Arima Onsen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Arima Onsen (有馬温泉 Arima Onsen?) is an 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.
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[edit] History
This onsen is the one of Japan's oldest, with Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture and Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture. Many documents since the 8th century mention this onsen.
According to these documents, among the many visitors to Arima Onsen are Gyoki (行基）, a charismatic Buddhist monk in the 7th century, and Ninsai (仁西), another monk in the 12th century. Ninsai was said to greatly admire Arima Onsen and helped develop it. Hideyoshi Toyotomi 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 is colored yellow-brown from its iron and salt. 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
- Arima Onsen travel guide from Wikitravel
