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Arima is a famous onsen town within the city limits of Kobe, but on the opposite side of the Mount Rokko mountain range from the city center. Located among steep 350 – 500m mountains, the narrow and winding streets lined with old traditional-style shops and restaurants run through the old town, and the intricate terrain grants the town a unique atmosphere. Even though the town lies in a natural mountain setting, it is close enough for Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto residents as an easy and popular day trip or weekend getaway.
Arima is blessed with three types of very different and unique waters not typically found at other onsen around Japan: one type of “Kinsen” (gold spring) and two types of “Ginsen” (silver spring). The Kinsen contains high levels of iron and salt which, when oxidized by the air, gives the hot spring a “golden” reddish-brown color. The water is said to help chronic joint and skin diseases such as neuralgia and arthritis. The Kinsen is also popular among women as it helps keep the skin moisturized and prevents the limbs from feeling cold. The two types of Ginsen are a colorless carbonic spring water, and a natural and mildly radioactive radon spring water. Carbonic springs are best known for their ability to boost blood circulation and the metabolism, help with the removal of lactic waste and eliminate edema. The colorless and odorless radon spring water contains minute amounts of radon and releases small doses of radioactivity which is beneficial to the body, promoting cell activation, boosting the immune system and relieving muscle aches and fatigue. When ingested, the Ginsen’s water can help treat gastrointestinal discomfort. When inhaled, it can help relieve suffering from bronchial diseases.
Arima Onsen is only a 30 minute drive from Sannomiya station, the main train station in Kobe, to the onsen. The central part of the town is small enough to walk around, and has a number of narrow streets lined with older, traditional Japanese style homes, shops and restaurants giving it a unique feel. And the small public bath houses add to the atmosphere. Arima Onsen does tend to be a little more expensive but it is well worth it.
In ancient times, before enjoying the hot springs, visitors were required to visit the temple.
From the Rokko Arima Ropeway, which connects the top of Mt. Rokko with Arima Onsen in about 12 minutes, passengers can enjoy close-up views of the dynamic beauty of Mt. Rokko, where nature’s expressions change as the seasons turn.
Mount Rokko, at 931 meters (about 3050 feet) is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, which provides the pleasant green backdrop to the city of Kobe. Panoramic views of the heavily urbanized Hanshin region (Kobe and Osaka) can be enjoyed from the mountain and are particularly spectacular around sunset.
Various small tourist attractions can be found on Mount Rokko, including a botanical garden, a music box museum, a pasture with flowers and sheep, Japan’s first golf course and Rokko Garden Terrace, a tourist complex with a few restaurants, shops and an observation deck.
A circular bus line (running in clockwise direction only) connects the various attractions with the top stations of both the Rokko Cablecar (going to central Kobe) and the Rokko Arima Ropeway (going to Arima Onsen).
For something different, you can take the cablecar, bus and ropeway from Kobe to Arima Onsen (or reverse). From Sannomiya or Hankyu Umeda Stations, take the Hankyu Kobe Line to Rokko Station. From there it is a ten minute bus ride on bus number 16 to the base station of the Rokko Cablecar. The cablecar ride up the mountain takes 10 minutes. From the top of the cablecar, it is a 25 minute bus ride to the top of the ropeway. There are numerous places to stop along the way between the two stations.
From Kyoto
Travel Time: 90 Minutes
With JR Rail Pass: $600.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $600.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $200.00
From Osaka
Travel Time: 60 Minutes
With JR Rail Pass: $650.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $650.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $200.00
From Kobe by cablecar and ropeway via Mount Rokko
Travel Time: 60 Minutes
With JR Rail Pass: $600.00 per person based on double occupancy
Without JR Rail pass: $600.00 per person based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $200.00
Inclusions