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, a celebrated hot spring town located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs. Its history dates back to ancient times, with mentions in historical records like the Nihon Shoki. Legend says that two gods discovered the springs when they saw injured crows healing their wounds in the waters. Over the centuries, emperors, aristocrats, and samurai have visited Arima Onsen seeking the healing powers of its mineral-rich waters. Arima Onsen is known for its two distinct types of hot spring water: Kinsen (gold spring) and Ginsen (silver spring). Kinsen is an iron-rich spring that turns reddish-brown upon oxidation. It's said to be beneficial for skin ailments, muscle pain, and arthritis. Gin no Yu is a clear, carbonated spring containing radium and carbonate. This water is believed to help with muscle and joint ailments, improve blood circulation and boost the immune system. Visitors can experience these unique waters at public bathhouses like Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu, as well as at many of the town's ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). Beyond the hot springs, Arima Onsen offers a charming townscape with narrow lanes, wooden buildings, temples, and shrines. Visitors can explore the Arima Toys and Automata Museum, relax in Zuihoji Park, and sample local delicacies like carbonated senbei (rice crackers) and Kobe beef. The town also hosts seasonal events and festivals throughout the year. Arima Onsen provides a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.
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.
A brief summary to Arima Onsen
- Arimacho, Kobe, Arimacho, Kita Ward, Hyogo, JP
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.
