If you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms paired with the relaxing atmosphere of a historic hot spring town, the Arima Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival is the perfect destination. Just 30 minutes from central Kobe, Arima Onsen is renowned for its mineral-rich “gold” and “silver” hot springs, which are said to have healing properties. As one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, Arima offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. In spring, the town bursts to life with cherry blossoms lining the Arima River, creating a picturesque setting.
Arima Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ masa A beloved tradition for both locals and visitors.
The Arima Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival began many years ago to celebrate the arrival of spring and the region’s stunning cherry blossoms. Since its inception, the festival has become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors, with festivities that coincide with the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms. Whether you’re staying for the day or planning an overnight stay, Arima offers a relaxing blend of nature, culture and traditional Japanese charm, making it a must-see destination during the sakura (cherry blossom) season.
Festival Highlights
See Arima Geiko in action.
The Arima Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival showcases a variety of beautiful cherry blossom species, including Someiyoshino (the most common cherry tree) and weeping cherry trees at Zenpuku-ji Temple. Lined with these blossoms, the Arima River creates a tranquil riverside promenade perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. One of the standout features is the nighttime illumination of the cherry trees, where the blossoms glow under lantern light until 10 p.m. each evening.
Another highlight is the traditional Geisha dances performed by Arima’s Geiko (the local term for geisha, referring to female performers skilled in classical Japanese arts). These performances offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience authentic cultural traditions in Arima’s historic setting.
Festival Activities
Take in the local atmosphere.
Beyond the stunning cherry blossoms, the Arima Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival offers a variety of activities that make it even more memorable. You can join both locals and tourists in traditional hanami (flower viewing) picnics, where people gather under the blooming trees and along the riverbanks to enjoy food, drinks and each other’s company.
Food stalls in the plaza sell an array of local favorites oden (a stew with ingredients like daikon radish, fish cakes and boiled eggs), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), onigiri (rice balls) and takoyaki (savory octopus-filled dough balls). You can also enjoy refreshing beverages such as beer, wine and soft drinks. Children can also enjoy festival games and win small prizes, adding to the fun of the celebration.
