The weather in Taiwan remains hot and humid, but nearby Japan, due to its higher latitude, is expected to see temperatures drop below 20°C in October in areas such as Kobe. So what’s a great activity for such cool weather? Naturally, soaking in hot springs, of course. There are many benefits to hot spring bathing — not only can it eliminate fatigue and promote blood circulation, but it also helps reduce swelling and boost metabolism. And right in Kobe, there’s one extremely famous hot spring that’s among Japan’s three ancient springs — Arima Onsen. Never heard of it? Come explore the wonders of Arima Onsen with us travel enthusiasts!
? The Secret Weapons of Arima Onsen: Gold Spring and Silver Spring
With so many hot springs in Japan, what makes Arima Onsen so special that it stands alongside Dogo Onsen and Shirahama Onsen as one of Japan’s Three Ancient Springs? It’s because Arima Onsen offers three different types of spring water: salt springs, radioactive springs, and bicarbonate springs. Each type has unique therapeutic effects, with the orange-brown salt spring (known as the Golden Spring) being the most famous. The other two types, which are clear and colorless, are collectively referred to as the Silver Springs.
? Arima Onsen’s Signature — Salt Spring (Golden Spring)
Salt spring, also known as saline spring, contains high levels of salt. When you soak in it, the salt adheres to your skin, providing a warming effect that helpsalleviate cold extremities and dry skin. If consumed as drinking water, it can also relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, hence it’s also called the “stomach and intestines spring.” Moreover, Arima’s salt spring, which is rich in iron, turnsorange-brownwhen exposed to air,thus earning the nameGolden Spring
.Quick Reminder:Those suffering fromtuberculosisandhypertension
are advised to avoid salt springs. People experiencing edema are also not recommended to drink the salt spring water, as it may worsen their condition.
The Universal Remedy Spring — Radioactive Spring (Silver Spring)
As the name suggests, radioactive springs contain trace amounts of radioactive elements. For example, Arima Onsen’s radioactive spring has a minimal amount of radium, but these substances dissipate into the air upon emerging, so there's no need for excessive concern. It can boost immunity, promote cell activation, and alleviate muscle soreness and fatigue, hence it's hailed as the “universal remedy spring.” When used as drinking water or in steam inhalation, it can help soothe gastrointestinal issues and bronchial conditions.
The Beauty Spring — Bicarbonate Spring (Silver Spring)Bicarbonate springs contain sodium bicarbonate, which is beneficial for skin care, accelerating skin metabolism, and also helps withsoftening rough skin and fading scars
. That’s why it’s known as the “beauty spring,” and it’s especially good for those with skin allergies or those recovering from burns or cuts. (The therapeutic effects mentioned above are for reference only; individuals with medical conditions should consult a doctor beforehand.)
After hearing all this, doesn’t it feel like all three types of spring water are incredibly amazing? Plus, Arima Onsen’s Golden Spring and Silver Spring have even undergonetrademark registration, making them truly one-of-a-kind across all of Japan!
A Guide to Transportation to Arima Onsen (from Kansai Airport, Osaka, Kyoto, etc.)
Eager to soak in an onsen but not sure how to get there? Don’t worry — getting to Arima Onsen isn’t difficult. The travel experts have put together everything you need (grab your bags and get ready to go)! ? ?
Recommended Accommodations in Arima Onsen
Hearn Sōyōkaku in Arima Onsen ARIMA ONSEN Hyoe Koyokaku
Hearn Sōyōkakuis a long-established ryokan in Arima Onsen with a history of 700 years. The ryokan features the top three bathhouses in Arima Onsen, including indoor and outdoor Japanese-style baths and a Roman bath, as well as private open-air baths available by reservation. Aside from the onsen,Hearn Sōyōkakualso excels in its other facilities, offering a variety of restaurants, game rooms, and even a kimono wearing experience.
– Onsen –
? Ichino-yu: A Japanese-style bath that includes both indoor and outdoor sections, both offering gold water.
? Ni-no-yu: Decorated in a Roman-style bathhouse, it also has indoor and outdoor baths, both with gold water.
? San-no-yu:Available by reservation only.It has separate men’s and women’s baths, with indoor and outdoor baths separated by glass doors that can be opened to create a semi-open air bath. The outdoor bath offers gold water.
Reminder: Ichino-yu and Ni-no-yu alternate between men and women daily, so to try both you’ll need to stay two nights. San-no-yu has separate men’s and women’s baths and requires advance reservation.
? Private Open-Air Bath:Available by reservation only and for overnight guests only. This garden-surrounded open-air bath allows you to enjoy seasonal scenery and offers gold water.? Foot Bath: Those who can’t soak in an onsen can still enjoy Arima’s foot bath using gold water.
? Rest Area After Onsen:
After your soak, enjoy some plum and kelp tea.16:30~18:00 ? In-Room Onsen: Guests wanting to enjoy an onsen in their room can reserve a room with an open-air bath.
– Facilities –
Hearn Sōyōkaku’s semi-open-air San-no-yu (Photo: Hearn Sōyōkaku official website)
Reminder: The first three restaurants require reservations)? Bar: There are two bars in total; the East Wing bar offers a more relaxed atmosphere, night views, andThe first three restaurants all require reservations.
Bars: There are two in total. The East Wing Bar has a more relaxed atmosphere, offers night views, and providesKTVThe North Gallery Bar is more mature and laid-back.
