This past Sunday Katrina, Stacie and Chong trekked to the
mountainside town of Arima Onsen to partake of an onsen or Japanese hot
springs baths.
As we were a small all women group we decided to experience the "Women
Only" rail cars. This car is clearly marked "Women Only" in pink boxes
all over the car. The platform is also marked the same way so We were
rather surprised to see men in this car as we have heard again and again
about how the Japanese are very strict rules followers. Some men would
enter the car, realize where they were and move to another car. Others
just sat down and remained in the car. This happened on all portions
of our train ride. Hmmm...
We found a wonderful bakery in the Sannomiya train station. We each
purchased a few treats and decided to sit down to enjoy them before
heading out to Arima. These were the BEST bakery items that we have
experienced. We decided before leaving the bakery that we needed to
make a stop on the return trip.
The train ride to Arima Onsen takes one out through the developed town
and into a more rural area where the homes are not as tightly condensed
together. There are garden patches, bamboo clusters, and mountains
visible from the train. The town of Arima Onsen seems to be built right
onto the mountainside and is divided by a sculpted creek. The town is
very easy to navigate and quite serene. The serenity of the town is
needed to propel one up the very steep walk to our final destination of
Arima Onsen Taiko-no-yu. This particular bath house was selected
because it has both the gold and silver water.
The bath experience is like nothing in the United States. In Japan
public bathing is done completely naked. The bathing facility is
equipped with washing areas off to the side. Upon entering the bath
area everyone scrubs down with soap and water. Once clean, you can
enter the baths. This facility has an indoor bathing area and a rooftop
bathing area. The indoor bath is what you would expect it to be. The
rooftop area is definitely our favorite as you cold experience the
cooling temperatures of the day.s weather while relaxing in the hot
pools. Baths are enjoyed by all ages. We saw small children to women
in their late sixties. We spent about three hours there and came away
completely relaxed.
We absolutely recommend that everyone experiences an onsen. All you
need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to walk around in your
birthday suit.
Written by Chong Lee
wow...I may have to get a new suit for my birthday lol! But seriously, Im glad you were able to relax, it sounds amazing.
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