Arima onsen

Located on the northern slopes of Mount Rokkô, some twenty kilometers north of Kobe, this spa or onsen attracts large numbers of bathers.

History of Arima Onsen

As far back as the 7th century, the village's salt and carbon springs were cited for their therapeutic virtues. Young couples, groups of perky old women, wise students and work colleagues all take the bus or train to this site nestled in the wooded mountains of Hyogo prefecture.

Already in the heroic days of feudal Japan, the shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), accompanied by the great tea master Sen No Rikyû (1522-1594), came here to recharge his batteries. Centuries later, Junichirô Tanizaki (1886-1965), author ofIn Praise of the Shadow, followed suit. It has to be said that the reputation of the waters, whether scorching and ferruginous or limpid and sparkling, is well known. Staying in a ryokan at Arima onsen is synonymous with unforgettable well-being, and the cuisine in the inns is mouth-watering.

Activities in town

How to get to Arima Onsen

From Kobe : Go to Kobe station, take the Hokushin line to the Tanigami stop. From there, take the Kobe Dentetsu-Arima Line Semi-Express Sanda to Arimaguchi station and finally, take a local Dentetsu Arimaonsen train. The journey takes around 25 minutes and costs 720 yen.