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Osaka Day Trip : My Solo Escape to Arima Onsen

October 1, 2026
Travel

Relaxing Onsen Getaway from Osaka

As a mum, sometimes i don't need a long holiday. I just need a little time without anyone asking "where are we going next?"

So I took myself to Arima Onsen, just outside of Kobe.

My plan was simple: onsen - good food - slow walks - reading and absolutely no rushing

And honestly it was one of those trips where i came back feeling like I haad actually rested.

I went into the onsen 4 times, had Kobe beef, ate kaiseki sinner in my yukata, discovered some really good local food and even caught a traditional Geisha performance at my hotel.

Here's how my little escape went, plus some practical tips if you're thinking of visiting Arima yourself.

Accommodation

I booked a hotel in the town, super convenient and suitable for solo traveller

September 25 - 27 : Arima Onsen Town

🏨 Maple Arima

The hotel is newly renovated, but still an old-style property. And it's a 10 minutes walk from the bus station.

Things To Note:

• Located in the onsen street but involves walking uphill
• Doesn't have it's own onsen instead hotel provide a voucher to nearby onsen
• Performance in hotel

Cost about ¥27,525 for 2 nights

Overall: very good 👍

📍Checkout On Google

Itinerary

🚗 25 September : Osaka - Arima by Bus

I took the Hankyu highway bus from Osaka Umeda at 13:20 and arrived in Arima around 14:20

You can also take a bus directly from Kansai International Airport, which is another convenient option if you're starting your Japan trip in Arima.

The bus drops you directly in front of the onsen street, so it's very easy to walk to your hotel or exploring the town immediately.

It's a 20-30 minutes walk from the bus stop to the hotel, with an uphill near the hotel. Recommend to pack light or avoid suitcase, just a backpack like me!

This is an older hotel, but they just renovated it so the facilities are good but still has that traditional onsen feel.

After checked-in, I put on my yukata, read my book and went for my first onsen.

Arima Onsen is famous for 2 types of spring water

Kinsen (金泉) - Gold Spring The famous reddish-brown spring water Arima is known for
Ginsen (銀泉) - Silver Spring A clear spring with different mineral properties

Depends on your hotel, which type of spring water you get access to And if you're staying at a hostel or smaller accommodation that doesn't have its own onsen, you can also enjoy it. Some accommodations partner with nearby hotels, and guests may receive a voucher to use their onsen facilities. So check with the counter before booking a separate onsen!

Kaiseki dinner in my yukata

At 7pm, I had kaiseki dinner at the hotel. I paid separately for ¥11,500. Having dinner in my yukata and knowing I didn't have to go anywhere afterwards was honestly such a nice feeling. Just eat, relax and go back to my room. That was basically the mood of this whole trip.

🚗 26 September : Arima Town, Onsen & Kobe Beef

Woke up with nowhere I needed to be, as a mum, that already felt like a holiday!

I slowly walked into the town and started exploring.

My first food stop was Akashiyaki . If you've never tried it, it's very similar to Takoyaki, but more egg and less flour, overall texture is softer. You need to order first only they will make it, freshly made.

The shop was small, so I had to take a number and wait around 30 minutes. But honestly, it was worth it. It was fresh, still hot and very satisfying! So don't go if you're in a hurry.

Akashiyaki set: ¥1,380

While walking around town, you'll also see Tansan Senbei (炭酸煎餅) everywhere.

One of Arima famous snacks, it's a thin and crispy cracker. It's made with carbonated spring water, which is also where the name of the town comes from.

They are also a good souvenir to bring back home!

Kin no Yu · Gold Spring

Of course I had to try the famous Gold Spring. I went to Kin no Yu (金の湯), where I had my voucher from the hotel. If you walk-in, it's ¥800.

If you have no time for full onsen, can use the foot bath outside too. No worries, here you can take picture, but not once you're in there!

After Kin no Yu, I went back to my hotel... and went into the onsen again. At this point, I think "soak in hot water" became my main activity already. I love it!

