Arima Onsen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arima Onsen (有馬温泉 Arima Onsen?) is a onsen, or hot springs in Kita-ku, Kobe, Japan. This Onsen is still a hidden treasure of modern Kobe, behind Mount Rokko. It attracts many Japanese who want tranquility with beautiful natural surroundings and yet easy access from the busy cities in Kansai metropolitan area including Osaka.
Contents |
[edit] History
This Onsen is the one of Japan's oldest onsen with Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture and Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture. Many ancient documents since the 8th century mentioned this Onsen in many parts.
According to such documents, among many visitors to this Onsen, we can find names of Gyoki(行基）, a charismatic Buddhist monk in the 7th century and Ninsai (仁西), another monk in the 12th century. Ninsai is said to admire this Onsen very much and so has made much efforts for the developments. Hideyoshi Toyotomi also visited this Onsen several times in the 16th century.
[edit] Springs
Arima Onsen has two kinds of springs. One is called "Kinsen", because the water contains much iron and salt, the color is yellow-brown. The other is 'Ginsen', which contain radium and carbonate. The water of Ginsen is colorless.
[edit] Accommodations
In 2007, there are more than 20 hotels and Inns in Arima Onsen area.
[edit] External links
- (English) Arima Onsen Sightseeing Association
- (Japanese) Arima Onsen Sightseeing Association
