The Premier Hot Spring Artist of Arima Onsen

Bathers can slide the shoji to view a garden and listen to flowing water.

After being invited to assist a Canadian company in making a documentary about Japanese onsens, I spent a few soothing nights in Arima Onsen. Much of my "work" time was spent in baths, peering into baths, and studying baths. Several baths were especially notable for their beauty and creativity. I would call some of those baths, designed for both able-bodied and disabled individuals, inspirational artworks. The man responsible for these one-of-a-kind baths is Hironobu Kanai.

Kanai wants everyone to benefit from Japanese onsens' relaxing and healing powers. His teacher, mentor, and long-time friend suffered from a severe illness. He asked Kanai to design baths that even very ill people could enjoy. Kanai took that suggestion to heart. Besides designing baths for everyone to enjoy, he also had his staff learn how to best care for guests with special needs. 

The wooden wall slides away to reveal a system that carries disabled individuals into the bath.

Kanai is the descendant of a ryokan-running family that has lived in Arima for at least 15 generations. He generously arranged for us to enter areas of the town that are usually off-limits and allowed us to visit several private baths at his incredible ryokan, Tocen Goshoboh, and other associated properties: Hotel Hanakoyado and Gosho Besso.

The railing and gentle slope from a private room allow easy access to this bird's nest-like bath.

The creativity, dedication to history, and attention to detail Kanai applies to his onsen designs lead to astounding bathing experiences. The bath in the picture directly above was inspired by the legend that Arima Onsen was discovered by crows. The same legend and details of Japanese bathing history and culture are expressed in the intricate tile work shown in the images below. 

The photograph below shows one bath Kanai planned so men and women can enjoy being together while maintaining their own spaces. A sloping wall allows companions on each side to converse and watch each other. Shy people can stay behind the higher wall sections. 

Rooms and Food

The baths, meals, and rooms are spectacular. The photographs below show some of the incredible dishes and rooms his hotels provide guests. These photographs show only a tiny slice of the entire range of accommodations and amenities. 

Prices: Rates vary depending on the type of room, number of guests, and the season. Check rates with your preferred travel website or contact Tocen Goshoboh directly at http://goshoboh.com. 

Getting to Arima Onsen:

Click here for directions from Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Kyoto, and Himeji.

Disclosure: I stayed one night and enjoyed dinner and breakfast for free. But I would still rave about the facilities here even if I did not receive such generosity. I am honestly impressed.