Ryokan in Arima Onsen

有馬温泉

One of Japan's oldest hot springs, on the far side of Mount Rokko from central Kobe, with two waters: the iron-brown kinsen and the clear ginsen. About an hour from Osaka by highway bus, or 30 to 40 minutes from Kobe by subway and train.

Arima Onsen through the year

Spring春
March to May
Weeping cherries at Zenpuku-ji and Someiyoshino along the Arima River flower in April, lit at night, with a cherry blossom festival in town.
Summer夏
June to August
Through July and August the river park holds the Ryofu Kawazashiki, with stalls, a stage and geisha dances by the water.
Autumn秋
September to November
The town calls autumn its finest season, with the leaves at Zuiho-ji Park; on 2 and 3 November the Arima Grand Tea Ceremony honours Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Winter冬
December to February
On 2 January the Irizome-shiki, held since the Edo period, opens the bathing year with a procession from Onsen-ji temple.