Healing Time Hidden in the Mountains of Kobe | Arima Onsen 2 Days 1 Night

In the busy pace of life, we are always looking for a place where the soul can rest. Arima Onsen, a hot spring town tucked away in the mountains of Kobe, is such a place full of warmth and tranquility. It is like a soothing melody, with every note telling the beauty of life.

🚗 Transportation:
If departing from Osaka, taking the Hankyu bus is a good choice, reaching Arima Onsen in about an hour. You can also go to Kobe Sannomiya Station first, then transfer to a bus heading to Arima Onsen. Although the transfer is a bit inconvenient, you can enjoy more scenery along the way.

🏨 Accommodation:
Hyōe Koyokaku is a Japanese-style hot spring inn with a history of 700 years, famous for hosting SMAP. The rooms are in traditional tatami style, spacious and comfortable, with some featuring small terraces, perfect for couples. The inn has three public baths, with the "Kintō" being the signature one. The iron-rich hot spring water has a unique orange-red color, and soaking in it feels like your skin is being gently cared for. Some baths alternate between men and women by time, allowing you to experience different atmospheres. For more privacy, Taketori-tei Maruyama Onsen Hotel is a great choice, offering eight private baths in total, including four outdoor and four indoor, fulfilling your wish for exclusive hot spring enjoyment.

🍜 Food:
The hot spring street is a paradise for food lovers. Don’t miss the carbonated rice crackers, which are crispy, and the filled versions are even sweeter and more delicious. The best tasting time is said to be only 5 seconds, so be sure to savor them quickly. Also try the sansho pepper-flavored fried chicken, with crispy outside and tender inside, enhanced by the unique aroma of sansho pepper. Sake steamed buns are also a must-try, steaming hot with a faint sake fragrance. Additionally, be sure to try the ice cream made from milk from the Rokko Mountain foothills dairy farm, rich and creamy in taste.

🌄 Activities:
During the day, visit Onsenji Temple to pray and feel the peace and sanctity here. Then stroll along the hot spring street, browse specialty shops, and pick up some souvenirs. The Rokko Arima Ropeway is also worth a ride; from the mountaintop, you can take in the beautiful views of Kobe. In winter, if lucky, you might see frost-covered trees along the way, looking like a fairy tale world.

As night falls, change into a light yukata and wander through the streets and alleys of the hot spring town, feeling the breeze on your face. The air is filled with the scent of hot spring water mixed with the aroma of food from nearby shops. This cozy feeling is the unique romance of Arima Onsen. Here, time seems to slow down, all worries are cast away, leaving only inner peace and contentment.

Post by Charlotte Cooper Rose-79 | Sep 3, 2025