Arima Onsen

One of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, tucked into the mountains behind Kobe. Its famous “gold” spring runs rusty-brown with iron, while the “silver” spring is clear and lightly carbonated — two completely different soaks in one small town.

Two public bathhouses, Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu, make it an easy day trip from Osaka or Kobe, and there’s a free foot bath outside Kin no Yu for a taste without the ticket.

• Good to know: tattoos are generally not accepted at the public bathhouses; ryokan with private family baths are the workaround.
• When to go: weekday mornings are calmest; autumn colours in the surrounding hills are superb.

Arima is 30-40 minutes from central Kobe or Osaka by direct bus or train (with a change at Arimaguchi). It is an easy half-day or full-day trip - no overnight needed, though the ryokan are lovely.

First-time onsen visitors (compact, accessible, well set up for beginners), couples and culture lovers. The town is small and walkable, with temples, shops and cafes between baths.

Standard onsen etiquette applies: wash thoroughly before entering, no swimwear, keep your towel out of the water, stay quiet. The gold spring iron-rich water stains - rinse well and expect orange tints on light towels. Hydrate between baths.