Arima walkabout - scenes and food

Nestled in the mountains just north of Kobe, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most charming hot spring towns.

Arima is famous for its two types of spring water:
- Kinsen (Gold Spring): Rich in iron and salt, this reddish-brown water is believed to improve circulation, skin health and fertility.
- Ginsen (Silver Spring): A clear, carbonated spring with radium (low radioactive), known for its soothing and rejuvenating effects.

The town’s narrow streets, lined with Edo-period buildings, are perfect for slow strolls particularly Arimagawa water park. The gentle stream, shaded paths, and occasional koi sightings make it a peaceful retreat within the town.

Beyond the baths, Arima is a hidden gem for food lovers. The town's culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional japanese flavours and local specities. And we are here on a food tasting trail:

Arima 18-ban 明石焼有馬十八番– Worth the Queue

This was the only place where I had to queue—and it was absolutely worth it.

I came here specifically for the raw whitebait, which was incredibly fresh with a clean, non-fishy taste. The Arima-yaki was soft and special, a delightful twist on the classic Takoyaki.

The fried local prawn was crispy, flavorful, and easy to chew. The tofu was silky and comforting. We also tried the dumplings, which came in a piping hot soup—be careful, it’s hotter than it looks!

Mitsumori – The Senbei Surprise

This shop offers Tansan Senbei, a lightly sugared, crispy rice cracker. They give out free samples, and trust me—you’ll want to buy a pack after just one bite and you must eat it within 5 seconds!

Arima Cider – My Favorite

On a hot day, nothing beats the Arima Cider Teppo water. Lightly sweet and incredibly refreshing, it’s the perfect drink to cool down after a soak or a walk.

Street Snacks & Local Treats

- Red Bean Bun (Yoiyu manju): Just 100 yen for a small bun packed with sweet red bean filling . It’s cheap, satisfying, and full of flavor.

- Takenanka Nikuten (closed when we are there) for their fried beef croquette.

- Arima gelateria stagione アリマジェラテリアスタジオーネ (closed) for the pistachio gelato

Arima Onsen is more than just a hot spring destination—it’s a full sensory experience. From the healing waters to the unforgettable food, every moment here feels like a step back into a more peaceful, flavourful time.

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