a Hot Spring Bath in Japan
1. Wash yourself before a hot spring bath.2. Take off your underwear or bathing suit when getting into the bath.
3. If you have long hair, remember to tie it up before a bath.
4. Towel is not allowed to be taken into the bath.
5. The bathing time should be no more than 15 minutes if the spring temperature is around 40 ℃ (104℉). You may get into the bath again after cooling down.
Other Things to Do in Arima Onsen
1. Take a Stroll along Arima Onsen Street
The Arima Onsen street is small but with old Japanese style wooden buildings on both sides. You can leisurely explore the stores and restaurants here on foot.2. Drink Some Arima Cider Teppo Water
Arima Cider Teppo Water is a kind of soda drink you won’t want to miss when enjoying a meal or after a bath. It’s made by carbonated hot spring in Arima. The price is 270 yen (1.9 dollars) a bottle.3. Eat a Hand-made Tansan Senbei
Tansan senbei, well-known in Japan, is a pancake added with carbonated water from Arima Onsen. Its low price and crispy texture make it a must-try food in Arima. Fresh made senbei is 100 yen (0.7 dollars) for two, and prepackaged senbei is 1,200 yen (8.5 dollars) for 34.4. Buy a Komochihude
Komochihude is a writing brush with colorful ribbon on the tube and a little puppet on the top. When you lay the brush flat, the little puppet will shrink back, and when you pick up the brush it will reappear. Komochihude is a totally hand-made craft with both practicability and fun. Now it can only be bought in Arima at a price of 3,300 yen (23 dollars) each.How to Get to Arima Onsen
1. By Train
Step 1: Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Kyoto, Osaka or other places to Sannomiya Station in Kobe.Step 2: Take the subway from JR Sannomiya Station to Tanigami Station: 15 minutes; 280 JPY.
Step 3: Take the Kobe Dentetsu-Arima Sanda Line to Arimaguchi and then transfer to the Kobe Dentetsu-Arima Line to Arima Onsen Station: 17 minutes; 410 JPY.