? Massage Room:HANA Japanese shiatsu,Le ciel massage, and facial treatments.
? Recreation Area (claw games, arcade games, etc.), computer area, table tennis room, and souvenir shop
－Services－
Free Wi-fi, room service, accessibility features, parking, shuttle service,paid yukata rental experience
Telephone:+81-78-904-0501
Address: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City1904
★ Recommended Attractions:Rokko Mountain Observatory,Mosaic Shopping PlazaHARBOURLAND
Arima Onsen Takekiten Maruyama Onsen Hotel Taketoritei Maruyama
Takekiten Maruyama Onsen Hotelis located in the highland area of Arima Onsen, offering panoramic views of the entire region. In addition to public baths with golden and silver spring water, the hotel also has four private baths where guests can enjoy a tranquil, forest-surrounded soak in a private space. Furthermore,Takekiten Maruyama Onsen Hotelserves an abundant kaiseki cuisine featuring authentic Kobe beef, black abalone, sea urchin, Japanese lobster, and other fresh ingredients for food lovers to savor.
－Onsen (Hot Springs)－
?Public Baths: A total of 2 , offering both golden and silver spring water.
? Private Baths: A total of 4 , all available for free reservation. The baths face mountain views, allowing you to enjoy natural scenery while soaking. (Shampoo and soap are not allowed in private baths.)
? In-room Indoor Onsen: Various room types and onsen options are available, including open-air golden spring baths, open-air silver spring baths, and indoor silver spring baths.
Quick Reminder:Takehira-tei Maruyama Onsen HotelThe onsen is only available to guests staying at the hotel.
－Facilities－
? Creative kaiseki cuisine: Kobe beef, black abalone, sea urchin (reservation required), Japanese lobster (reservation required)
? Free shuttle service: No prior reservation needed. Simply call the hotel upon arrival at Rokko Onsen Station or bus stop, and the hotel will dispatch a staff member who will arrive within 5-10 minutes.
－Services－
Free Wi-fi, parking,multilingual staff (Chinese speaking), free shuttle
Phone:+81-78-904-0631
Address: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City1364-1
★Recommended attractions:Akashi Kaikyō Bridge Maiko Park,Kitano Ijinkan Street
Lingfeng Pavilion Negiya Ryofukaku
Lingfeng PavilionLocated on a mountain and surrounded by forest, it offers a very peaceful atmosphere. The open-air hot spring bath allows you to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery, especially during the autumn foliage season when the mountains turn orange-red, creating a stunning view. Additionally, the kaiseki meals served at the hotel are thoughtfully prepared, with the menu changing monthly. The guest rooms are also very spacious, making it ideal for family trips.
－Onsen－
? Public baths and open-air baths: There are no separate male and female baths; instead, they are used in two different time slots.
? No in-room onsen, but certain room types offer a private small garden and open-air bath
－Facilities－
? Restaurant: Serves carefully selected traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine, andThe menu is changed every month.(Quick reminder: Dinner reservations must be made one day in advance)
?Ryofu Pavilion Rooms: The rooms are spacious, especially the large Japanese-style rooms, which feature 2 Japanese futon beds and a lounge area, accommodating up to 8 guests, making them a great choice forfriends or large familiestraveling together.
? Massage, karaokeOK, bar, souvenir corner
－Services－
Free Wi-fiWi-Fi, parking (reservation required),2424-hour front desk, free shuttle
Phone:?+81-78-904-0675
Address: Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City1537-2
★Recommended Attractions:Rokko Mountain Ski Resort,Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Hanakoyado Hotel Hotel Hanakoyado
Hanakoyado Hotelis a long-established hotel in the Arima Onsen area, located in the heart of the hot spring district. The entire hotel retains traditional Japanese architecture, including the onsen area which features the nostalgic bathhouse style seen in classic Japanese movies. Without flashy decorations or high-end facilities, it feels even more authentically connected to Japan's onsen culture. Especially after soaking in the onsen, enjoying theHanakoyado Hotel’s authentic Japanese cuisine — simple yet deeply satisfying — brings a profound sense of happiness.
－Onsen－
?Public Baths:15:00-20:00 You can use the outdoor large bath hot spring at Tosen Goshoan (a 3 10-minute walk)
? Private Baths: There are a total of 2 private baths, offering both gold and silver hot springs.
－ Facilities －
? Massage: Aromatherapy oil massage, shiatsu, and facial treatments.
? Restaurant: Traditional open-style grill kitchen, East-West fusion scenic restaurant, kaiseki cuisine
? Bar, garden, souvenir area
Quick Reminder:
－ Services －
Free Wi-fiWi-Fi, parking,barrier-free facilities,shuttle service
Phone:：+81-78-904-0281
Address:Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City1007
★ Recommended Attractions:MOSAICMosaic Plaza,Maiko Marine Promenade
★ See Now: Accommodation Environment | Room Rate Inquiry | Check Room Availability
Finally, we’d like to remind everyone that although hot springs offer many benefits, it’s not advisable to soak too many times in one day or for too long each time. Consider your own physical condition—people who have been drinking alcohol, just eaten a meal, or are not feeling well should take extra care, as it may have adverse effects. We hope you can all find your ideal Arima Onsen accommodation and enjoy the Golden Hot Spring here.
Text by Kayline | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team
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