Understand

Arima Onsen, one of Japan's Three Old Hot Springs, has a rich history that dates back to the Nihon Shoki in 631. The hot springs of Arima come in two distinct varieties. The Gold Spring, known as Kinsen, boasts a beautiful yellow-brown color due to its iron and salt content. On the other hand, the Silver Spring, called Ginsen, is colorless but holds a subtle radioactive quality. The picturesque landscape of Arima becomes even more enchanting during cherry blossom season and the autumn leaves in November. Aside from its natural beauty, Arima Onsen is renowned for its geisha performances, or geigi as they are known in the local dialect. The village utilizes three primary sources of natural mineral water from the mountains: two hot springs, one with silvery water and the other with golden water, and a cold spring used for bottled water and cooking. Witnessing the machinery that pumps hot water from the mountain, producing steam and rumbling sounds, is truly a magnificent spectacle. This incredible thermal experience holds special significance as Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a key figure in Japan's unification, was fond of Arima Onsen and left a lasting legacy here.

Get in

Are you planning a trip to Arima Onsen from Kobe or Osaka? Well, you're in luck because there are three exciting ways to get there: the cheapest way, the practical way, or the fun but expensive way. Let's start with the practical way. You can take the Hanshin, Hankyu, or Sanyo Line to Shinkaichi, just west of Kobe. From there, transfer to the Kobe Railway Arima Line and ride it all the way to Arima Onsen. Make sure to switch trains at Arimaguchi station. If you're coming from JR, get off at Kobe's Sannomiya station, take the Kobe Subway to Tanigami, and connect to the Kobe Arima Line. The whole trip will cost around 900-1000 yen and take about half an hour. Now, let's talk about the fun way. Take the Hankyu line to Rokko station and continue your journey up Mt. Rokko on the cablecar. Enjoy the breathtaking views during the 10-minute ride. Once you reach the top, hop on the bus loop line for another 10 minutes and reach the Rokko Arima Ropeway. Take the ropeway down to Arima Onsen, which will give you an amazing 12-minute scenic ride. You can also consider getting the Rokko Arima Katamichi Jshaken combination ticket, which is slightly cheaper and allows you to explore the top of Mt. Rokko. Just keep in mind that this route is not recommended if you're carrying heavy luggage. Lastly, let's talk about the cheapest way. Head to Sannomiya bus terminal and catch one of the buses that go directly to Arima Onsen. The journey takes about 50 minutes and costs 720 yen. Since the final destination is Arima Onsen, you won't have to worry about missing your stop. You can simply pay the driver when you get off. Please note that the bus is quite small and doesn't have much space for heavy luggage, so it's ideal for backpackers. Now you have all the information you need to plan your exciting trip to Arima Onsen. Choose the option that suits you best and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing