Ancient Spring of Japan
With a legacy of over a thousand years, Arima Onsen is renowned as one Japan's three oldest hot springs. Favored throughout its long history by visiting emperors, powerful feudal lords, and the like, Arima Onsen has built a reputation as a pre-eminent getaway destination conveniently tucked away in the mountains just a short trip away from Kobe and Osaka. For a taste of traditional Japan, Arima Onsen makes an excellent hot spring excursion on any Kansai (Western Japan) travel itinerary.
In addition to its splendid historical background, Arima Onsen is unique for possessing two types of hot springs in one location, which have been naturally abundant since ancient times. The first of these hot springs, Kinsen, or "gold spring", is a ferruginous sodium chloride hot spring. The second type of hot spring found in Arima Onsen is known as Ginsen, or "silver spring", a colorless carbon dioxide spring featuring very small amounts of radon.
Arima Onsen also offers much more than just its history and luxurious hot springs. Throughout the year there are delectable specialities to enjoy local to the region. In winter time, juicy and decadent snow crab is the star of the menu, while in summer, it is hamo, a type of conger fish with an unusual appearance but delicious taste. Year-round, visitors can enjoy truly authentic Kobe beef, celebrated worldwide for its beautifully marbled tenderness and heavenly savory aroma.
As a hot spring resort town, the primary mode of accommodation is the ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn. Ryokan are famed for possessing a quintessentially Japanese atmosphere--from not only an architectural or culinary standpoint, but from a hospitality perspective too. Staff are typically dressed in kimono and make it their mission to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
This atmosphere does not remain only in the ryokan; it can also be easily found throughout the town. There is plenty of classical architecture and streets in Arima Onsen, which is totally walkable by foot. Those desiring a relaxing getaway who would like to get in touch with the few remaining vestiges of Old Japan are welcome in hospitable Arima Onsen.
Can't wait to pay a visit? Make your booking at a ryokan or hotel in Arima Onsen now!
Access
Boasting close proximity to both central Kobe city and Osaka, access to Arima Onsen, despite being tucked away in the mountains with a sense of peaceful seclusion, is convenient and relatively quick, making it an ideal getaway destination for those who prefer to not be too far away from the conveniences of the big city.
Rail: From Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe Stations, take the subway to Tanigami Station, then take to the Shintetsu Arima-Sanda line to Arima-Guchi Station. Transfer to the Arima line and get off at Arima Onsen Station. This trip takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes and costs less than 1000 JPY.
Bus: Direct buses to Arima Onsen can be found departing from Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe Stations in Kobe, or Umeda, Osaka, or Shin-Osaka Stations from Osaka.
Air: Domestic flights to Kobe Airport are most convenient. From Kobe Airport, take the monorail to Sannomiya Station and follow the rail instructions above. The closest international airport is Kansai International Airport, but please note that it may take several hours to get to Arima Onsen from here.
Other: For those looking for adventure, a cablecar and ropeway route to Arima Onsen departing from Mount Rokko is a fun and scenic alternative.
-
Hot Springs Resort Town
Arima Onsen ranks as one of Japan's "Three Ancient Springs", being mentioned in various historical documents since the 8th century. With its close proximity to Kobe and Osaka, the hot spring resort town still continues to draw visitors seeking a peaceful and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of Old Japan, where the level of hospitality found in ryokan staff will warm your heart and put your mind at rest.
-
Main Street
Pictured here is the main street of Arima Onsen. You'll see plenty of people wearing yukata (a casual style of kimono) as they meander through the town. A fun pastime is snacking while exploring the streets where the shops are all lined up neatly. With a fair number interesting shops to browse and cafes to browse, you'll have a nice, leisurely time.
-
Snack to Your Heart's Content
You'll find many tastes to try in Arima Onsen: croquettes made with savory Kobe Beef, freshly baked tansan sembei, a carbonated cracker, onsen manju, a steamed bun filled with sweetened red bean paste, akashiyaki, a type of fried dumpling similar to takoyaki, soft-serve ice cream made with soy milk, a carbonated cider beverage made with Arima Onsen's naturally carbonated spring water--the list goes on and on.
-
Bars and Cafes
Open till evening. Freshly-baked bread and coffee. Arima Onsen Cider, beer and snacks. If you get a little fatigued while exploring the town, take a rest here.
-
Temples and Shrines
There are temples and shrines located here and there around Arima Onsen. Try visiting each one as a Japanese pilgrim would, or get a paper fortune to see what kind of luck you have.
-
Source of the Hot Spring
What is this strange and large contraption pictured here? It's a gensen, or spring source. You'll find seven of them in various locations throughout Arima Onsen. Be careful though! These pipes gush water that's over 100 degrees celsius!
Featured Hotels
-
Arima Onsen Arima Grand Hotel
Guest Rating: 4.4
Special Offer: Weekdays only! AQUASpa half-price!
