Nestled in the Rokko mountains behind Kobe City, Arima Onsen is considered one of the oldest hot spring towns in Japan with a history stretching back over 1,000 years. This provenance coupled with its charming atmosphere and proximity to Osaka and Kobe make it one of the most popular places to head for a soak. Of course, the main draw is the Kinsen (gold water) and Ginsen (silver water) springs, but there are also charming streets, foot baths, and plenty to eat and drink in Arima Onsen.
Spring water
Kicking things off, we can’t talk about Arima Onsen without mentioning natural spring water. It’s like…the whole thing. Head up Tansan Hill, past the Gin no Yu bathhouse, and you’ll come across Tansan Sengen Park.
This is home to the tansan natural spring source that supplies the Gin no Yu. To the left of the source is a basin and tap where you can pour a sample of the naturally-carbonated water.
Historically, people thought spring water to be poisonous but we now know that’s not the case. Fair warning, though: it does have a metallic taste due to the high levels of iron, so it may not be the thirst quencher you were looking for.
Arima Cider Teppō Water
If the spring water left a bad taste in your mouth, get your lips around some Arima Cider. Not to be confused with alcoholic apple cider, Japanese cider is a non-alcoholic fizzy drink with a sweet lemon/lime flavour. Arima Cider in particular is strongly carbonated and has what many Japanese people refer to as a ‘nostalgic’ flavour.
Thought to be the first carbonated beverage in Japan (it was developed in the early 1900s), it is made from the naturally carbonated spring waters of Arima Onsen and still retains its original retro packaging. The original product was actually plain carbonated water called ‘teppō water’ with the image of the cannon on the label. As teppō is a Japanese word relating to guns and cannons, the water was reportedly named this because of the popping sound when a bottle was uncorked.
Arima Cider is one of Arima Onsen’s most famous products and can be found in shops across town and even available in restaurants and bars (as a mixer).
Tansan senbei
Still on the carbonation train, head to Yunohanado Honpo for the famous tansan senbei. Senbei are a common rice cracker found throughout Japan, however these ones are a little unique. The recipe includes carbonated water from the tansan spring which helps to make it more crisp and airy. This store has been baking these crackers since 1950 so you know the product is tried and true.
Perhaps the best thing about visiting the store in Arima Onsen is that you can eat the crackers that are freshly made by hand using the traditional method. The staff pour batter into iron moulds and turn them by hand over heat. They will encourage you to take a bite immediately so you can taste it while it’s still soft; within 5 seconds it will have turned into its final crispy form.
These crackers are a steal so you can get a few to munch on. They are best known for their original recipe senbei but they will also have a few flavours to choose from.
Arima Brewery
If you want something to wash down your senbei, head next door to Arima Brewery for a tipple. This space was previously called Sake Ichiba and offered standing room for about seven people with a bottle shop to one side. However, it seems to have received a glow-up in late 2022, with more space and more drinks on offer. They are a craft beer specialty store, offering local Arima Beer; however you can also get highballs, sake, shochu, and other popular drinks. Open 10:00am – 5:30pm, closed Wednesdays.
Croquettes
Now for something a little meatier. There is plenty to eat and drink in Arima Onsen, but don’t go past this one. Takenaka Nikuten butcher shop has been running in Arima Onsen for over 80 years and specialises in Kuroge beef and Kobe beef. Like many butcher shops in Japan, they also offer some takeaway snacks.
This store is known for their croquettes. Their original potato and beef croquette is beautifully savoury and sweet with a crunchy crumb and will cost you around ¥170.
Their minced meat cutlet is made with Kobe beef and onion and will run you around ¥330.
If coquettes aren’t your thing, they also sell fried chicken, as well as beef skewers and pork skewers. If you’re thirsty, you can pick up an Arima Cider or even a draft beer to enjoy with the other people milling around enjoying their snacks.
Other Food in Arima Onsen
These are just a few of the things you can eat and drink in Arima Onsen. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, head to the popular gelato shop Arima Gelateria Stagione, or grab some kawaii soy milk donuts from Mamekiyo Arima. Of course, keep an eye out for Kōbe beef around town. Just follow your nose and sample what looks good to you!
How to get to Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen is easy to access from various nearby cities. There are direct buses from Kobe (25 minutes, ¥600), Osaka (60 minutes, ¥1,400), and Kyoto (70 minutes, ¥1850).
Of course, there are also train routes from the nearest city, Kobe. From Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Stations, you can reach Arima Onsen in around 30-40 minutes at a cost of around ¥690. You will need to take the Hokushin Subway Line to Tanigami Station, then transfer to the Kobe Dentetsu-Arima Line.
Post by Japan Journeys.
