Arima Hot Spring

If you haven't experienced Japanese hot springs ("onsen"), you haven't been to Japan!

What IS a hot spring? Being a volcanic nation, Japan's deep-underwater resources are hot, which spring out to the surface at several locations -almost in all the cities & towns. Water from the hot springs contain natural minerals which are said to cure several illness. I do not know if there is scientific evidence to substantiate the health benefits of taking bath in hot springs; but physicians in Japan do recommend hot spring baths for skin & muscle related diseases.
Every hot spring lists the minerals its water contains, and gives the names of diseases it could cure. (I read that the famous US President FDR used to frequent a hot spring in Georgia for its therapeutic effects).

What I can say for sure is, that hot springs provide a soothing effect on your Body & Mind; soaking in a hot spring pampers your body and relaxes your mind. The Japanese have been addictive to hot springs!

A typical 'onsen' has a cloth room where one undresses completely, and enters the shower area. There are separate areas for men & women. One must clean one's head & body with the shampoo & body soap provided, before entering into the hot spring area -where you'll see 4m x 4m or larger sized tubs (indoor) or ponds (outdoor) of 'flowing' hot spring water. Outdoors ponds are built of rocks to give a serene atmosphere. People carry a small white towel which is the only thing allowed when inside the hot spring area -but which they keep on the head or outside the pond when they soak their bodies. Nothing other than your bare body is allowed inside the hot water.

The hot water is at a temp of about 42C, and it keeps flowing (it is not stagnant). The water is kept immaculately clean. Most of them close their eyes and one would think if they meditate. With the temp 42C, you can't sit inside the pond for more than 3-4 minutes. People come out and get in -thus giving the body a kind of 'thermal massage'. (Recall that in India people soak a towel in hot water and apply it on where the muscle aches). Most hot spring places come with sauna, jacuzzi or steam room. They charge typically 400-600 Yen, for unlimited usage.

ARIMA is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, which is located in a mountain top (Mt.Rokko) about 30 km from our place. Great that we live near Arima, which attracts tourists from all over the country. The water is rich in iron, and is uniquely in 'muddy orange' color. All the Arima hotels have their own hot springs available only to the guests. There are 4-5 public baths that are open to all.

A drive to Arima's 'Kin-no-yu' hot spring, and a walk on Arima streets would make a wonderful holiday, especially in winter! (Pics taken in an Arima).

In the streets of Arima...
Tasting Arima hot spring water....

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