Arima is the oldest spa area in Japan. It’s basically also called as Onsen Village in Kobe.  It’s location is really amazing, it’s surrounded by mountains and the village is right in the middle. There are different variety of Onsen to choose from, Red Onsen, Brown Onsen and others. The color of the water depends upon the mineral present in it.

For first timers I recommend “Taikou no Yu (太閤の湯)”. They call it the Onsen Theme Park. It’s a bit expensive though, 2400yen but you can enjoy all kind of onsen. Facilities is also excellent. In the entrance you need to leave your shoes and give the keys at the reception in exchange for towels , “yukatta robes” and your IC key. This IC key will enable you buy things in establishment and pay everything upon going home.  Soap, shampoo and conditioner is also available at the bath area. Upon receiving the robes, go to the changing area just beside the reception. Change into your robes and bring the things that you need in the onsen. Go to the onsen area. In the onsen area, there is another reception where you can get another robe for the steam room. It’s up to you which to try first.  In the changing area for the onsen, there is another locker and another key. Change into your birthday suit . You can bring your own drink and a little towel inside the onsen. Remember do not dip your towellete in the water though. Remember also to shower first before entering the water. Then all you need to do is have a good time.

Besides Taikou no Yu, there are other establishment around. Be warn though that some are inside Ryokans or Hotels and they don’t usually open to the public on certain days like weekends. The onsen is basically reserved for their own guests.  The best way to inquire is thru the Information Center. They will help you find the onsen that you like and will help you  also if the place is still available or not.

There are a several ways to reach Arima: ( all will start in Osaka/Umeda )

• By JR/Hankyu Kobe Line:
   Take this line until Sannomiya. ( 390(JR)/310(Hankyu) )
   In Sannomiya take the Yamate Subway Line for Tanigami
   In Tanigami change to Arima Line
• By Hankyu Bus (1300)
    In Umeda take the Arima Bus, this will take you directly to Arima
• By Hankyu Takarazuka Line
     Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Umeda ( 260 )
     In Takarazuka take the City Bus bound for Arima ( 500 )

Taikou no Yu Official Website

List of Spa/Onsen in Arima: here

This entry was posted on Monday, September 17th, 2007 at 9:30 pm and is filed under Onsen. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.