【Hyogo/Arima Onsen】Arima Gyoen and Carbonated Senbei

I took the local train, Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line, to Arima Onsen. Arima Onsen, loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is known for its unique hot springs: the brownish "Golden Spring" and the colorless "Silver Spring." I stayed at Arima Gyoen, which is conveniently located near the station. This inn offers both types of hot springs mentioned above. I also chose it because it is a designated Kobe Beef® handling establishment. Although the hot spring town has many slopes, the inn is easily accessible and close to the station. Since it was a weekday, the large communal bath was not crowded, allowing for a relaxing soak. You can check the bath's congestion status on the room's TV or your smartphone. Dinner was a kaiseki meal featuring Kobe beef shabu-shabu. The meat, with its refined marbling, was satisfying and flavorful. Hyogo is also famous for its sake, so both are worth enjoying. For souvenirs from Arima Onsen, I recommend the carbonated senbei from Yunohana-do Honpo, located just a short walk from Arima Gyoen in the hot spring town. There are many flavors to choose from, and you can sample them before deciding. I ended up buying a lot of the delicious chocolate flavor. The "raw carbonated senbei," with a shelf life of just 5 seconds, is also a great keepsake from your trip. The Arima Onsen town has many shops, and during the day, you can enjoy strolling and snacking. However, many shops close early, so I recommend exploring the town before checking into your accommodation. Arima Gyoen Location: 1290 Arimacho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 2-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station