30mins from Kobe, and 1hour from Osaka. Although it has become a bit commercialized, this is still one of the most recommended hot spring towns in Japan. There are plenty of local foods and sightseeing spots, making it fun to walk around town—and of course, relaxing in a hot spring is a must. While Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu are the most famous public baths, they tend to be crowded and rather small, so honestly, I wouldn’t recommend them unless you're on a strict budget. If you want a more comfortable experience with spacious baths and open-air hot springs, Taiko no Yu is a much better option. That said, Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu might be enjoyable if you visit on a quiet weekday. If you continue walking up the road near Gin no Yu, you'll eventually reach a truly magnificent shrine. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Arima and admire the elegant shrine buildings steeped in atmosphere. The path is quite steep and tiring, but don’t give up—it’s worth the climb! A day trip like Osaka → Arima → Kobe → Osaka is also highly recommended.
Recommends spot near this place