©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Arima Onsen

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Arima Onsen

One of the "Three Oldest Hot Springs in Japan", located deep in the Kansai region. Two types of spring water, gold and silver, can be enjoyed.

3.36 7

Last update :
Supervised by :  Arima Onsen

A famous hot spring that represents Kansai, which springs at the northern foot of Mt. Rokko. It is a historical hot spring that appears in "Nihon Shoki" and "Fudoki", and is one of the "Three Ancient Springs of Japan". It is loved by emperors, feudal lords, writers, artists, and many other famous people, and it is especially well known that Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a frequent visitor to the spa.

The quality of the spring is roughly divided into a chloride spring called "Kinsen" (which turns reddish-brown when exposed to the air) and a colorless and transparent hot spring called "Ginsen" (carbonated spring, radium spring, etc.). You can take a bath at Kinsen(gold spring) at "Kin no Yu" public bathhouse and at Ginsen (silver spring) at "Gin no Yu" public bathhouse. Arima is famous for its reddish-brown gold spring, but the silver spring, a carbonic acid spring, is also used to make carbonated rice crackers, and the source of the carbonic acid spring is also known as the birthplace of cider in Japan.

While the city is surrounded by a rich natural environment that one would not expect to find in Kobe City, it is also lined with famous ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and a hot spring resort area with a rich hot spring atmosphere that attracts tourists. The accessibility of the area makes it easy to visit even for a day trip. It is also accessible directly from Mt. Rokko by ropeway.

Highlights

  • It takes only 30 minutes to 1 hour from Kobe and Osaka.
  • One of the oldest hot springs in Japan, mentioned in the "Chronicles of Japan”.
  • There are two types of springs: gold spring and silver spring.
  • Gold spring is a reddish-brown chloride spring. The silver spring is a clear, colorless carbonic acid spring.
  • A full lineup of famous inns, but also a full range of day-trip facilities.

Photos

  • The center of a hot spring resort area lined with large ryokan (Japanese-style inns)

    The center of a hot spring resort area lined with large ryokan (Japanese-style inns)

  • Public bathhouse "Kin no Yu"

    Public bathhouse "Kin no Yu"

  • Townscape full of hot spring atmosphere around " Kin no Yu "

    Townscape full of hot spring atmosphere around " Kin no Yu "

  • The carbonic acid spring source is under a building that looks like a shrine.

    The carbonic acid spring source is under a building that looks like a shrine.

  • Carbon dioxide fountains can also be drunk.

    Carbon dioxide fountains can also be drunk.

Reviews

7

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Jk
    See More

    Hot white steam and a faint rusty mineral scent immediately drift through the air, making you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-fashioned Japanese movie! Ranked as one of Japan’s Three Ancient Hot Springs, its history goes back so far that even ancient emperors, nobles, and the great Sengoku-era ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi couldn’t get enough of it, coming here from time to time to soak and recover. The entire hot spring town is built along the mountainside. As you slowly climb the winding, hilly stone-paved path called Yumotozaka, you’ll see old-fashioned wooden machiya townhouses, teahouses, and souvenir shops made of dark wood lining both sides. With the crisp clacking of wooden geta, even just wandering around feels incredibly relaxing and restorative.
    The most exciting highlight of Arima is definitely its two magical hot springs with completely opposite qualities—Kinsen and Ginsen! Kinsen is originally clear when it emerges, but because the water contains extremely high concentrations of iron ions and salt, it oxidizes upon contact with the air and turns a rich reddish brown. It looks just like a pool of warm, creamy milk tea. It retains heat extremely well, warming your entire body and really driving away the cold. Even the free public footbath by the entrance is always filled with travelers relaxing and soaking their feet. Ginsen, on the other hand, is a clear and transparent carbonated and radioactive spring. After soaking, your skin feels silky smooth, and the circulation throughout your body feels better. Two kinds of enjoyment, all in one visit!
    Besides soaking until every pore in your body feels refreshed, the local street food around the hot spring town is impossible to resist! Freshly made, steaming onsen manju are soft, fragrant, and sweet when you bite into them. The thin, crisp traditional tansan senbei have a light sweetness, and you can also grab a cold, refreshing bottle of local Arima carbonated soda along the way. The moment the refreshing bubbles burst on your tongue, they perfectly balance the lingering warmth from the hot spring.

  • 王小鈞
    See More

    I originally planned to just stop by Arima Onsen for a soak, but I ended up liking it more than I expected.
    The entire hot spring town has so much character. Walking along the stone-paved streets, you'll find small shops full of Japanese charm on both sides. Browsing around and snacking along the way never gets boring. No wonder this is one of Japan's three ancient hot springs—even Toyotomi Hideyoshi loved coming here to soak and relax.
    I think the most charming thing about Arima Onsen isn't just the hot springs, but its leisurely pace. There's no need to rush anything. You can sit and rest at a shop, soak your feet in a footbath, and then enjoy a proper hot spring soak. The whole day feels so relaxing.
    If you're visiting Kobe, I really recommend adding Arima Onsen to your itinerary. Whether you want to soak in the hot springs, take a walk, or simply clear your mind, it's well worth a visit. You'll definitely want to stay a little longer.

  • Diana Lee
    See More

    If you come to Japan, you have to try one of the three great hot springs, and Arima Onsen is one of them! It's really easy to get here from Kobe. We tried two different types of hot springs and also explored the little streets nearby and enjoyed some snacks. It was a great way to experience Japanese hot spring culture. I absolutely loved it!

  • Wai Wai Wim
    See More

    One of Japan's three most famous hot springs. The streets have a charming, traditional vibe. I really love it here.

  • 曹春
    See More

    Arima Onsen is really famous in Japan. The hot spring town has all kinds of souvenirs and local specialties to buy. It's such a relaxing little town.

See more reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
有馬温泉
Postal Code
651-1401
Address
Arimacho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo
Telephone
078-904-0708 (Arima Onsen Tourist Information Center)
Closed
Arima Onsen Tourist Information Center is closed on January 1
Hours
Free to stroll around the hot spring resort (Arima Onsen Tourist Information Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Directions
Short walk from Kobe Electric Railway Arima Onsen Station
*Direct buses are available from Osaka, Sannomiya, Takarazuka, and other areas.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa