Arima Onsen (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Arima Onsen, located in Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's most historic hot spring resorts. It has long been considered one of the "Three Oldest Hot Springs of Japan," and has such a long history that it has even appeared in waka poetry and historical texts. The hot springs are characterized by two types: the brown "kinsen" spring, which contains iron and salt, and the colorless "ginsen" spring, which contains carbon dioxide, and the fact that you can enjoy both is an attraction.

The hot spring town is lined with inns, souvenir shops, and footbath spots along the mountain slopes, and you can enjoy strolling through narrow alleys and cobblestone streets that retain a nostalgic atmosphere. There is a wide variety of things to do, from the hot spring therapy culture of luxury inns to day-trip bathing, public baths, and footbath cafes, and you can enjoy the hot springs along with the scenery of the four seasons.

Highlights

• Golden Bath and Silver Bath: Arima's leading public bath. You can experience the gold spring (brown water containing iron and salt) and the silver spring (clear water containing radium and carbon dioxide) (usually in a separate building and for an additional fee).
• Stroll around the hot spring town: Walk along the alleys lined with long-established souvenir shops, Japanese sweets (Arima carbonated rice crackers, etc.), sake breweries, pottery stores, etc. At night, the calm atmosphere illuminated by the lights is appealing.
• Footbath spot: There are several foot baths that can be used for free or at a low cost, allowing you to take a short break and enjoy the hot spring atmosphere.
• Sightseeing spots and historical sites: There are many spots where you can feel the history, such as stone monuments that you can see while strolling through the hot spring town, inns with old gates, and temples and shrines.
• Surrounding nature and views: The scenery is set against the backdrop of the Rokko Mountains. Depending on the season, the autumn leaves and fresh greenery are beautiful.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line). The hot spring town is within walking distance from the station (there is a slope).
• From Sannomiya (Central Kobe): Approximately 30 to 40 minutes by train or bus from Sannomiya Station (Kobe-Sannomiya). Travel time varies depending on the line and transfers, so please check the timetable or route search before setting off.
• From Osaka (Umeda): Approximately 60 minutes by train and transfer. Direct sightseeing buses and tours are also available.
• From Shinkansen (Shin-Kobe): From Shin-Kobe Station, you can access the area by public transportation (subway, bus) or tourist route. The journey takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the route.
• car: Accessible via the Hanshin Expressway and Chugoku Expressway. Parking is available at inns and public paid parking lots. It can get crowded or full on weekends and holidays, so we recommend arriving early.
• *Specific routes and times may vary depending on the departure point and time of day. Please check the latest information on Google Maps or the official public transport website.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: The recommended time for a stroll around the hot spring town, foot baths, local gourmet food and souvenirs, and enjoying either Kin-no-yu or Gin-no-yu is 3 to 5 hours.
• One nightThe standard plan is to arrive in the evening, enjoy the hot springs and a leisurely banquet at the inn, and then take a morning bath and stroll the next morning. You can fully enjoy it in two days and one night.
• Relaxed stay: If you plan to combine a hot spring cure with sightseeing in the surrounding area (Mount Rokko and Kobe city), we recommend staying for two nights or more.

Nearby spots

• Mount Rokko (Top of Mount Rokko): Observation deck, Rokko Garden Terrace, hiking trails, etc. Accessible by car or public transport, you can enjoy nature and the night view.
• Kobe/Sannomiya area: You can also extend your trip to Kobe's port area (Harborland, Kitano Ijinkan-gai), creating an itinerary that combines hot springs with city sightseeing.
• Museums such as the Arima Toy Museum: There are small museums, archives, and facilities showcasing local traditional crafts scattered around the area.
• Hiking trails and nature walks:Trekking and nature observation spots in the Rokko Mountains are nearby.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: It gets very crowded on weekends, national holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and the New Year holidays. We recommend making reservations and checking in advance for overnight stays and day trips to the baths.
• Bathing etiquettePlease observe general hot spring etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing your body in the washing area before bathing, and not putting towels in the bathtub. Rules vary depending on the public bath or inn, so be sure to check the posted notices.
• Tattoo: Some facilities prohibit people with tattoos from entering the baths. Some places even prohibit small tattoos, so please check in advance or prepare a sticker to cover it.
• Health precautions: Hot water and long bathing periods can put strain on the body. If you have a chronic illness such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, please consult your doctor before bathing.
• Characteristics of the spring quality: The gold spring water contains a lot of iron and salt, which may affect clothing and accessories (such as discoloration). Please remove and store valuables and metal accessories.
• Climate and clothing：Because it is located in the mountains, there are large temperature differences between seasons. Be sure to dress warmly in winter and be careful of slippery roads on rainy days. There are many slopes and stairs, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
• Business hours and holidays: Ryokan (Japanese inns), public baths, and restaurants have different opening hours and regular holidays. In particular, for day-trip bathing, the reception hours may be limited depending on the facility, so be sure to check in advance.

Arima Onsen is a hot spring resort that is attractive for its history, the quality of its spring water, and the atmosphere of the hot spring town. You can get a feel for the hot springs even with just a short stroll, but it is recommended that you stay overnight and enjoy the hot springs from dusk until night and the next morning. When planning your trip, be sure to check the latest information on transportation and bathing facilities.