After immersing yourself in the latest technology and global food culture at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai—and experiencing a glimpse of the future—why not journey next to one of Japan’s most storied hot springs? Said to be the oldest in the country, Arima Onsen lies about 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Expo venue via two convenient highway buses. Nestled in tranquil mountain settings, Kansai’s hidden retreat offers a soothing escape from the city’s energy. Here, mineral-rich waters gently ease both body and mind, while the seasonal flavors nurtured by the surrounding nature provide a feast for the senses. A journey that spans both the future and the past—this is the true luxury of adult travel during this unique moment in time.
A gentle slope leads from the station to the hot spring town, lined with historic wooden buildings on both sides.
After a 30-minute train ride from Kobe-Sannomiya Station, you’ll arrive at Arima Onsen Station. Plan to arrive before noon and take a leisurely stroll through the hot spring town. Walking along the main street, Yumotozaka, enjoy exploring the chic cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The town, steeped in history and charm, also boasts fashionable new shops keeping pace with the latest trends—a unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Arima.
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Cafe De Beau is housed in the renovated home of the 14th-generation owner of Tosen Goshobo, Arima Onsen’s oldest inn.
The “Arima Roll,” made with salt extracted from Arima Onsen’s golden waters (kinsen).
A five-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station brings you to a charming white building of Western-style architecture. Rest awhile at Cafe De Beau, a café and confectionery shop offering a plethora of treats, from cakes featuring seasonal fruits and French pastries to Japanese-style sweets made with local ingredients such as Tanba black soybeans. Their most popular item, the “Arima Roll,” is made with rice flour and salt extracted from Arima’s golden waters (kinsen), lending it a luxurious fluffy texture and delicately balanced sweet and savory taste. Eating golden water—now there’s a novel way to improve your health!
Cafe De Beau
Address: 835 Arimacho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Hours: 9:00–18:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Tel.: 078-904-0555
The park is a 15-minute walk from Kin no Yu, one of Arima Onsen’s public hot springs, up a gentle slope.
Another of Arima Onsen’s famous attractions is its beautiful autumn foliage. The most famous spot for viewing the autumn leaves is Zuihoji Park, set up at the site of the abandoned Zuihoji Temple. The park is home to about 2,500 maple trees that transform into a vibrant palette of fall hues from early November. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent historical figure, was so captivated by the scenery that he praised it as “a garden one could never tire of,” earning it the nickname “Higurashi-no-niwa,” or “The Garden of All-Day Delight.”
Zuihoji Park
Address: 500-19 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Tel.: 078-904-0708 (Arima Onsen Tourist Information Center)
A popular lunch dish of health-conscious Japanese food, “Steam Gozen” set meal (2,530 yen, incl. tax). True to the hot spring town spirit, the dish is served atop a wooden hot spring bucket—a unique and charming touch!
The culinary world is abuzz with excitement for fermented foods, and chefs across the world are taking notice. Arima’s very own Hacco-enn is centered around fermentation (hakko in Japanese), using koji (fermented rice culture) to offer up healthy, invigorating meals. The dishes here feature exquisite traditional Japanese fermented foods, and the staff, certified as “Fermentation Sommeliers,” are wellsprings of knowledge, on hand to enrich your dining experience and guide you through the nutritional benefits and effects of each fermented delicacy. Each meticulously prepared fermented dish is a revelation of flavors and textures, a perfect bite of slow food.
Hacco-enn
Address: 1030 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Tel.: 078-904-0233
Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00
Closed: Tuesdays
With an exquisite signature coffee and premium-quality cakes crafted by pâtissiers trained at famous establishments, this spot is a favorite among local women.
Kobe’s rich history with Western confectionery, rooted in the former foreign settlement area, has cultivated a thriving culture of innovative pâtissiers and renowned establishments. What’s more, Kobe is the birthplace of Japan’s coffee culture.
