Arima Onsen Travel Guide
Discover the best of Arima Onsen with this comprehensive travel guide. From culturally important museums to natural attractions and outdoor adventures, find everything you need to know about this hidden gem in Hyogo, Japan.
- Introduction to Arima Onsen
- List of Places to Visit in Arima Onsen
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Arima Onsen
- Best Things to Do in Arima Onsen: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Arima Onsen
- Food and Drink Scene of Arima Onsen
- Where to Stay in Arima Onsen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hyoe Koyokaku
- Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
- What to Buy in Arima Onsen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Arima Onsen Manju
- Himeshara Handicraft Village
- Local Culture and Customs of Arima Onsen
- Japanese Onsen Culture
- Tea Ceremonies
- Best Time to Visit Arima Onsen
- Do’s and Don’ts of Arima Onsen
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Arima Onsen: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Arima Onsen
- Where to Go Next from Arima Onsen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Kobe
- Himeji Castle
- Conclusion
Introduction to Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is a peaceful retreat located in the city of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its scenic views, natural hot springs, and historic landmarks. Arima Onsen’s hot springs have been famous for over a thousand years, with some even mentioning it in literature as far back as the eighth century. Because of its closeness to Osaka and Kobe, it is a popular spot for tourists.
List of Places to Visit in Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen has a diversity of things to see and experience. In this section, we will show you the top places to visit during your trip to Arima Onsen.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Arima Onsen is famous for its rich cultural heritage that is still visible in the town’s temples and shrines.
Arima Toy and Automata Museum
The Arima Toy and Automata Museum is a fantastic destination for families travelling with children. You can see popular Japanese playthings such as the kendama (traditional Japanese cup-and-ball toy) and the yoyo here.
Kin no Yu public bathhouse
Kin no Yu is one of the best public bathhouses within Arima Onsen. It has a relaxing atmosphere with one of the lowest springs in Arima Onsen, and a positive effect on skin.
Natural Attractions of Arima Onsen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Arima Onsen is a perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views.
Mt. Rokko
Visit Mt. Rokko to enjoy a magnificent view of the city of Kobe as well. You can ascend the mountain using a cable-car, which takes you directly to the mountaintop observatory to experience the panoramic view.
Arimafuji Park
Arimafuji Park is the epitome of seasonal scenery. You can attain the beautiful view of cherry blossoms from March to May, and autumn foliage from mid-November to early December.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is also a popular destination for hikers and bikers as it has beautiful hiking trails and bike routes in the scenic countryside. You can find these trails at the foot of the Rokko Mountains. The Arima-Onsen Cycling Road provides cyclists with magnificent sights of Mount Rokko.
Best Things to Do in Arima Onsen: Activities and Tours
A trip to Arima Onsen is never complete without experiencing their unique activities and tours.
Try on a yukata
A yukata is a traditional Japanese garment worn during summer festivals or visiting onsens. You can rent and wear one in Arima Onsen and capture Instagram-worthy pictures.
Sakura viewing tour
If you visit between March and May, you must visit Arimafuji Park and join this tour to be enchanted by the beautiful cherry blossoms.
Week-Long Itinerary for Arima Onsen
Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Arima Onsen.
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Arima Onsen and Check-in at Lodgings |
| 2 | Visit the Arima Toy and Automata Museum/Kin no Yu public bathhouse |
| 3 | Hike Mt. Rokko |
| 4 | Wear a yukata and stroll through the streets of Arima Onsen |
| 5 | Join a Sakura viewing tour |
| 6 | Visit historical places like Taikoji Temple and Onsen-ji Temple |
| 7 | Departure from Arima Onsen |
Food and Drink Scene of Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen offers delectable cuisine that showcases their regional specialty dishes and local beverages.
Must-Try Dishes
Arima Onsen Tofu
Arima Onsen Tofu is a well-known dish and is only available in Arima Onsen. This dish is made from soybeans delivered from the nearby Rokko Mountain areas.