Kobe Beef for dinner at hotel

There was a Kobe beef course for around ¥15,000, but because I wasn't very hungry for a full course, i just ordered 100g of Kobe beef with a drink and cheesecake. So i only paid ¥12,760. And the steak was soo good. My favourite meal of the trip!

Next time if you're travelling by yourself, and didn't want to order a full course, just asked the staff if possible to get a few gram instead!

A little Geisha performance

I didn't know they have a performance at dinner, so i was happy i got to watch a traditional Geisha performance. It made my evening feeling extra special.

If you're interested in a Geisha experience, you can also arrange one in Kyoto. It's more commonly found there. Or if you're unsure where to find or how to book, contact Hippo Travel Japan for help!

📍Hippo Travel Japan IG

🚗 27 September : Morning Walk, Autumn Foliage & Burgers

I wanted a slow morning before heading back to Osaka. So i went on a slow walk at Zuihoji Park

If you like autumn foliage, don't miss this out. Arima turns red and brown during autumn, it's famous for that. The autumn foliage wasn't there yet when i was there.

Highly recommend to visit in autumn peak to see the red leaves! Arima is actually a nice addition to a Kobe → Arima → Osaka autumn route if you want something slower between the bigger cities.

One Last Onsen

After my morning walk, I went back to Maple Arima for my final onsen. Yeah, i had to, 4 onsens in 3 days. I love onsen if you can't tell yet!

After the onsen i packed and check-out and head for lunch.

Late breakfast at SABOR

I skipped the hotel breakfast and went to SABOR instead. I ordered beef burger + Homemade cola + Potatoes.

The potatoes.... super good! Simple but just right, exactly the meal I need before heading back home. They also have homemade coke, don't leave without trying!

After that satisfying meal, i just stroll around the town abit and then went back to the hotel to pick up my stuff and slowly walk to the bus stop.

Back to Osaka

I took the regular bus from Arima Onsen back to Osaka Umeda. And just like that, my little 3D2N solo escape was over.

Overall Cost

Maple Arima : 2 nights = ¥27,525
Osaka ↔ Arima bus = ¥2,800
Kaiseki dinner = ¥11,500
Kin no Yu = ¥800
Kobe beef : 100g + drink + cheesecake = ¥12,760
Akashiyaki = ¥1,380
SABOR burger + homemade cola = ~¥3,000

Total: around ¥59,765
*I had a hotel voucher, so I personally paid ¥0 for Kin no Yu.

My Favourite Part Of The Trip?

To be honest, I like Arima Onsen, but the part I love most about this trip is being able to enjoy my me time ; 3 days without rush ; undisturbed ; wake up and eat whenever or whatever i want ; read my book ; go to onsen hoe many times i want ; or sometimes just do nothing all all

As a mum sometimes we forget how nice it feels to have a little time when we're not taking care of everyone else, but ourselves. And Arima was perfect for that.

Day Trip or Overnight?

I saw other people do a day-trip from Osaka or Kobe. But after spending 3 days here, i think staying would give you a totally different experience.

You can definitely visit Arima as a day trip from Osaka. I like how the town gets quiet as the sun is setting, no rushing for bus ride, have time to explore and walk around without plan. It's the kind of town requires you to slow down and relax. Plus, you have more time to enjoy the onsen too.

You can come by regular bus from Osaka or Kansai Airport, or if you're travelling with family, elderly parents or lots of luggage, you can also arrange a private car with Hippo Travel Japan .

🚙 Licensed Private Car Booking
📍 Custom Itinerary Planning
🏨 Hotel Arrangement
📌 Restaurant and Ticket Reservation

📍Hippo Travel Japan IG

So if you like to explore outside of Osaka city, please take Arima Onsen into consideration. It's worth it, trust me. And if you like this kind of Japan travel tips, and recommendation, follow my blog 😊

Coming Soon! Follow our adventure 😊

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