After your meal, why not head to Sora Cafe for a specialty coffee experience? Located about five minutes from the station, this café stands out for its contemporary artsy ambiance, a stark contrast to the traditional atmosphere of Arima Onsen. The aroma of the coffee, made from rare beans and carefully ground and brewed to order, fills the entire café with its rich and luxurious aroma. The “Arima Blend,” available at the counter, also makes for a perfect Arima Onsen souvenir.
Sora Cafe Arima Onsen
Address: 199-10 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Tel.: 078-903-6666
Hours: 9:30–17:00
Closed: Thursdays
Parking available (3 spaces)
Arima Onsen has long been a much-loved retreat for many, from warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi seeking solace from battle fatigue to modern literary giants like Junichiro Tanizaki. The area is famous for its two distinct types of hot springs: the rich amber kinsen (golden waters) and the clear ginseng (silver waters), each offering different therapeutic qualities. After an early dinner at your lodgings, take a walk outside wearing the traditional geta (wooden sandals) provided. The clack of geta against stone-paved streets, illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights, is a charming source of nostalgia in and of itself. After your stroll, take another soak in the hot springs or, instead, enjoy a quiet evening of reading, channeling the spirits of past literary figures. However you choose to pass the time, a serene, indulgent night awaits.
Provided by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association.
No visit to Kobe would be complete without a taste of Kobe beef, known worldwide for its unparalleled quality. The pinnacle of wagyu beef, Kobe is synonymous with premium meat, and the area around Kitano Ijinkan and Sannomiya, a 15-minute walk apart, is teeming with restaurants serving up tender, marbled, melt-in-the-mouth Kobe beef. The sizzling steak, presented with a flourish, is a feast for the senses—utter contentment for both the stomach and heart.
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If you time it right, you can catch planes taking off and landing at Kobe Airport up close—an added bonus!
Kobe Port is a beloved spot where locals and tourists alike stroll and relax at nearby cafes. For a different perspective, try enjoying the port from the deck of boh boh KOBE, a resort cruise that circles Kobe Port. This cruise offers breathtaking views from the third-floor open deck with vistas of Mount Rokko and Kobe Port Tower. Step aboard and let the port gradually fade into the distance as you drift off into an evening of dreamlike beauty.
The special sake “—ZUI—” is stored in tunnels (zuido) for six months.
Onboard the boh boh Kobe, a café offers snacks like the “Fish Dog” made with so-called sakana-pan bread from Kobe’s renowned bakery Ça Marche, along with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The specialty sake “—ZUI—,” aged for six months in the Minatogawa Tunnel, is crisp, fruity, and goes down smooth. The icing on the cake? There’s no need for reservations—simply purchase your ticket on the spot and embark on an experience of pure luxury.
KOBE SEA BUS, boh boh KOBE
13-minute walk from JR Kobe Station via the underground shopping mall, heading toward the Mosaic shopping mall
Kobe Port Tower features a paid observatory on the 5th floor and a free lower level on the 4th. Access to the Rooftop Deck is via stairs from the 5th-floor observatory.
The tower offers a 360-degree view of Kobe’s mountains and sea, with unmissable night views. Open until 23:00.
Located about 15 minutes on foot from JR Kobe Station, the Bay Area where Kobe Port Tower stands is known for its stunning night views, making it a classic date spot for locals. The million-dollar view is a must-see when visiting Kobe—and perhaps also a fitting place for any planned romantic proposals.
Standing 108 meters tall, Kobe Port Tower is designed to resemble an elongated tsuzumi (traditional Japanese hand drum). It’s the world’s first pipe-structured tower and is registered as one of Japan’s prestigious Tangible Cultural Properties.
Tickets for the main observation floor and rooftop deck require a ticket specifying the date and time of the visit. If there are available slots, same-day tickets can be purchased at the 1st-floor ticket booth. To avoid long waits or missing out, advance ticket purchases are recommended.
