# Arima Onsen

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

- Prefecture: Hyogo
- Type: Onsen
- Address: Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Admission: Free
- Official site: https://www.arima-onsen.com/

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.

## FAQ

### 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.

### When is the best time to visit Arima Onsen?

Year-round; it's an easy day trip or overnight from Kobe or Osaka, and the old winding lanes are pleasant during the autumn foliage.

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Source: Arima Onsen — Japan Voyage