Wandering around Arima Onsen Town. Discover world-class gelato! Arima Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring, is visited by approximately 1.7 million people annually. Located in Kobe’s Kita Ward, the spa town is evolving into a town that is easy to visit for a wide range of people while retaining its old and good aspects. The number of contents that can be enjoyed not only by families but also by solo travelers and those staying for a short stay of one night or two days is increasing. There are two representative types of hot springs. It is said that bathing twice will make your skin more radiant. Since the “Kin-no-yu” and “Gin-no-yu” bathhouses are open for one-day use, it is recommended to visit both bathhouses at the same time, or to take a morning and evening bath at the same time to feel the difference. The “Kin-no-yu” is also open to the public for footbaths, so it is recommended to take a break from walking around town. According to Ms. Lamia Kanai, the young proprietress of Tosen Goshobo, who accompanied us on this tour, the two springs sometimes mix due to crustal movement. The narrow alleys of Arima Onsen Street are like a maze, lined with small stores, perfect for food walking. In addition to the famous “soda rice crackers” (500 yen per box) and “Arima Cider Tepposui” (250 yen), the popular bakery Pao De Beau’s “Kinsen salt bread” (250 yen and up) is also recommended. Arima Gelateria Staglione is currently the talk of the town in Arima Onsen. Gelato made by Keisuke Katayama uses sweet sake and milk from a farm at the foot of Mt. Rokko. The fresh gelato with added Japanese essence is truly the best of the best. The salted mascarpone with kumquat-scented amazake is a must-try flavor. Mr. Katayama says, “I am conscious of desserts for a course meal. We value the five tastes and are particular about the texture and smoothness when you taste it,” he said. Of course, Kobe beef is also a must. The restaurant “Shunsai Inano” in the long-established ryokan “Nakanobo Ruien” offers “Kobe Beef Sukiyaki Nabe Set” (3,520 yen) at lunch time. You can enjoy the taste of marbled Kobe beef with a sweet sauce, a delicious red egg, and udon noodles simmered in a sweetened broth.
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