Arima Onsen Station serves as the gateway to Japan's oldest hot spring resort, located in the northern hills of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. The station opened in 1928 as part of the Kobe Electric Railway line and connects visitors to onsen baths that have been frequented for over 1,300 years. Historical records indicate that emperors, samurai, and notable figures including Toyotomi Hideyoshi visited these therapeutic waters during the late 16th century.
The hot springs are renowned for their unique dual water sources: kinsen (golden springs) containing iron and salt that turn reddish-brown, and ginsen (silver springs) rich in radium and carbonic acid that remain clear. These mineral-rich waters are considered among Japan's top three ancient hot springs alongside Shirahama and Dogo. The compact resort town features traditional ryokan inns, public bathhouses called sento, and the historic Nenbutsu-ji Temple dating from the Kamakura period.
Visitors can experience day-trip bathing at public facilities like Kinsen no Yu and Ginsen no Yu operated by the town, or stay overnight at traditional accommodations such as Hyoe Koyokaku or Arima Grand Hotel. The area offers hiking trails leading to Mount Rokko, cable car rides with panoramic views of Osaka Bay, and traditional crafts shopping along the narrow streets. Local specialties include carbonated crackers and sake produced using the mineral water.
Spring brings cherry blossoms to the surrounding mountains, while summer offers cooler temperatures than nearby Osaka and Kobe. Autumn features spectacular foliage viewing from late November to early December, making it the peak tourist season. Winter provides a serene atmosphere with occasional snow, ideal for hot spring bathing.
The station is accessible via the Kobe Electric Railway from Kobe's Shinkaichi Station in approximately 30 minutes. From Osaka or Kyoto, travelers transfer at Kobe Sannomiya Station. Day-use public bath admission costs ¥650 for adults, while private ryokan rates vary from ¥15,000 to ¥50,000 per person including meals. The resort area is entirely walkable within 10 minutes from the station.
