Arima Onsen

Situated near Mt. Rokko in Kobe, Arima Onsen is celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Great Ancient Hot Springs, with its history documented in the Nihon Shoki, and it remains a beloved, historic hot spring resort that has attracted visitors for centuries. Its history dates back over 1,300 years, with its prominence firmly established during the Edo period. At that time, Arima, was placed under special administration as a shogunate-protected hot spring resort. The town’s prosperity was significantly shaped by historical figures, including the powerful lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who initiated a major reconstruction in 1597 following a devastating earthquake.
Arima’s fame stems from its two distinct, non-volcanic spring waters that emerge from deep within the earth’s mantle. The “Kinsen” (Golden Hot Spring) is a striking golden-brown color due to its high concentration of iron and salt, prized for its supposed moisturizing and warming properties. Meanwhile, the “Ginsen” (Silver Hot Spring) is a clear, carbonated spring believed to improve circulation and aid in healing.
Today, visitors can experience the hot spring town’s rich heritage firsthand. The historic Yumotozaka shopping street (the main road to Arima) that runs through the center of the town is lined with traditional wooden buildings, offering local delicacies like carbonated crackers and traditional crafts such as the Arima doll brushes (Ningyo Fude), an art form originating in the Edo era. Visitors can also soak in Arima’s public bathhouses or witness an authentic geisha performance.