A Guide to Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen in Kobe of Hyogo Prefecture is considered one of Japan’s “big three” hot springs, alongside Gero Onsen in Gifu and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma.

With a history of more than 1,300 years, Arima is arguably one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan and has long been a beloved destination for domestic travelers. It's situated behind the scenic Rokko Mountains on the outskirts of Kobe and provides ample opportunities to experience nature, culture, and history, as well as healing and relaxation through its hot springs.

You can reach Arima Onsen from downtown Kobe in about half an hour. Buses from Sannomiya and Kobe are other options.

Kobe is relatively easy to access from other parts of the country as well. The Sanyo-Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo takes around two and a half hours to reach Kobe. For those traveling from Osaka, Kobe is a mere 20 minutes away by high-speed rail. The fastest route from Kyoto also takes just around 30 minutes.

Most of Japan’s hot springs draw their thermal power from active volcanoes. Arima Onsen, however, is located far from any volcanoes; its hot springs arise naturally from ancient seawater buried 60 kilometers beneath the surface. This unique geological phenomenon is rare and sets Arima Onsen apart from almost all other resorts.

Three specific varieties of spring waters are available here: one type of kinsen (gold springs) and two types of ginsen (silver springs). Kinsen waters contain quantities of iron and salt that become golden-brown when they react with oxygen. These waters are said to help treat neuralgia and arthritis, among other ailments. The ginsen waters at Arima Onsen include one colorless, carbonic type and one mildly radioactive type. The former supports blood circulation and metabolism, while the trace amounts of radium in the latter are said to boost immune system function and reduce fatigue.

In addition to the hot springs, Arima Onsen has beautiful views of nature, a rich spiritual lineage, and exquisite dining options to experience. Cherry trees bloom in spring, and summer is a lively season of festivals and merriment throughout the town. Autumn leaves create a wholly different atmosphere and draw tourists to the photogenic locales of Zuihoji Park and the Rokko Mountains. On the other hand, the quiet landscape of winter offers a perfect backdrop for soaking in the cozy hot springs.

Japan’s hot spring culture is directly connected to spirituality, as Buddhist tenets hold that bathing in a hot spring can purify both body and soul. A monk named Gyoki (668–749) helped popularize Arima Onsen during the Nara period (710–794) and established Onsen-ji Temple. Other spiritual sites of note include Tosen-jinja Shrine, dedicated to the tutelary Shinto deities of Arima, and Rinkei-ji Temple, where you can view beautiful plum trees in mid-March.

Arima’s modern development has been intimately intertwined with the fortunes of Kobe, the city in which it’s located. Hyogo Prefecture’s capital city, Kobe opened its ports to foreign trade in 1868. Before this pivotal moment known as the Meiji Restoration, Japan had been an insular nation and society. As Japan modernized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Arima Onsen became a site of exchange across several domains, including cuisine.

Beef was rarely eaten by Japanese society before the Meiji Restoration. The influx of foreigners to the Kobe area eventually led to the recognition of Kobe beef as a delicacy prized for its incredible texture and flavor. This beef is derived exclusively from cattle bred in the Tajima region of Kobe. Visitors to Arima Onsen nowadays can sample this luxurious meat at their lodgings or in restaurants around town.

The transnational flow of people to Kobe has also influenced other dining sectors. Kobe is said to have one of the highest concentrations of dessert and pastry shops in Japan, which you can partake in during a trip to Arima Onsen. The local shop Café de Beau serves delicious desserts like Tanba black bean bread and Arima cake rolls.

Other food-based souvenirs you can take home include carbonated rice crackers called tansan senbei and Arima sansho, a flavorful peppercorn that can be incorporated into various grilled or simmered dishes.

Fishing enthusiasts can drop by Arima Trout Pond, located just 10 minutes on foot from the main resort district. You can catch carp, trout, and other kinds of fish; you can even have them fried or salt-grilled on the spot for the freshest of meals.