Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts. It’s located in the mountains just north of Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, and has a history dating back over 1,000 years. Arima Onsen is well-known for its two types of springs: kinsen (gold spring), rich in iron and salt, and ginsen (silver spring), which is clear and contains radium.
Arima Onsen’s long history has made it a favorite of emperors, samurai, and poets. The town is compact, and you can explore its hot spring baths, historical temples, and traditional inns (ryokan) on foot.