Arima Onsen is an hot-spring town that is an easy train ride from Kobe, Hyogo region.
It is one of the three ancient hot spring town in Japan, which description appeared on Japan chronicles "Nihon Shoki" that was started book 1,000+ years ago. It was said that the first mention of this onsen is bathing by a Japanese emperor in 7th century AD (or 1,300 years ago!).
Nowadays, it is wellknown for two specialty onsen in particular "Gin-no-yu" or silver hot spring and "Kinno-yu" or the golden hot spring.
Kin-no-yu access cost 650yen per adult, while Gin-no-yu costs 550yen. You can also purchase a package that includes access for both bath and a small museum Taiko-no-yu for 1,000 yen. The museum hosts a small exhibition as well is the original site of bathing house built by Hidetoshi Toyotomi when he and his wife visited Arima Onsen.
There is also a free foot bath spa outside Kin-no-yu by the side of the building outside entrance.
Hotel Kanpo-no-yado, or now branded Kamenoi has bathing house that pumped Kinsen straight from the source. It is open for non-staying guests from noon to 4pm.
History
Being an Ancient hot spring, it is said that it was popular with Japanese famous figures bathing here such as
Hidetoshi Toyotomi. Here is the statue of lady Toyotomi Nene by the riverside, under a beautiful blue winter sky.
We spotted the status of Hidetoshi Toyotomi on our return trip, the sky has darkened early in winter.
Water quality
The onsen is popular as the water is said to contain 7 out of 9 beneficial mineral that makes a hot spring receives onsen designation in Japan. There are two types of water Kinsen (or red/gold water) and Ginsen (or silver water).
Kinsen is rich with salt and iron, and contains the concentration of salt 1.5-2x times the normal ocean water. Being rich with iron, the water turns reddish-brown upon oxidising at exposure to surface air. The water is good for people with nerve pain, or joint pain, frozen shoulders, bruises, sprains, and sensitivity to cold. Iron-rich water is said to help people with better blood circulation.
Ginsen water is combination of radium spring and carbonated spring.
As you walk around town, there are various signs that are pointing to spots where hot steam gushing out.
On certain spots, you can sometimes spot hot steaming water along to side roads. As well, the hot spring sources being maintained.
Getting to Arima Onsen
Train network of Kobe city, where you can see Arima onsen on top right corner
The train station is configured such that, when you transfer a train, the next train taking you to Arima onsen awaits you and take you directly 1-2 stops away.
Unique station marker of Arima Onsen, we've arrived.
Town atmosphere
Town map
As you walk from the train station, there's various shops selling souvenirs unique to Arima Onsen. This one has good selection, and even an antique red post box next to it.
The town is decorated with various details fusion of Japanese and Western architecture.
There is free foot bath next to small stream.
The center of town "Arima-guchi" is lined up with shops along small streets selling souvenirs, food and refreshments.
And you can found serene temples, mostly Buddhism Jodo sect.
Osenji temple here honors the patrons of Arima onsen, including two Buddhist priests: Gyoki and Ninsai. Gyoki was the first Buddhist priests in Japan who received the highest designtation.
Various shops and Japanese atmosphere.
Various figures of the protector of homes?
Custom potholes, round and this rectangular ones.
Food and Eating
A good visit Arima onsen website is here that is maintained by Arima hot springs tourist association. It has a good list of eateries and restaurants. When we were there, during lunch time, the restaurants are fully packed and almost all places have a long queue.
