Arima Onsen

Background

Arima Onsen lies in Arima-chō, Kita Ward, Kobe, at the northern foot of Mount Rokkō. The Kin-sen contains iron and salt and oxidizes to a reddish-brown on contact with air; the Gin-sen is nearly transparent, contains carbonate and radium, and feels lighter on the skin. The town has two public baths, Kin-no-yu and Gin-no-yu, plus a free foot bath beside Kin-no-yu. The hot-spring town runs along the Arima River; the red-railed Nene Bridge, the statues of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Nene, and the area around Onsen-ji Temple and Zuihōji Park form the main walking route. Arima Onsen is counted with Dōgo Onsen and Shirahama Onsen among the "Three Ancient Hot Springs of Japan"; it is also said to rank with Kusatsu Onsen and Gero Onsen among the "Three Famous Hot Springs of Japan." According to the Nihon Shoki, Emperor Jomei bathed at Arima Onsen as early as 631. Toyotomi Hideyoshi had deep ties to Arima and is said to have visited many times; every November the town holds the Arima Great Tea Ceremony in his memory.

Local customs

• Bathe first at Kin-no-yu, then at Gin-no-yu, comparing the color, feel and after-bath sensation of the two waters
• walk through the hot-spring town to Nene Bridge and the Arima River waterside park, sampling local snacks inspired by the carbonated springs, such as tansan senbei (carbonated crackers) and Arima cider
• with more time, ride the Rokkō-Arima Ropeway toward the summit of Mount Rokkō for the views, or walk to Zuihōji Park and Tsuzumigataki Park
• stay overnight to enjoy a kaiseki dinner at an inn and the hot-spring town grown quiet at night.

Travel tips

• Day-use bathing at Kin-no-yu and Gin-no-yu is low to moderately priced, with inn stays charged separately
• check official information for prices and closing days. The two baths close on different days, so if you want to try both on the same day, check that day's opening first. The Kin-sen is hot
• on your first soak, start with a cooler pool or a short dip, then drink water and rest well afterward.
• Arima Onsen is about 25 to 45 minutes from Sannomiya Station in Kobe and under an hour from Osaka
• see the Arima Onsen Tourism Association website for routes. The main sights are within walking distance of Arima Onsen Station, and Kin-no-yu is a few minutes' walk from the station
• the Rokkō-Arima Ropeway connects toward the summit of Mount Rokkō, with schedules subject to official information. You can visit all year round: spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage make the town and Zuihōji Park especially beautiful
• in summer the mountains are cooler than the city
• in winter a stroll through town after a bath is at its most atmospheric
• stone paths are slippery in rain and snow, so watch your step.