ONSEN(Hot Spring)!Breakfast and Dinner Plan
STARTING FROM
23,180 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Hyoe Koyokaku
Guest Rating: 4.62
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + 3 popular baths
HOT!Kobe Beef Plan -- Kaiseki Cuisine in the room
STARTING FROM
21,600 JPY
-
Arima Gyoen
Guest Rating: 4.3
Special Offer: Complimentary kinsenyaki--specialty Arima sweets!
Couple Plan
STARTING FROM
17,820 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Kadonobou Ryokan
Guest Rating: 3.67
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + fantastic hot spring quality
Breakfast and Dinner Plan
STARTING FROM
24,840 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Kosenkaku
Guest Rating: 3.87
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + lovely scenery
ONSEN(Hot Spring)!Gourmet Plan
STARTING FROM
19,500 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Miyukiso Hanamusubi
Guest Rating: 4.27
Special Offer: Reserve our private golden spring outdoor bath with a view at no extra charge!
Rakuten award winning 2013
STARTING FROM
19,440 JPY
-
Arima Royal Hotel
Guest Rating: 3.75
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + scenic location in front of Onsendera Temple
HOT!KOBE BEEF
STARTING FROM
22,300 JPY
-
Arima View Hotel Urara
Guest Rating: 4.13
Special Offer: Complimentary admission to Taiko-no-yu onsen theme park!
Sukiyaki and ARIMA Cider ice cream
STARTING FROM
22,074 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Choraku
Guest Rating: 4.34
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + lovely scenery and both golden and silver hot springs
Steak kaiseki of Kobe beef
STARTING FROM
23,612 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Negiya Ryohukaku
Guest Rating: 4.19
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + renovated bathing facilities
HOT!kobe-beef plan
STARTING FROM
18,940 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Gekkoen Yugetsu Sanso
Guest Rating: 4.01
Special Offer: Book 14+ days early and save!
Book Earlier! Save More!Couple Plan
STARTING FROM
19,548 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan
Guest Rating: 4.52
Reserve our private bath (kashikiriburo) with a view at no extra charge!
Book Earlier! Save More!Private bath
STARTING FROM
20,088 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Nakanobo Zuien
Guest Rating: 4.77
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + luxury ryokan (children not allowed)
Check it!Deluxe Dinner Plan
STARTING FROM
42,190 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Maple Arima (the Maple)
Guest Rating: 4.3
Special Offer: Wonderful silver spring bathing facilities!
StandardCourse Kiraku 1night with2meals
STARTING FROM
15,400 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Kanpo no Yado Arima
Guest Rating: 4.1
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + on-site hot spring source
KOBE BEEF Plan
STARTING FROM
19,020 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Motoyu Ryusenkaku
Guest Rating: 4.25
Special Offer: Complimentary pool access!
Breakfast and Dinner Plan
STARTING FROM
19,000 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
Guest Rating: 4.22
Reserve our private baths at no extra charge + outdoor golden and silver spring baths!
traditional dinner course
STARTING FROM
22,000 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano
Guest Rating: 4.38
Special Offer: Book early and save!
Early Booking Plan
STARTING FROM
25,920 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Goshobo Hotel Group
Guest Rating: 3.89
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + Arima Onsen's most historic ryokan
Check it!KOBE BEEF and TAJIMA BEEF Gourmet
STARTING FROM
20,700 JPY
-
Hotel Sanso Arima Kokaen
Guest Rating: 4.09
Special Offer: Complimentary admission to Taiko-no-yu onsen theme park!
Rakuten Travel Only!No-meal Plan
STARTING FROM
4,800 JPY
-
Arimasanso Gosho Bessho
Guest Rating: -
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + luxury resort accomodations
Breakfast and Dinner Plan
STARTING FROM
43,700 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Kamiobo
Guest Rating: 3.8
Special Offer: Fantastic hot spring quality!
Rakuten Travel Only!ONSEN(Hot Spring) Plan
STARTING FROM
6,630 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Hashinoya Annex Ransui
Guest Rating: -
Enjoy delicious Kobe beef + feel at home in this hidden luxury ryokan
Breakfast and Dinner Plan
STARTING FROM
27,000 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Hotel Hana Hanakoyado
Guest Rating: 4.56
Special Offer: Book early and save!
Early Booking Plan
STARTING FROM
16,000 JPY
-
Arima Onsen Abrigo
Guest Rating: -
Special Offer: Book out the entire building and have the facilities all to yourself!
For Group!One building charter
STARTING FROM
55,800 JPY
-
Rokkosanroku Arima Onsen Hotel Morgen Rote
Guest Rating: 4.67
Special Offer: Complimentary ticket to silver hot spring bathing facilities!
No-meal Plan
STARTING FROM
5,500 JPY
-
Kotori
Guest Rating: 4.91
Special Offer: Complimentary access to Hanamusubi outdoor bath!
ONSEN(Hot Spring)!Breakfast Plan
STARTING FROM
9,180 JPY