Japan's No.1 Hot Spring Town – Enjoy the Ancient Springs in Kobe’s Historic Arima Onsen

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Department

Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts. With sulfur vapors drifting through the air and shrines and temples radiating historical charm, strolling along Arima’s quaint streets lets you soak up the long-standing warmth and richness of Japanese culture. Though just a 30-minute drive from Kobe, it feels like a hidden paradise.

Recorded as one of Japan’s three oldest hot spring towns in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), the earliest mention dates back to 631 AD when Emperor Jomei bathed here. With a history spanning thousands of years, it’s no exaggeration to call it Japan’s No.1 hot spring.

Besides enjoying a leisurely stroll through the old hot spring town, you absolutely must experience the hot springs. The most famous public baths in Arima are the Kin no Yu (Golden Spring) and Gin no Yu (Silver Spring). There are also day-trip inns where you can bathe without staying overnight, as well as the Arima Onsen Taikounoyu, a hot spring theme park featuring up to 24 different types of baths.

Golden Spring (Kin no Yu)
Rich in iron, the Golden Spring has a brownish hue and is Arima’s most famous hot spring. Since ancient times, it has offered what historical records refer to as Arima’s original spring water, known for its particular efficacy in treating neuralgia and chronic skin conditions.

Silver Spring (Gin no Yu)
The colorless and transparent carbonated Silver Spring is rich in radium and carbonate. Soaking in it leaves your skin smooth and soft, making it especially popular among women. It’s also highly effective for gastrointestinal issues and fatigue recovery.