Arima's hot springs, has a history of over a thousand years.
When Japan established its first capital in Nara during the 7th century, Arima was already a developed spa, having been discovered by mountain mystics who were searching for medicinal herbs.
Historical accounts relate that Japan's earliest emperors,and its most venerated Buddhist saints including Gyoki and Ninsai, came to steam their earthy cares away in Arima's medicinal waters.
Even the great warlord Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a man known for his iron will, was turned to jelly in the steaming stone cauldrons of Arima. After his well-publicized visits during the late 1500's, Arima's fame was assured. |
