Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen (—L”n‰·ò) is a famous hot spring town within the city limits of Kobe, but on the opposite side of Mount Rokko from the city center. The town lies in a natural mountain setting, yet is close enough for Kobe and Osaka residents as an easy day trip or weekend getaway.
Although Arima Onsen has a modern look today and is pretty built up, one can still find several narrow lanes and wooden buildings when strolling around the center of town. Due to its compact size, the small town can be explored entirely on foot, and there are several hot spring sources, nice temples and shrines and a small hot spring museum (200 yen) to be discovered.
With a history of over one thousand years, Arima Onsen is considered one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts and has often stood at or near the top of onsen rankings for Western Japan. The town has two types of hot spring waters which spring up at various sources around town: the Kinsen ("gold water") is colored brown with iron deposits and is said to be good for skin ailments and muscle pain, while the clear Ginsen ("silver water") contains radium and carbonate and is said to cure various muscle and joint ailments.
Visitors to Arima Onsen can enjoy hot spring bathing at two public bath houses or at the town's many ryokan. Several ryokan open their baths also to non-staying visitors during the day. The admission fee for a daytrip visit to a bath typically ranges between 550 and 3000 yen.
Below is a list of some hot spring baths around Arima Onsen open to day trip visitors:
best of the best
best of Japan
outstanding
Getting there and around
By train
From Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe Station, take the subway to Tanigami Station (10-15 minutes, 4-5 departures per hour). Then, take the Shintetsu Arima-Sanda Line to Arima-guchi and transfer to the Arima Line to Arima Onsen Station (20 minutes, 4 departures per hour). The entire journey takes 30-40 minutes and costs 720 yen from either Shin-Kobe or Sannomiya stations.
By direct bus from Kobe
Some Shinki Bus express buses from Sannomiya Station bound for the Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets stop at Arima Onsen (bus stop 1 on the map) along the way (25 minutes, 600 yen one way). They also stop at Shin-Kobe (20 minutes, 600 yen to Arima Onsen). There is about one bus per hour (a little less frequent on weekends).
Alternatively, JR Bus operates about hourly highway buses from Shin-Kobe Station (50 minutes) via Sannomiya Station (30 minutes) to Arima Onsen (bus stop 2). The one way trip costs 780 yen. The Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not valid on any of these buses.
By direct bus from Osaka
Hankyu Bus and JR Bus operate 1-2 highway buses per hour from Hankyu Umeda Station or JR Osaka Station (60 minutes, 1400 yen) via Shin-Osaka Station (50 minutes, 1250 yen) to Arima Onsen (the JR buses are currently out of service, but there is still about one bus per hour). In Arima, Hankyu Bus uses bus stop 1 on the map, while JR Bus uses bus stop 2. The Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not valid on either bus. Online reservations are possible through Japan Bus Online.
By direct bus from Kyoto
Keihan and Hankyu operate a few highway buses per day between Kyoto Station (Hachijo side) and Arima Onsen (bus stop 2 on the map, 70 minutes, 1850 yen one way).
By cablecar and ropeway via Mount Rokko
Take a train along the Hankyu Kobe Line from Sannomiya Station to Rokko Station (7 minutes, 200 yen), from where it is a ten minute, 230 yen bus ride by Kobe City Bus number 16 to the base station of the Rokko Cablecar.
The cablecar ride up the mountain takes ten minutes and costs 800 yen one way or 1550 yen for a round trip ticket. From the top station, take the circular bus line to the top station of the Rokko Arima Ropeway (ten minutes, 370 yen), which brings you down to Arima Onsen (12 minutes, 1400 yen one way, 2520 yen round trip).
