What other travelers are saying about Arima Onsen Kin no Yu
Kin-no-Yu is a classic public bath in Arima Onsen and a good place to experience the famous iron-rich “gold” hot spring. The water is dark brown and very mineral-heavy, and it feels especially warming after a long day. The atmosphere is quiet and mostly local, which I really appreciated.
Tickets are easy to buy at the vending machine at the entrance. Adult admission is ¥800, and towels can be rented or bought on site.
Facilities are clean and well managed, but remember this is a traditional onsen: wash thoroughly before entering the bath, no swimsuits, and towels should not go into the water.
Kin-no-Yu is located right in the center of the onsen town, so it’s easy to combine with a walk around Arima.
Nearby spots include Gin-no-Yu (the silver spring), Taiko Bridge, and the small streets around Yumotozaka with local snacks and souvenirs. It’s a great stop whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying overnight.
Relaxing Onsen Experience at Arima
Arima Onsen is a wonderful place to visit after a long, cold day. The moment you step inside, the warmth and calm atmosphere make you feel instantly relaxed. The entrance price is very reasonable, especially considering how clean and spacious the facilities are. Everything is well maintained, and the environment feels peaceful and comfortable.
The staff are very friendly and welcoming, which adds to the overall experience. The bathing areas are separated for men and women, and each section offers plenty of space to enjoy the hot spring without feeling crowded.
After finishing your bath, you can head downstairs to unwind even more. There are massage chairs available—perfect for giving your body that extra bit of relaxation—and a variety of drinks to enjoy afterward.
We stopped by Arima Onsen Kin no Yu spa around 4PM on a weekday and it was such a relaxing experience. It wasn’t too crowded at that time, which made it even more enjoyable. The weather was pleasant and the free hot foot bath outside was a real treat and perfect for resting our tired feet after walking around the town. The water was warm, soothing, and gave us a taste of the famous Arima onsen without needing to fully soak inside. A simple but memorable stop, highly recommend if you’re in Arima and want a quick relaxing break.
The special water was nice and the experience of being in the onsen was special. As it is an indoor onsen, its very stuffy in there and can feel hard to breathe at times (weter temperature 40-44C). The staff were nice.
We went at 4.30pm on a weekday and it was pretty quiet.
Fun hot spring with a free outdoor area where one can put one’s feet in the waters. The outdoor area is divided into little pools that have progressively cooler water as one gets further downhill. The water at the top is really very hot and most can probably only keep their feet in there for a couple of minutes. The other pools are considerably more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soap and shampoo are provided at washing stations. Towels can be rented or purchased on-site, though you may bring your own.
Wash thoroughly at washing stations before entering the baths. All bathing is done nude in gender-separated areas. Swimsuits are not permitted. Keep small towels out of the bath water.
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at the bathhouse. This includes washing time and multiple soaking sessions. A combination ticket allows access to both Kin no Yu and nearby Gin no Yu.
Yes, but be prepared for communal nude bathing. The straightforward layout makes it easy to observe others and follow standard onsen etiquette. Staff can provide basic guidance if needed.
Lockers are provided for storing clothes and valuables. You receive a locker key upon entry. Keep the key with you in the bathing area. Do not bring valuables into the bath itself—leave them secured in your locker.
