Arima Onsen: Japan's Ancient Healing Waters
Discover Arima Onsen: A historic Japanese hot spring town near Kobe, offering unique 'gold' and 'silver' waters for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Arima Onsen, nestled in the mountains near Kobe, is one of Japan's oldest and most renowned hot spring towns, boasting a history stretching back over 1,300 years. Known for its unique Kinsen (gold spring) and Ginsen (silver spring) waters, Arima offers a tranquil escape with therapeutic benefits, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
A brief summary to Arima Onsen
- Arimacho, Kobe, Arimacho, Kita Ward, Hyogo, JP
Local tips
- Explore the town's narrow streets and discover hidden shops, cafes, and restaurants in traditional wooden buildings.
- Visit both Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu to experience the different qualities and therapeutic benefits of the gold and silver spring waters.
- Try local delicacies such as carbonated senbei (rice crackers) and Kobe beef.
- Consider visiting during the fall to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage in Zuihoji Park.
- Purchase a combo ticket for Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu to save money and experience both bathhouses.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kobe-Sannomiya Station, take the Kobe Municipal Subway to Tanigami Station (10-15 minutes, 280 yen). Transfer to the Shintetsu Arima-Sanda Line to Arima-guchi Station, then transfer to the Arima Line to Arima Onsen Station (20 minutes, 440 yen). The entire journey takes 30-40 minutes and costs 720 yen. Alternatively, take a Shinki Bus express bus from Sannomiya Station bound for the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, which stops at Arima Onsen (25 minutes, 600 yen).
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Bus
From Osaka Umeda Station or JR Osaka Station, take a Hankyu Bus or JR Bus (currently only Hankyu Bus is operating) to Arima Onsen (60 minutes, 1400 yen). The bus also stops at Shin-Osaka Station (50 minutes, 1250 yen). From Kyoto Station, take a Hankyu Expressway Bus or Keihan Bus to Arima Onsen (approx. 60 minutes, 1850 yen). Purchase tickets in advance online.
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Car
From Kobe, Arima Onsen is about a 20-minute drive. From Osaka, it's about a 60-minute drive. Note that the hot spring village has narrow roads, so it's best to park in designated parking areas and explore on foot. Parking is available at Arima Onsen Daiichi Chushajo (600 yen for 3 hours, 100 yen per hour after) or Arimali Parking. Arimali Parking offers discounts at partner shops in the village.
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Ropeway
From Kobe, take the Hankyu Kobe Line from Sannomiya Station to Rokko Station (7 minutes, 200 yen). Take Kobe City Bus number 16 to the base station of the Rokko Cablecar (10 minutes, 230 yen). Ride the cablecar up the mountain (10 minutes, 800 yen one way or 1550 yen round trip). Take the circular bus line to the top station of the Rokko Arima Ropeway (10 minutes, 370 yen), which takes you down to Arima Onsen (12 minutes, 1400 yen one way, 2520 yen round trip). A "Rokko Arima Katamichi Joshaken" ticket is available for 1780 yen, including a one-way ride on the cablecar and ropeway plus unlimited use of the circular bus line on Mount Rokko.
Discover more about Arima Onsen
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Taiko Bridge
0.1 km
A picturesque bridge in Arima Onsen, named after Toyotomi Hideyoshi, offering a glimpse into the history and charm of this renowned hot spring town.
5-chōme-7-3 Mikagehonmachi
9.8 km
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Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway
11.5 km
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Kobe Kitano Museum
11.9 km
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Kobe Muslim Mosque
12.6 km
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The Hassam House
13.1 km
Step back in time at the Hassam House in Kobe's Sorakuen Garden, where Western architecture meets traditional Japanese landscape.
Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
13.7 km
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Kobe Port Tower
14.0 km
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Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport)
17.7 km
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Minoh Park
21.2 km
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Universal Studios Japan
22.4 km
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Tempozan Ferris Wheel
23.0 km
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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
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Juso Bridge
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Umeda Sky Building
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Unmissable attractions to see
Arima Toys and Automata Museum
0.1 km
Discover a world of play at Arima Toys & Automata Museum: Explore vintage toys, intricate automata, and hands-on exhibits in Arima Onsen.
Kin no Yu hot spring
0.1 km
Discover tranquility at Kin no Yu hot spring in Arima Onsen, where natural mineral waters provide the ultimate relaxation experience.
Gin no Yu hot spring
0.3 km
Experience the tranquility of Gin no Yu Hot Spring in Kobe, a serene escape into Japan's onsen culture with healing waters and stunning natural views.
Taikou no Yu
0.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Taikou no Yu in Kobe, where traditional Japanese onsen culture meets modern relaxation in a breathtaking natural setting.
Arima Hot Spring Ryokan Kotori
0.4 km
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Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan
0.4 km
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Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
0.5 km
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Zuihoji Park
0.8 km
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Rokko Arima Ropeway - Arima Onsen Station
0.8 km
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Tsuzumigataki Park
1.0 km
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Mount Rokkō
2.6 km
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Mt. Rokko Shrine
2.9 km
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Mt. Rokkō Snow Park
3.4 km
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Rokko Garden Terrace
3.7 km
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Rokko Morinone Museum
4.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Japanese Restaurant Hanasato KOBE
8.9 km
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Wakkoqu
11.4 km
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Tosa Shimizu World
12.2 km
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Green House Silva
12.3 km
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Hyoe's Burgers + Fries
12.4 km
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但馬牛とぼく 坐 「the」
12.5 km
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Kobe Kikusui Teppanyaki Restaurant
12.5 km
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KOKUBU Steak House
12.6 km
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Genkichi Kobe Beef
12.6 km
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Misono Kobe Main Restaurant
12.7 km
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Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya
12.7 km
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Kobe Beef Steak Ishida. Ikutashinmichi-shop
12.7 km
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Kobe Beef Koujyu
12.8 km
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Tor Road Steak Aoyama
12.8 km
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Kobe Beef Kiyama
12.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets
8.6 km
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Daimaru Kobe
13.2 km
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Kansai Tabinikki Itami Airport Store
17.7 km
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Little Osaka
22.5 km
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Universal Citywalk Osaka
22.5 km
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Universal Studios Souvenirs
22.7 km
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Bazar Osaka
22.9 km
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Tempozan Market Place
23.0 km
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UMEDA SKYBLDG GALLERY SHOP
24.4 km
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Grand Front Osaka
24.9 km
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, LUCUA 1100 Store
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Disney Store LUCUA1100 Osaka
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LUCUA Osaka
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Kiki＆Lala Yumeseiun Omoiyariboshi LUCUA 1100 Store
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EKI MARCHÉ OSAKA
25.0 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
VIEW BAR
14.2 km
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Highball Bar Umeda 1923
25.0 km
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BAR HIRAMATSU UMEDA
25.0 km
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B bar Umeda
25.2 km
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Sherlock Holmes
25.3 km
Experience the unique blend of British pub culture and Japanese izakaya at Sherlock Holmes Pub in Osaka, a must-visit for every traveler.
Bar UK
25.4 km
Discover Bar UK, a cozy bar in Osaka's Sonezakishinchi, offering a unique blend of drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for every traveler.
Bar K
25.4 km
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SUNTORY OLD BAR
25.5 km
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The Blarney Stone, Umeda
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Bar Juniper
25.5 km
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Trini
25.5 km
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バー ターロギー ソナ
25.6 km
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The Bar Elixir-k
25.6 km
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Tom&Jerry Bar
25.6 km
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Bar&Dining BlueHole
25.7 km
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