Arima Onsen

Arima is located in the north part of Kobe city, Hyogo prefecture, which has Arima Onsen (hot spring), in the center. There are records of the Emperor staying in Arima Onsen in 631. This is a historical onsen counted as one of the Three Ancient Springs in Japan. This onsen is also famous because Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the first Sengoku warrior who ruled Japan, loved this onsen. Since there are many ryokan (Japanese-style inn), hotel and onsen facilities for a day trip, many people make one-day trips from the city center of Kobe city.

(Source: ドイちゃん日記)

Great onsen of Arima: Kinsen and Ginsen

There are two kinds in Arima onsen, Kinsen, golden onsen which is brown, and Ginsen, silver onsen which is clear. In “Kin no Yu” where you can enjoy Kinsen, there is a free onsen for feet and a place for drinking hot spring water beside the paid baths. “Gin no Yu” where you can enjoy Ginsen is also a popular spot. In “Arima Onsen Taiko no Yu”, there are 26 kinds of bathtubs as well as both Kinsen and Ginsen, you can enjoy onsen of Arima all day.

(Source: LOCO / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

Walking around the onsen town

There are also many sightseeing spots such as “Onsen-ji” temple and “Arima Toys & Automata Museum” in Arima Onsen. In the center of the onsen town, you can see townscapes with a nostalgic atmosphere and this is the prime spot to take a stroll. Visiting cafes and restaurants with renovated old Japanese houses and small items shop is one of the ways to enjoy Arima Onsen.

(Source: LOCO / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

Speciality of Arima Onsen: soda pop

It is said Arima Onsen is the birthplace of Japanese soda pop. Therefore, they have many specialties made with soda pop! They have a variety of food and drinks such as Arima soda which goes down well, Soda rusk with a taste of soda pop and Soda senbei, rice cracker made with carbonated spring water, they are prime items for souvenirs.