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.
Arima Onsen | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Ueno Park
Ueno Park, officially known as "Ueno Onshi Park," is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Construction Bureau, the park spans an impressive area of 530,000 square meters and has a rich history.
On this trip to Ueno, Tokyo, I specifically set aside some time to walk around Ueno Park. As soon as I entered the park, I felt that the environment was really pleasant, with large green trees, wide paths, and plenty of people strolling and relaxing. It’s truly a peaceful escape in the middle of the bustling city.
Ueno Park is a very famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. Unfortunately, this visit wasn’t during cherry blossom season, so I didn’t get to see the trees in full bloom. I can only hope to come back and enjoy them next time.
Near the pond, I also saw people taking sightseeing boats out on the water. It looked quite relaxing! However, a separate ticket is required, so I didn’t plan to take a boat this time and simply walked around the area.
I didn’t really have any particular itinerary planned. Just strolling through the park and enjoying the surrounding scenery felt very relaxing.
Ueno Zoo, various cultural attractions, and lively shopping streets are also nearby, so you can visit them together. It’s also nice to come here for a walk after a meal. It’s a place worth stopping by!
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Shinobazu Pond
Shinobazu Pond, a natural pond spanning about 2 kilometers in circumference, is situated at the southern end of Ueno Park, Japan's first urban park covering an extensive area of about 530,000 square meters. The name "Shinobazu Pond" is said to originate from the area once known as Shinobazu Hill, located between the Ueno and Hongo plateaus (there are various theories).
When visiting Ueno Park, of course you should also stop by Shinobazu Pond! I found it very pleasant here. The pond is expansive and surrounded by green trees, creating a striking contrast with the lively, busy streets of central Tokyo. Unfortunately, I didn’t visit during lotus blooming season, so I missed out on some of the romantic scenery I had been looking forward to.
The area around the pond was still lively, though, with rowboats, pedal boats, and swan boats available to rent. Watching everyone leisurely boating across the pond and enjoying the sunshine and breeze really felt like being on vacation.
Sometimes slowing down during a trip, without rushing through an itinerary, and simply taking in the scenery and experiencing how local people live is also a wonderful way to travel.
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Ueno Tosho-gu
A shrine dedicated to the first shogun of the Edo shogunate (1603-1867), Tokugawa Ieyasu.
When I arrived in Ueno, I thought I shouldn't spend the whole time rushing from place to place by train. Since I don't get to visit Tokyo often, I decided to explore slowly on foot and see what different scenery I might find along the way.
As I walked, I unexpectedly came across Ueno Tosho-gu. Since I'd made it there, of course I had to stop and take a look!
The large torii gate at the entrance has an impressive presence. Surrounded by tall trees, the entire area has a peaceful and solemn atmosphere that's very different from Ueno's bustling streets.
Ueno Tosho-gu is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it's said that people can pray here for victory and good luck. It's also a historic shrine within Ueno Park. Unfortunately, I hadn't planned to go inside this time, so I could only walk around the outside, take some photos, and admire the traditional architecture.
Although it was just a place I happened to come across during my trip, it added an unexpected surprise to my walk around Ueno. That's the thing about traveling—sometimes when you don't plan everything, you end up finding places that leave a lasting impression!
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