Arima Hot Springs

Arima Hot Spring is known as one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, and it is said that the 34th emperor of Japan, Emperor Jomei, and the 36th emperor, Emperor Kotoku, made frequent imperial visits to the hot spring from the early 7th century. Arima is also famous for being favored by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who is said to have frequently visited with his wife, Nene. Visitors can enjoy two types of hot spring water at Arima: Kinsen (golden hot spring), which has an abundant amount of iron and salt, and Ginsen (silver hot spring), which is transparent. The narrow, winding streets that make up the hillside town allow visitors to experience the charms of an old town. An hour's trip from Osaka and a mere 30 minutes from central Kobe, the conveniently situated Arima Hot Spring has been called a secluded retreat in the Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe areas.

・The Yumotozaka shopping street offers a unique, retro feel
The narrow, stone-paved street known as Yumotozaka stretches approximately 300 meters and is lined with restaurants, sweet shops, and souvenir stores. The photogenic streetscape invites visitors to snap pictures and enjoy a charming atmosphere that is unique to the hot spring town.

・Tenjin Sengen is a hot spring source located within a shrine dedicated to the god Tenjin
Tenjin Sengen is located within Arimaten-jinja Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of studies. Among the various hot spring sources in Arima, this is considered the most famous. It draws Kinsen (golden hot spring) from 185 meters underground at temperatures reaching 98 degrees Celsius.

・Geiko entertainers continue to protect traditional Arima entertainment
Geiko entertainers adorn and enliven banquets with their traditional hairstyles and beautiful kimono outfits, performing dances and singing ballads accompanied by an instrument called shamisen. At Arima, visitors can arrange to have geiko entertainers come and perform these traditional arts. For visitors who are hesitant to make exclusive arrangements, there is a geiko café called ”Ito” where professional geiko dressed in kimono serve customers.