Arima Onsen

Onsen

Last updated September 07, 2026 Reviewed by the Japan Voyage editorial team

Part of Kobe

Prefecture

Hyogo

Type

Onsen

N/A

0 reviews

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry Restaurant Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

One of Japan's three oldest hot spring towns, renowned for its iron-rich golden waters and radium-infused silver waters.

Arima Onsen is one of the oldest and most celebrated hot spring resorts in Japan, with a history stretching back over 1,000 years. Set in the mountains behind Kobe's Mount Rokko, this compact town is famous for two distinct types of thermal water: kinsen (gold water), a reddish-brown iron- and salt-rich spring, and ginsen (silver water), a clear carbonated radium spring. Public bathhouses Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu allow visitors to experience both types at affordable prices. The charming town center features narrow streets lined with traditional ryokan, souvenir shops selling tansan senbei crackers, and free foot baths. Despite its proximity to Kobe, Arima retains a tranquil atmosphere that has attracted visitors since ancient times.

Location

Prefecture: Hyogo

Address: Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Nearest Station: Arima Onsen Station

Best time to visit: Year-round; autumn foliage and winter make the gold and silver waters especially relaxing near Kobe

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: The town has numerous restaurants and cafes. Local specialties include tansan senbei crackers and Arima cuisine served at ryokan.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Arima Onsen?

From Kobe (Sannomiya) it's about 30 minutes by bus, or via the subway and the Hokushin and Arima lines. It's also reachable from Osaka by direct bus.

What are the kin-no-yu and gin-no-yu?

These are Arima's two signature waters: 'kinsen' (gold spring), an iron- and salt-rich brown water, and 'ginsen' (silver spring), a clear carbonate and radium water. The public bathhouses named Kin-no-Yu and Gin-no-Yu let you try both.