Located in the north of Mt. Rokko in Kobe, Arima Onsen is one of the three most famous hot springs in Japan and one of the most popular places to visit in Kansai. I've heard about Arima Onsen for a long time, but it was only on my third trip to Kansai that I finally had the time to put Arima on my itinerary.
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Arima Onsen | Transportation
This time, since we stayed in Osaka, we arranged a one-day tour to Arima and back on the same day. There are many transportation options from Osaka to Arima, and the fastest way to get there is within an hour, but we were not in a hurry for a one-day tour, so we purchased Hanshin's Taiko-yu Ticket, which allows you to take the Hanshin Railway from Umeda Station to Shinkaichi Station, transfer to the Kobe Railway, and then transfer to the Arima Line from Arimaguchi Station to the Arima Onsen Station, and the one-way trip takes 88 minutes, and the fare is only 2,650 yen per person, together with the soup coupon.
After arriving at Arima Onsen Station, if you want to go to Taiko-no-Yu directly, you can take a shuttle bus. We didn't make it when we got off the bus, so we just walked, so we could check out the hot spring town before going to Taiko-no-Yu.
Arima Onsen Street
Arima City is actually not that big, and the hot spots of Arima Onsen are mainly located in the Onsen Street, between the Rokko River and Takikawa River, and the shrines and temples, etc., which can be explored in two hours. On both sides of the street, there are many stores and onsen ryokan (hot spring inns). There are many snacks and handicrafts to browse, and you can also try Arima's famous charcoal pancakes.
The smell of hot springs is all along the way, and under the bridge is the Arima River Water Park.
Arima Onsen | Shrines & Temples
There are many old shrines and temples in the Arima Onsen area. Kokuraku-ji Temple was founded in 594 A.D., and there is also the ruins of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Yuzan-goden. Toyotomi Hideyoshi had a deep connection with Arima. Before Toyotomi Hideyoshi's time, the people who came to Arima were all scholars and nobles, but after Toyotomi Hideyoshi ruled the world in the 16th century, he visited Arima many times and strongly supported the development of Arima, so it can be said that Arima wouldn't be a popular tourist spot today if it wasn't for Hideyoshi's support. We can also see the story of him and Mrs. Ning Ning near the Shinsui Park.
Onsenji Temple was built in 724 A.D., and there is also a horse history on display inside.
Arima Onsen Public Baths | Kin-no-yu, Gin-no-yu, Taiko-no-yu
Arima Onsen is famous for having more than seven different major springs located in the fault zone. When you talk about the hot springs in Arima, you have to mention the public baths Kinnoyu and Ginnoyu. You need to bring your own towel to enter both Kinnoyu and Ginnoyu. Kinnoyu is a reddish-brown, high-temperature hot spring that contains sodium iron, which has the ability to kill germs and moisturize the skin, and is said to have the effect of healing wounds as well as moisturizing and beautifying the skin. It is said that Arima Onsen was first discovered when three injured crows soaked in the puddle of water and were cured, and the miraculous healing effect on wounds has been rumored since ancient times. I wonder if that's why Kane-no-yu is the most famous? Gin no Yu is a carbonated spring with a lower temperature, transparent and colorless, and is said to have the effect of strengthening blood circulation.
After walking around, we slowly hiked to Taikaku Soup. Because of the ticket package, it seemed to be very popular. Even if we had a ticket, we still had to wait for quite a long time. At first, the staff told us that we had to wait for two hours, and most of the people took down their names and left to go shopping again. However, we didn't have to wait that long and we were able to get in after about 20 minutes.
Because the number of people is controlled, it is not too crowded in Taikotsu no Yu. First of all, you can choose the color of your yukata at the counter. Adults can choose from four colors: red, yellow, green and blue. You can choose from four colors: red, yellow, green and blue for adults. After you get your yukata and bracelet from the counter, you can find a locker in the changing room according to your bracelet number. The locker room is very well-equipped, so you don't need to bring anything with you.
Photography is prohibited after entering the museum, so you don't have to worry about being disturbed, and you can go there if you are interested in seeing the photos.organ of bodynetTaka-no-yu has a variety of hot springs, both indoor and outdoor. There are various kinds of hot springs in Taiko-no-Yu, both indoor and outdoor, including gold and silver springs. The open-air baths are great, especially the kettle bath. The package includes a 30-minute kettle bath, but you need to register first and wait for a call, and there is an extra charge for exceeding the time limit. However, the kettle bath is very relaxing, and it is highly recommended.
More articles about Kobe
- Kobe Day Trip | Kobe Attractions Tips
- Kansai Japan] Arima Hot Spring Day Trip | Pilgrimage to the Three Famous Hot Springs in Kansai Japan
- What to eat in Kobe: 7 classic Kobe restaurants to recommend!
- Kansai, Japan] Nadagogo Village Sake Factory | Japan's No.1 Sake Village Day Trip
- More Kansai Related Articles
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