Gin no Yu
Experience the smooth, transparent Silver Spring waters at Gin no Yu, a traditional indoor onsen in Arima Onsen town, known for its skin-enhancing pro...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quietest and most relaxing
Gin no Yu
Best Time
Quietest and most relaxing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the smooth, transparent Silver Spring waters at Gin no Yu, a traditional indoor onsen in Arima Onsen town, known for its skin-enhancing properties.
"Small local hot spring a bit away from the main street. Good silver spring water, clean and at the right temperature."
Bring Your Own Towel! 🧖♀️
Save money by bringing your own towel; rentals are available but add to the cost.
Weekday Mornings are Best ☀️
Experience the most peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds during weekday mornings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gin no Yu (Silver Spring)
Arima Onsen Town
Immerse yourself in the smooth, transparent waters of the Silver Spring, known for its skin-smoothing benefits.
Traditional Onsen Experience
Bathing Area
Enjoy a clean and well-managed indoor bathing facility with large baths and a sauna.
Local Cracker Grilling
Near Gin no Yu
Savor freshly grilled crackers right off the heat for a unique local snack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxing Soak
Pack Smart for Your Onsen Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Towel! 🧖♀️
Save money by bringing your own towel; rentals are available but add to the cost.
Weekday Mornings are Best ☀️
Experience the most peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds during weekday mornings.
Coin Lockers for Shoes 👟
You'll need 100-yen coins for the shoe lockers, which are refundable.
Basic Amenities Provided 🧼
Shampoo and body wash are available, but consider bringing your own comb or lotion.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Towel! 🧖♀️
Save money by bringing your own towel; rentals are available but add to the cost.
Weekday Mornings are Best ☀️
Experience the most peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds during weekday mornings.
Coin Lockers for Shoes 👟
You'll need 100-yen coins for the shoe lockers, which are refundable.
Basic Amenities Provided 🧼
Shampoo and body wash are available, but consider bringing your own comb or lotion.
Try the Local Crackers! 🍘
Don't miss the chance to try freshly grilled crackers for a tasty local treat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gin no Yu is praised for its clean facilities and the quality of its Silver Spring water, offering a smooth and skin-benefiting soak. Visitors appreciate the straightforward, tourist-friendly access and the affordable entry fee. However, some note the lack of outdoor bathing options and express concerns about safety due to warning notices regarding theft.
"Small local hot spring a bit away from the main street. Good silver spring water, clean and at the right temperature. 700 yen for adults. Towels cost 500 yen, so better bring your own. Basic shampoo and body wash provided, but no lotion or comb. Morning is quietest; after lunch gets a little busy but still nice. Simple, not fancy, but very good quality."
Hajung Roh
"Gin no Yu (Silver Spring) is one of the two famous hot springs available for day visitors to Arima Onsen (the other being its golden counterpart). We wanted to avoid the crowds and decided to venture uphill to the silver way instead.
Super easy and tourist friendly to access the onsen. You first place your shoes in a mini shoe locker at the front before using some cash at the vending machine to order your bathing experience and toiletries such as towels. We opted for a regular bath entry with a towel ourselves.
The bathing area was very nice inside. Plenty of space to quickly clean yourself before diving into the hot baths. They had two large baths along with standing shower stalls and a sauna. You're free to stay as long as you want to enjoy the baths.
Although we enjoyed the indoor bathing experience, we were bummed that there were no outdoor seating/lounging areas both in and out of the onsen. Everything was done indoors which didn't quite meet our expectations but it was still a lovely time inside."
Andy Ng
"My wife and I I were there on a weekday in Feb 2025. It was cold and we decided on Gin-no-Yu as Jin-no-Yu was closed for renovations. The bath is rather small and can become a little crowded at times. But the place is clean and well managed.
There are many warning notices to remind users to be mindful of theft. This actually made us felt unsafe.
With such big potential in Arima Onsen area, the operators and local government should enhance safety standards for public amenities.
There is free Kobe WIFI in the area for visitors. It is also pretty decent in uploading to social platforms.
F&B is limited but with time, the variety should be improved.
Buses and trains ply the route from and to the destination to nearby cities and towns. Especially the direct bus from Kyoto Airport."
Dennis Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Arima Onsen, where Gin no Yu is located, by bus or train from Kobe city. Direct buses are available, and some visitors suggest looking into combo tickets that include bus round trips.
Yes, buses and trains regularly service the route to Arima Onsen from nearby cities and towns. There are even direct buses from Kansai International Airport.
Accessing the onsen is described as super easy and tourist-friendly. Follow the signs within Arima Onsen town to find Gin no Yu.
A day trip from Osaka is very convenient, taking about an hour by local train. The attractions in Kobe, including Arima Onsen, are generally close to each other.