Kobe beef
Kobe beef, raised in Hyogo, is most famous for its marbled texture and tender meat. You can have it cooked at a restaurant, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try preparing it yourself in your lodging space.
Local Beverages
Arima Onsen Sake
Arima Onsen Sake is a must-try local beverage. The sake made of pure spring water from Arima Onsen and is loved by locals and visitors alike.
Tansan water
Tansan water is a cloudy, carbonated beverage that is specifically available in the Arima Onsen area. It is a healthy drink used for intestinal regulation.
Where to Stay in Arima Onsen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Arima Onsen has a diverse range of accommodation options, catering to different tastes and budgets.
Hyoe Koyokaku
Hyoe Koyokaku is a luxurious ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), surrounded by the natural abundance of Arima Onsen.
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
Taketoritei Maruyama is a cozy guesthouse and an excellent option for those looking for a reasonably priced accommodation.
What to Buy in Arima Onsen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Arima Onsen has a variety of handmade crafts, local foods, and souvenirs that make perfect gifts for family and friends.
Arima Onsen Manju
Arima Onsen Manju is a delicious sweet stuffed with sweet red bean paste. You can get it as a daily snack or as a souvenir from Arima Onsen.
Himeshara Handicraft Village
Himeshara Handicraft Village is a craft market that showcases handmade woodworking, pottery work, and glass cutting. It is a perfect place to find unique souvenirs.
Local Culture and Customs of Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen has an incredibly rich cultural heritage to offer, from traditional Japanese baths to visiting temples.
Japanese Onsen Culture
Onsen is an important part of Japanese culture. Visitors are required to follow the customs when using natural hot springs.
Tea Ceremonies
Tea ceremonies are vital in Arima Onsen’s social scene, as their sophisticated culture respects Japanese tea ceremonies.
Best Time to Visit Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is a year-round destination, but each season has its charm.
The best time to visit Arima Onsen is between March and May as the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom, and Mid-November to early December to enjoy autumn foliage.
Do’s and Don’ts of Arima Onsen
Do:
- Follow onsen etiquettes.
- Visit the shrines and temples in the area.
- Try the specialty food and drink of Arima Onsen.
Don’t:
- Touch or swim in the local hot springs.
- Litter in the temples or shrines.
- Leave without trying Arima Onsen Tofu.
Safety and Health
Safety in Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is a safe destination, but visitors must follow the standard precautions they normally would while travelling.
Health in Arima Onsen
Visitors with health issues should consult with their physician before visiting Arima Onsen. Although the hot springs are a natural occurrence and safe for most, it may not be suitable for some people with certain medical conditions.
Getting to Arima Onsen: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Arima Onsen
The main airport closest to Arima Onsen is Kansai International Airport, which is located about 70 km away. Visitors can also fly into Osaka International Airport or Kobe Airport to access Arima Onsen.
Bus Stations Near Arima Onsen
There are various bus companies and routes that will take visitors directly to Arima Onsen, including from Kobe, Osaka, and other nearby cities.
Other Options
Visitors can also access Arima Onsen through the JR Kobe Line, the Kobe Electric Railway, or taxi.
How to Get Around in Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is a small town, and most of the significant places are within walking distance. Visitors can also rent bicycles or take a shuttle bus that runs through the town.
Where to Go Next from Arima Onsen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
There are other tourist destinations near Arima Onsen that visitors may want to explore.
Kobe
Kobe is a famous port city in Japan and famous for Kobe beef, international cuisine, and excellent shopping. It is close to Arima Onsen and perfect for a day trip.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved ancient castles in Japan. You can get there from Arima Onsen by train.
Conclusion
Arima Onsen is a hidden gem in Japan, waiting for visitors who are looking for quiet and authentic destinations. This travel guide offers a comprehensive view of the town’s culture, must-visit locations, local food, and more. Plan your trip and get ready to explore this beautiful and historic town in Hyogo prefecture.
