Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring towns, just about an hour from Osaka or Kyoto. Known for its Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu (golden and silver hot springs) and charming streets, it’s a perfect spot for a short family getaway. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but there are some hills, so plan accordingly if traveling with children.
Arima Tenjin Shrine, a historic site in the heart of the town, with the iconic hot spring steam drifting in the background. A great introduction to the atmosphere of Arima Onsen.
Day 1
12:00 – Arrive at Arima Onsen
From Osaka and Kyoto, the Hankyu bus reaches Arima Onsen in about an hour. Most ryokan and hotels are located up on a hill, so it is recommended to check in advance about shuttle service. After dropping off luggage, the town can be explored comfortably without carrying heavy bags.
12:30 – Lunch
There are many family-friendly cafes and restaurants in the town. A casual lunch is a good way to recharge before walking around.
13:30 – Stroll Across Nene Bridge
Nene Bridge is a historic landmark named after Nene, the wife of samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is an easy walk for children and a nice photo spot while enjoying the traditional town atmosphere.
Nene Bridge, named after samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife Nene, is a short and easy walk in the center, perfect for photos and enjoying the traditional town atmosphere.
14:00 – Zuihoji Park / Momiji Chaya
Zuihoji Park is now a public park (the temple itself no longer exists but just a gate and some stone monuments) and is especially scenic during autumn with its maple trees. There is a small playground where children can take a break and play. Momiji Chaya nearby serves snacks and drinks, making it a convenient spot to rest while enjoying the seasonal scenery.
Zuihoji Park is especially beautiful during autumn, with maple trees.
15:00 – Walk the Main Street & Try Carbonated Rice Crackers
A stroll along the main street is ideal for sampling local specialties. The famous “Tansan Senbei” (carbonated rice crackers) is a must-try. Many shops allow visitors to watch them being made and offer tastings. There are plain crackers, as well as ones with cream sandwiched between them, making them fun for both children and adults.
Watch local staff prepare Arima’s famous Tansan Senbei. Visitors can also taste them, simple but tasty.
15:30 – Arima Toy Museum
The toy museum offers interactive exhibits and toys for children. Most of the collection features European-style toys, but some can be touched and played with, giving children a chance to explore. It is also possible to experience making “Arima Ningyo Fude,” a traditional local craft brush, though this requires advance reservation.
The Arima Toy Museum offers hands-on play with traditional and European-style toys, giving children a fun and interactive experience.
16:30 – Check-In at the Ryokan or Hotel
Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns, often featuring tatami-mat rooms, communal or private hot spring baths, and traditional meals. Hotels in Arima Onsen can also offer onsen access but are generally more Western-style.
At most ryokan, guests wear a yukata, a casual cotton kimono provided by the inn, inside the building. Wearing a yukata is optional—it can be put on before or after visiting the onsen. Towels for the bath may need to be brought from the room, while some ryokan provide towels at the bathhouse itself.
A typical tatami-mat room at a ryokan in Arima Onsen, showing the calm, traditional atmosphere. Many ryokan provide child-friendly meals and amenities for families.
Evening – Dinner and Relaxation
Dinner is usually a traditional kaiseki meal. It is recommended to stay at a ryokan that serves a traditional kaiseki course meal rather than a buffet, especially for a first-time visit. It often includes Kobe beef or other Japanese wagyu steaks, so ordering extras may not be necessary. Meals at ryokan tend to be generous, so avoid eating too much outside beforehand. Many ryokan also provide child-friendly meals—check in advance if needed.
After dinner, relaxing in the room or visiting the onsen again is a perfect way to end the day.
Day 2
Early Morning – Enjoy the Onsen
Large public baths are often much quieter early in the morning. This is a great time to enjoy the open-air bath and the fresh morning air before breakfast.
8:00 – Breakfast
Ryokan breakfasts are usually generous and beautifully presented. In many places, rice refills are free. For small children, it’s fine not to order a separate meal—sharing some rice and a few dishes from the adult breakfast is usually enough.
Ryokan breakfasts are usually generous and beautifully presented. Many places offer unlimited rice refills, and child-friendly options are often available.
9:00 – Check Out
After checking out, luggage can usually be stored at the ryokan if you plan to continue exploring. If returning to the ryokan later feels inconvenient, lockers at the bus terminal are a practical alternative.
10:00 – Arima Trout Pond & Masukoi Shrine
At Arima Trout Pond, visitors can try fishing for trout, which will be fried on the spot. Once you get the hang of it, even children can catch fish quite easily, making it a fun and memorable activity. If a lighter meal is preferred, simple options such as grilled rice balls are also available.
Visitors can fish for trout at Arima Trout Pond, which can be fried on the spot. Once the technique is learned, even children can catch fish easily, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
11:30 – Explore the Town Again
Take another stroll through the town and enjoy some last-minute sightseeing. Popular stops include Arima Tenjin Shrine where you see onsen steam coming up, Tansansengen Park which offers water fountains where you can drink carbonated water, and the foot baths near Kin no Yu. The central area is also filled with souvenir shops—perfect for picking up items like carbonated rice crackers or trying a quick onsen manju snack.
Relax in the foot baths at Kin no Yu. The water has a warm, reddish-golden tone, typical of the “Golden Bath. Free public toilets are nearby, convenient for families.
If visiting during autumn, a short stop at Zenpukuji Temple near the bus terminal is recommended. It’s a small temple, but the autumn leaves are beautiful, and traditional oni-gawara roof tiles are on display. For those who want a final drink before leaving, Arima Brewery near the bus stop is a convenient place to enjoy local Arima beer or sake.
15:00 – Return to Osaka
Take the bus back to Osaka in the afternoon, wrapping up a relaxed one-night family trip.
Tips for Families
Public toilets at Kin no Yu in the town center are free to use, which is reassuring when traveling with children.
Strollers can be used around town, but Arima Onsen is quite hilly. If your children are comfortable walking, traveling without a stroller can be easier.
When traveling with young children, avoid overpacking the schedule. Plans rarely go exactly as expected, so it’s important to leave extra time and let kids enjoy simple moments—running along the river, playing in a park, or just exploring at their own pace.
General Travel Tips
Arima Onsen is only about an hour from Osaka or Kyoto, making it an easy short trip. However, buses can get crowded depending on the time of day. It’s recommended to reserve seats in advance. For the return trip, tickets can also be purchased at the bus terminal in the morning.
If a shorter trip is preferred, simply visiting Kin no Yu or Gin no Yu and returning the same day is a convenient option.
Conclusion
Arima Onsen is perfect for a short getaway from Osaka or Kyoto. This 1-night family itinerary combines relaxing hot springs, charming streets, and fun activities for children, making it easy to explore at a comfortable pace. Whether staying overnight at a traditional ryokan or visiting for the day, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, local experiences, and family-friendly moments.
tokie
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