While Gin no Yu itself is a public bath, there are Muslim-friendly ryokans in Arima Onsen, such as Hotel Hanakoyado, offering private onsen experiences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult admission is typically around 700 yen. Combo tickets that include entry to both Golden and Silver Onsen, along with bus transport from Kobe, are also available.
You can purchase your entry ticket at a vending machine upon arrival. This machine also dispenses toiletries if needed.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally recommended to visit during the day. Weekday mornings are noted as being the quietest.
Yes, towels are available for rent or purchase at the counter for about 500 yen. However, bringing your own is often preferred.
Some sources mention that 2 gold and silver tickets with great towels are limited to weekdays, suggesting potential deals or packages.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Gin no Yu features the 'Silver Spring' water, which is colorless, transparent, and known for its smooth, skin-smoothing properties.
Gin no Yu primarily offers an indoor bathing experience. Some visitors expressed disappointment about the lack of outdoor seating or bathing areas.
Basic shampoo and body wash are provided. However, amenities like lotion or combs are not typically available, so it's advisable to bring your own.
Mornings are generally quietest. After lunch, it can become a bit busy, and on weekends, it's popular with both locals and tourists.
Some reviews mention warning notices about theft, which made some visitors feel unsafe. It's always good practice to be mindful of your belongings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food and beverage options directly at Gin no Yu are limited. However, Arima Onsen town offers various local eateries and cafes.
Yes, Arima Onsen town has a selection of restaurants and cafes. You can also find local snacks like freshly grilled crackers.
A popular local snack is the freshly grilled cracker, which is best enjoyed immediately after it comes off the grill.
While Gin no Yu is a public bath, some accommodations like Hotel Hanakoyado in Arima Onsen cater to Muslim guests, potentially offering halal food options.
If staying at a ryokan, breakfast often includes traditional Japanese fare, sometimes with a healthy twist like green juice.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the bathing areas of onsens is generally not permitted to respect privacy. Focus on capturing the exterior and the surrounding town.
Explore the charming streets of Arima Onsen town, the traditional ryokans, and the natural scenery surrounding the hot spring area for great photo opportunities.
Yes, there is free Kobe Wi-Fi available in the Arima Onsen area, which can be useful for uploading photos and staying connected.
The contrast between the transparent Silver Spring and the reddish-brown Golden Spring (though Kinsen is not at Gin no Yu) offers a unique visual element. The traditional architecture of the town also adds to its charm.
While not specific to Gin no Yu, many visitors capture the essence of Arima Onsen by photographing its historic streets, unique architecture, and the natural landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, to ensure a more comfortable experience for children. Bringing your own towels and any preferred toiletries will streamline the process. While there aren't dedicated kid-friendly amenities, the novelty of a Japanese hot spring can be an exciting part of a family trip.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look into combo tickets that might include transportation from nearby cities like Kobe, as this can often be more economical than purchasing separate tickets for transport and entry. Exploring the town and enjoying local snacks like the grilled crackers can also be budget-friendly ways to experience Arima Onsen.
💖 Couples
Consider combining your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of Arima Onsen town and enjoying a local meal or snack together. While there are no private onsen rooms at Gin no Yu, the shared experience can still be a bonding activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Waters of Arima Onsen: Silver vs. Gold
In contrast, Kinsen, the Golden Spring, has a reddish-brown hue due to its high iron content. While Gin no Yu focuses on the Silver Spring, the presence of both types of mineral-rich waters is what gives Arima Onsen its historical significance and therapeutic reputation. Visitors often choose between the two based on their preferences or the specific benefits they seek.
It's worth noting that while Gin no Yu offers the Silver Spring experience, the other famous onsen in Arima, Kin no Yu, features the Golden Spring. Many visitors opt for combo tickets to experience both types of waters during their visit to Arima Onsen.
Navigating the Arima Onsen Experience
The bathing facilities at Gin no Yu are entirely indoors, featuring large communal baths and a sauna. While clean and well-managed, some visitors have noted the absence of outdoor bathing areas or lounging spaces, which might be a consideration for those seeking a more expansive onsen experience.
For those looking to explore more of Arima Onsen, consider purchasing a combo ticket that often includes round-trip bus fare from Kobe and entry to both Gin no Yu and Kin no Yu (the Golden Spring onsen). This can be a cost-effective way to experience the highlights of this historic hot spring town.
Local Flavors and Snacks
Beyond these simple snacks, Arima Onsen town boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes. If you're staying at a traditional ryokan, you can expect a beautifully presented Japanese breakfast, sometimes incorporating healthy elements like fresh green juices.
For Muslim travelers, while direct halal food options might be limited within the immediate vicinity of Gin no Yu, some accommodations in Arima Onsen, like Hotel Hanakoyado, are known for their Muslim-friendly services, which may extend to dining.
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