Kin no Yu is a public bathing facility operated by Kobe City in Arima Onsen, a historic hot spring resort on the northern slopes of the Rokko Mountains in Hyogo Prefecture. The facility opened on December 4, 2002, following the redevelopment of the former Arima Onsen Kaikan public bathhouse. At its entrance stands an Edo-period stone monument inscribed with the words “Nihon Daiichi Shinreisen,” meaning “Japan’s Finest Sacred Hot Spring.” The monument reflects the long-standing reverence for Arima’s healing waters.
Kin no Yu is one of the signature bathing facilities of Arima Onsen and is popular with both visitors and local residents. Its baths are supplied by the Ariake spring source, whose iron-rich, highly saline water oxidizes on contact with air, creating the distinctive reddish-brown color known as Kinsen, or “Golden Spring.” This unusual appearance is one of the defining features of Arima’s hot springs.
The facility has two indoor bathing areas, Ichinoyu and Ninoyu. Their interiors feature designs inspired by bamboo and maple leaves, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing soak in surroundings that evoke the changing seasons of Japan.
Beside the main entrance is Taiko no Ashiyu, a free footbath where visitors can soak their feet in hot spring water. It is an ideal place to rest after exploring Arima’s narrow streets and traditional shops. Unlike the main baths, the footbath uses water from the Taiko spring source, a sodium chloride hot spring.
A drinking spring once stood at Kin no Yu, allowing visitors to drink the mineral-rich hot spring water. As of September 2020, drinking water was no longer available at this location, and only the remains of the former facility could be seen. Visitors interested in drinking spring water can instead visit the nearby Tansansen Gensen, or Carbonated Spring Source, where drinking the water is still possible.
The stone monument at the entrance, engraved with “Nihon Daiichi Shinreisen,” dates from the Edo period. It is a reminder of the historical and spiritual importance of Arima Onsen, whose waters have been treasured for centuries. The inscription reflects the esteem in which people of the time held this celebrated hot spring.
Spring quality: Iron-containing, highly saline sodium chloride spring with neutral pH and high temperature.
Source temperature: 82.4°C.
Traditional therapeutic uses: The spring water has traditionally been associated with relief from neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain and frozen shoulder, among other conditions. These benefits are not guaranteed for everyone, and visitors should consider their individual health and physical condition when using hot springs.
Kin no Yu is located at 833 Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It can be reached by car or public transportation.
From the Arimaguchi Exit on the Hanshin Expressway North Kobe Route, the facility is approximately 1.5 km away via Hyogo Prefectural Route 51. It is also about 4 km from the Nishinomiya-Kita Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway. Kin no Yu does not have its own parking lot, so visitors arriving by car should use a nearby paid parking facility.
Kin no Yu is approximately a five-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station on the Kobe Electric Railway. From Arima Station on the Rokko-Arima Ropeway, the walk takes about 10 minutes.
The facility is about a one-minute walk from the Arima bus stop served by Hankyu Bus and Shinki Bus. From the Arima Onsen (Taikobashi) stop used by West Japan JR Bus and the Arima Express service, it is approximately a five-minute walk.
Kin no Yu is an excellent starting point for exploring the historic hot spring town of Arima. Nearby attractions include Yumotozaka, a traditional street associated with the old Osaka highway; Gin no Yu, another public bathhouse featuring Arima’s clear “Silver Spring” waters; Taiko no Yu; Zuihoji Park, known for its autumn foliage; and Tsuzumigataki Park, with its natural waterfall.
Visitors can also explore the Kobe City Taiko-no-Yu Hall, which preserves archaeological remains associated with the hot spring history of the area. The nearby Rokko Mountains offer further opportunities to enjoy scenic landscapes and nature. Combining a visit to Kin no Yu with a stroll through Arima’s historic streets makes for a memorable hot spring experience.