Arima and other famous hot springs in Hyogo

Added: 12/27/2005

The Japanese love onsen, as the Westerners enjoy a spa massage today. Many hot springs in the open air comprise ones of the major attractions in Japan, since the visitors have started to find it enjoyable to experience a traditional Japanese bathing. Many hot springs are very old and become famous for their age. The others are considered sacred and belong to the holiest springs in the country. In any case, they are worth visiting if you love Japan and want to learn more about its special nature and original culture.

Hyogo Prefecture boasts a great number of onsen, scattered throughout the region. There are old hot spring resorts, visited by famous shoguns in the past and small ryokans, providing onsen baths and comfortable accommodations. Many people visit Japan for the particular aim to experience a recreational impact of onsen, known for its healing qualities.

Perhaps, the most famous onsen in Hyogo is Arima Onsen, located in the northern part of Kobe, the Prefecture capital. Arima Onsen is famous for frequent visits by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the sixteenth century and is one of the biggest and oldest hot spring resorts in Japan. The Japanese like Arima Onsen for its serene tranquility with beautiful natural surroundings and at the same time an easy access from both: Kobe and Osaka. Arima is located near Mt.Rokko, a famous summer resort, and contains a special atmosphere of an old hot spring resort with Japanese-style inns, historical sites and souvenir shops that stand on both sides of a narrow abrupt path, leading to the onsen location.

There are two types of hot springs in Arima: the Gold Spring and the Silver Spring that are believed to be good for dermatitis, nerve pain, muscle ache, fatigue and other health problems. The spring is of especial popularity among young women, since it makes the skin smooth and beautiful. The other popular hot springs in Kobe include Tennoh Onsen, Minatoyama Onsen, Suma Onsen, Nadeshiko no Yu, Kanoko Onsen, Gosha Onsen, and Shiawase no Mura.

Many hot springs are located in Hanshin. The most know are the following one: Takarazuka Onsen Ryokan Kumiai (Takarazuka city) and Takedao Onsen (Takarazuka - Nishinomiya city).

Takarazuka Onsen Ryokan Kumiai is a very old hot spring resort, located in the center of Takarazuka city. Although the onsen is located in the city, it sits in nature surroundings with a captivating view of a river and mountains. The water is said to be good for nerve pain and obesity. At Japanese style inns, nestling all around the city, you can try 'Kaiseki ryori', one type of Japanese haute cuisine, and sake of the finest quality. The onsen is conveniently located- thirty minutes by train from Osaka and Kobe.

Takedao Onsen is popular for its unsurpassed nature and secluded resort atmosphere. It is situated close to the city, but you can enjoy the sound of a stream and birds. The water of the onsen is said to be good for nerve pain and fatigue. The area is also excellent for a barbecue picnic on the riverside and some visitors find it attractive for hiking. Japanese style inns will treat you with countryside delicacies, including wild plants, freshwater fish and boar stew. The other popular hot springs in Hanshin embrace Riso Naruo-hama, Karakara Terme and Sanda Nespa.

Actually, visiting some of these locations gives you not only an opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese bath, but also other possibilities, such as adventurous hiking and captivating sightseeing of many interesting places all-around. In fact, modern Japanese onsen is an "all-inclusive" resort with exquisite Japanese style accommodations and other amenities for the active rest.

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