If you access Arima Onsen via Mount Rokko, you can save some money by using the "Rokko Arima Katamichi Joshaken" ticket, which includes a one way ride on the cablecar and ropeway plus unlimited use of the circular bus line on Mount Rokko for 1780 yen.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Hotels around Kobe
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HOTEL ALGOView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Hotel Alg? in Kobe offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free toiletries.Dining Experience
The modern, family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines. Guests can also enjoy a coffee shop and a games room with board games and puzzles.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, electric vehicle charging station, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a games room, museums, and hot spring area nearby.Nearby Attractions
Located 23 km from Itami Airport, Hotel Alg? is close to Arima Toys and Automata Museum (a few steps), Zempuku-ji Temple (1-minute walk), and Kobe (500 metres). -
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Okuno HosomichiFeaturing Japanese cuisine prepared by award-winning chef, Tadamichi Ota, set in the Arima Onsen district in Kobe, 900 metres from Stamp Museum, Okuno Hosomichi features free WiFi access in the guest room and free private parking on site. Arima Onsen Station on the Rokko Arima Ropeway is a 6-minute stroll away. Guests can relax and soak in the hot spring bath on site. Each room at this ryokan is air-conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Slippers are provided for guests' comfort. You will find luggage storage space at the property. Guests can purchase beverages from the drinks vending machine on site. Massage services are offered at a charge. A sauna facility is featured at this accommodation. Mt. Rokko is 2.3 km from Okuno Hosomichi, while Mount Maya is 8 km away. Osaka Itami Airport is 90 minutes away via walk, monorail and train.View on Booking.com -
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Arima Onsen Taketoritei MaruyamaTaketoritei Maruyama is a non-smoking Japanese-style accommodation featuring natural hot spring baths for private use and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. From its hilltop location a 15-minute walk from Kobe Electric Railway Arima Onsen Station, it offers sweeping views of Arima Onsen. Guests at Maruyama Taketoritei can privately unwind in a hot spring bath, or relax with a massage treatment. Facilities include drinks vending machines, while a free shuttle service is available to/from Kobe Electric Railway Arima Onsen Station and Arima Onsen Bus Stop. Air-conditioned rooms feature a seating area with a tatami (woven-straw) floor and a low table with seating cushions. Some rooms offer beds, while others have traditional futon bedding. All rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, yukata robes and a fridge. The property is a 10-minute walk from the Arima Onsen area. Osakafs Umeda station is a 55-minute bus ride away.View on Booking.com -
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Arima Onsen Tocen GoshoboFounded in the 12th century and beloved by Junichiro Tanizaki and other Japanese novelists, Tosen Goshobo is the oldest of the hot-spring inns at Arima. Standing beside the Taki River, it features outdoor hot-spring baths and traditional in-room meals and is a 5-minute walk from Arima Onsen Train Station. The Japanese rooms have traditional futon bedding and a minibar. The 20 rooms at Arima Onsen Tosen Goshobo include tatami (woven-straw) floors and shoji paper screens. Guests can relax at the seating area and enjoy the zen atmosphere with a cup of green tea. Bathing facilities are shared. Right next to the Hankyu Highway Bus station, the ryokan is a 3-minute walk from the Arima Toys and Automata Museum. Zuihoji Park is 900 metres away. Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station is a 30-minute train ride. Breakfast is Japanese-style with black-bean tofu, and dinner features specialties such as Kobe beef, fresh fish from Akashi-Ura port.View on Booking.com -
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The ORIENTOverlooking the beautiful Kobe Harbour, The ORIENT offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of the historic Kyu-Kyoryuchi area. Guests can work out at the free-use fitness centre, or relax with beauty massages at the on-site salon. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Rooms with chic d?cor are fitted with stylish furnishings, and feature a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. The en suite bathroom includes a bath tub and free toiletries. Most rooms boast views of either the harbour or the city. The 24-hour front desk at the Hotel Oriental offers luggage storage services for free. In-room massages can be arranged at an extra charge. A range of items like a DVD player, humidifier and iron can be borrowed from the reception. