Arimagawa Water Park — Attraction in Kobe

I came to Arima for the authentic Onsen experience, but it was fulfilling to spend time in a small inland Japanese town, changing pace from the cities. The water park is right in the centre of this small spa town and is perfect for a stroll before or after your Onsen. The sound of the water flowing here is so serene. Arima itself is only a one street town but is surrounded by hilly bamboo forest, so the drive to it is beautiful when you get close. I came from Osaka, so it was only over an hour drive. People come here from far and wide as it is rare for an Onsen area to have different types of hot springs. Arima is famous for having gold and silver hot springs with different properties and benefits for the body. The gold (kinsen) springs contain iron and salt and is characterised by its muddy brown appearance like the Amazon. Or maybe the chocolate lake in Willy Wonka's factory. The silver (ginsen) springs contain carbonic acid and radon and is clear and colourless. They have outdoor and indoor ones, and I did both. It's so hot, you would be doing well to sit in it for more than 15 minutes at a time. That was my limit anyway, so you need to walk around to break it up. I spent the whole day in this peaceful town, and felt like a million dollars...

Nestled amidst lush mountains and a serene atmosphere, Arima Onsen proved to be a delightful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. This small hot springs town, located just a short distance from Kobe, offers a peaceful haven where relaxation and rejuvenation take center stage.

One of the highlights of my trip was the opportunity to indulge in the famous hot springs that have attracted visitors for centuries. Arima Onsen is renowned for its rich mineral waters, divided into two types: "gold" and "silver." I opted to experience both, and each had its own distinct health benefits and relaxing effect. The soothing warmth of the baths combined with the therapeutic properties of the water truly worked wonders for both my body and soul.

Apart from the hot springs, Arima Onsen also offers a range of cultural and historical attractions. I had the pleasure of visiting the Arima Toy Museum, which showcases a fascinating collection of traditional Japanese toys and games. The Eshima Shrine, with its tranquil gardens and stunning architecture, was also worth a visit. These cultural gems added depth to my overall experience...

It seems this water park was newly renovated several years ago - so if anyone of you want to take a photo of the old water park (the one with lots of yellowish pools - like some of the older photos shown here in Google Map before 2018), you will absolutely be disappointed. The newly renovated one is an absolute disappointment - without any characteristics but jus a river with poorly...