Kobe Port Tower
Address: 5-5 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Port Loop (Bus Stop): https://www.shinkibus.co.jp/bus/portloop/
City Loop (Bus Stop): https://kobeloop.bus-japan.net/
Once you’ve had your fill of Kobe’s luxurious array of experiences, continue your adult getaway by heading on to Kyushu—a whole new world to discover just a 2.5-hour shinkansen ride from Shin-Kobe.
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, visitors can explore the future of technology and experience global food cultures as they tour pavilions from around the world. A major highlight of the expo is its diverse food offerings—from international cuisine served in expansive food halls to pavilions showcasing the best of their national dishes. To enrich this […]
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Only about 2 hours and 20 minutes by JR Limited Express from Kyoto—no transfers required—lies the easily accessible hot spring resort of Kinosaki Onsen. Alongside Kinosaki, Yumura Onsen is considered one of the two major onsen destinations in the Tajima area. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the region is blessed with fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and mountain delicacies nurtured by beautiful forests and pristine waters.
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Located just over two hours from Kyoto by express train, Toyooka City in northern Hyogo Prefecture is a haven of natural beauty, fully designated as part of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark. With its pristine blue seas, dazzling white beaches, and fascinating geological formations writ with Earth’s history, Hyogo offers an abundance of scenic spots and year-round activities where you can immerse yourself in nature.
Hyogo Prefecture is home to one of Japan’s oldest pilgrimage routes, the Saikoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The core values that form the foundation of the Japanese spirit—respect for manners and a deep appreciation for things—have been nurtured through the nature and people encountered along this pilgrimage.
Hyogo Prefecture offers awe-inspiring sights: a towering wooden castle with a pristine white facade, the dazzling “million-dollar” night view, and one of the world’s largest whirlpools. These extraordinary vistas showcase the harmonious interplay of nature’s artistry, the ingenuity of past generations, and the dedication of those who preserve them today. Visit the “Castle in the […]
Hyogo Prefecture, located near Kyoto and Osaka, is home to popular tourist destinations such as Kobe and Himeji Castle, which draw many international visitors. The region offers a variety of English-guided tours, enabling travelers to connect deeply with the local community and culture. This article highlights local travel experiences that celebrate the unique culture of […]
Hyogo Prefecture, nestled between mountains and sea, boasts cities with unique identities, from the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe to the historic hot spring town of Arima at the foot of Mount Rokko, one of Japan’s famed 100 mountains (hyaku meizan). Beyond their distinct charm, these towns are home to the cultural origins that have […]
Hyogo Prefecture, blessed with a plethora of diverse landscapes, is often called a “microcosm of Japan.” Offering unique travel experiences that immerse visitors in the region’s distinct ecosystems, culture, and cuisine, the journey outlined below takes you through globally rare stork habitats to sensory Zen retreats and farm-to-table restaurants on Awaji Island to enjoy while […]
Just 12 minutes by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka lies Shin-Kobe, a station steeped in history. Over time, the area became a hub for foreign residents, quickly adopting Western culture—an influence that extended to the neighboring city of Takarazuka, earning its reputation as a town of culture and arts. Indeed, Hyogo Prefecture’s Kobe-Kitano, Sannomiya, and Takarazuka are picturesque at every turn, making them a hit with influencers. Over two days, we explored some of their top spots as selected by photographers.
A short boat ride from Himeji brings you to Ieshima, a tranquil fishing town where boats bob in the harbor and the day’s catch is displayed beneath seaside eaves. Wander sunlit lanes, greeted by friendly locals and lounging cats, and soon you’ll feel at home in island life. Cross the water again to Naoshima, where contemporary art and bold architecture transform the landscape, blending the everyday with the extraordinary in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea.
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In the San’in region, red snow crab season opens in autumn, followed by Matsuba snow crab in winter – prime time for crab-focused trips. One of the hub towns is Hamasaka in Hyogo Prefecture, the only place in Japan where “crab sommeliers” host your meal, offering a singular dining experience found nowhere else. Using the hot-spring town of Hamasaka as a base, set off on a grand rail journey toward the Tottori Sand Dunes, taking in the dynamic vistas of the San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark along the way.
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