Hi, I’m Hiro.
I live in Kobe, Japan — I grew up here for ten years as a kid, and I’ve been back for the last thirteen. Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, is about 30 minutes from my home, and my wife runs a shop right in the middle of the town.
That gives me a somewhat unusual view of Arima. Through her shop, I hear every week what travelers from overseas are actually asking: Where can I bathe if I have tattoos? Which bus goes back to Osaka? Can I pay by card here? I’ve visited Arima more than ten times myself, and I keep going back.
Most English information about Arima is written by people who passed through once, or never came at all. I started this site because I want more people to experience this town the way locals know it — and to help you actually get here without the confusion.
Everything on this site is checked against local, first-hand knowledge. When I verify something directly with a ryokan or bathhouse, I note the date. If something looks outdated, tell me — I live here, so I can go check.
Contact
Found something outdated? Have a question about Arima or Kansai that isn’t covered here? Email me at admin@onsen-kansai.com — I read everything, and outdated info gets priority because I can go check in person.