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from both JR Sannomiya and Motomachi stations. Shin-kobe Shinkansen (bullet train) Station is a 5-minute drive away. Kobe City Museum is situated right next to the hotel, and Meriken Park can be reached within a 5-minute walk. Main Dining by the House of Pacific serves sophisticated Western dishes, while Kanesaka offers delicately prepared sushi. Teppanyaki can be enjoyed at Steak House Medium Rare, and The Bar J. W. Hart lets guests savour cocktails with the gorgeous harbour views.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel La Suite Kobe HarborlandLocated at the waterfront of Kobe Harborland, Hotel La Suite offers spacious rooms with ocean views and a spa bath. It features concierge service, a French restaurant and massage treatments. Free Wi-Fi/wired internet and free videos on demand are available in the rooms. This hotel was selected as one of Top 25 Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2013. Luxurious rooms come with a large flat-screen TV, a DVD player and extra long beds. Bathrooms have a TV and a hot tub, some with sea views. Amenities include a bathrobe, a humidifier with aroma diffuser and Phytomer brand bath salt. Guests at La Suite Kobe can lounge on comfortable sofas on the rooftop terrace. The hotel offers laundry and baby-sitting services. Bicycle and laptop rentals are available, and a free internet-PC is provided at the lobby. Creative French cuisine is presented in a decor of soft carpeting and wide windows at restaurant Le Coeur, while cafe Grand Blue serves a wide range of drinks and light meals. Restaurant Kokoro offers contemporary Japanese cooking inspired on traditional dishes. Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland is a 4-minute walk from Minato-Motomachi Station. It's only a 3-minute walk from Kobe Tower, and a 6-minute stroll from Meriken Park. Kobe Airport is a 15-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Hotel HanakoyadoOffering stylish rooms with shoji paper screens and Western beds, Hotel Hanakoyado is only a 6-minute walk from Arima Onsen Train Station. It features hot-spring baths and a massage service. The air-conditioned rooms at Hanakoyado Hotel include a fridge and tea maker. Each has an attached toilet, and bathing facilities are shared. Arima Toys and Automata Museum is just 100 metres from the ryokan. JR Sannomiya Train Station is a 35-minute train ride away. Reservable baths for private use are available 24/7. Guests can take a break from the baths to go fishing or hike along one of the areafs trails. Meals are served at Shunju Dining Room and feature grilled fish and meats.View on Booking.com -
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Arima Onsen Takayamaso HananoView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, mountain or city views, and modern amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and work desks.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, spa and wellness centre, open-air bath, and a tranquil garden. Additional amenities include a lounge, public bath, and wellness packages.Convenient Location
Located in Kobe, the hotel is 23 km from Itami Airport. Nearby attractions include Tenjin Gensen, Zempuku-ji Temple, and Arima Toys and Automata Museum.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its attentive staff, delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms. -
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Koyado SurugateiView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Koyado Surugatei in Kobe offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, bidets, hairdryers, city views, work desks, free toiletries, showers, slippers, TVs, and electric kettles.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy free WiFi, luggage storage, and parking. The hotel is highly rated for its excellent service and facilities.Prime Location
Located 21 km from Itami Airport, the hotel is near Zempuku-ji Temple (a few steps), Onsen-ji Temple (2-minute walk), Nenbutsu-ji Temple (200 metres), and other attractions. The surrounding area features a hot spring area. -
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Kobe Guesthouse MAYAView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodation
Kobe Guesthouse MAYA in Kobe offers a hostel experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes a work desk and a shower.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, concierge service, and full-day security. Additional amenities include a hairdryer and bike hire.Prime Location
Located 10 km from Kobe Airport, the hostel is near attractions such as Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction (3.5 km) and Mount Maya (16 km). Hiking activities are available.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its friendly host, attentive staff, and convenient location.
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Experiences around Kobe
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Kobe Highlights Day Tour with Sake TastingEnjoy a varied atmosphere in this leisurely 7-hour tour, which covers all the best Kobe has to offer!View on Klook
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