Arima Onsen — Gold & Silver Hot Springs Since 631 CE

Arima Onsen (有馬温泉) is Japan's oldest onsen resort, with 1,400-year bathing history documented since 631 CE. The town is famous for two distinct spring types: Kinsen (金泉, 'gold spring') with iron-rich brown water, and Ginsen (銀泉, 'silver spring') with clear carbonated water. The springs are considered among Japan's three greatest onsen (日本三名泉).

Arima's mountain valley setting 30 minutes from Kobe provides accessible escape from urban Kansai. The compact town has traditional ryokan, public bathhouses, temples, and shops selling local crafts and carbonated spring water drinks.