Arima Onsen

Japan lies on the Pacific ring of fire. Countries in this region either has more volcanic eruptions than most contries or frequently occuring earthquakes. Japan being more of the latter, opening cracks in the earth resulting to numerous natural hot springs (onsen) all over the country.

Arima is located in Kobe and is considered as one of the most famous region for onsen. It has been ranked as the third best region for onsen. "Arima Onsen has two kinds of springs. One is kinsen (金泉^?, "gold spring"), which has water colored yellow-brown from iron and salt. The other is ginsen (銀泉^?, "silver spring"), which is colorless and contains radium and carbonate." (Wikepedia)

I have been to Arima on two separate occasions. First time was sort of an indulgent day trip as we spend a 6,000 yen, roughly $75 US per person on a lovely and pricey ryokan (Traditional Japanese guest house). This is for the price of day`s use of their onsen, facilities and onsen lunch. Onsen meals are not only delicious but its also an art form. Should not be missed for foodies and culture aficionados visiting Japan.

Lucky to find this photo on the web, as this is the same place we stayed in. You are not supposed to bring your camera in the bathing area, as everyone must be in their birthday suit.





The second time was cheaper as we stayed at the Mint Resort, which is priced at that time around $60 US per head multiply by 3 adults in one room including an onsen dinner. The only downside to this place is that it has no outdoor onsen, and it only has the kinsen (gold spring) which anyway is what Arima is famous for.

I love going to the onsen. I feel like having a refreshed body and a state of mind.

Budget Air : A Travelers' Gift

Gone were the days when a round trip (RT) ticket, Manila-Osaka sets us back 800 USD per head.

We do miss Thai Airways' exquisite service. Fresh orchids to all passengers, delectable meals, but we also miss those precious yen on airfare. But now a lot of budget airlines fly in and out Tokyo and Osaka to different airports in Asia and Australia.

For those coming from Malaysia, Singapore or Australia, there is Air Asia and Jet Star.

For those coming from and to Manila, Philippines there is Cebu Pacific.

So what are you waiting for, plan your trip now.

Lets go to Japan !!!

Most people outside Japan are fascinated with the Japanese culture and somehow perceived it as a scenic and very beautiful country. But a lot of times travellers are always weary to go to Japan as it is always been considered an expensive country. Tokyo for as long as I remembered, placed among the 5 if not the top spot in most expensive city rankings, with Osaka and Kobe tailing closely.

Very true indeed, Japan is expensive but it is an amazing and beautiful country that should not be missed. Breath-taking natural scenery, ancient architecture, world heritage sites, beautiful artistry and unique culture, which some may even find as enigmatic, are only some of the country`s attribute why Japan should not  be left out in every travellers itinerary.

We are a mixed Japanese and Filipino couple, we have a son named, Akira, hence the name of our blog. We lived in New York for 6 years and now living and loving the city of Osaka for the past 6 years. Let us tell you how to enjoy this country without breaking your life savings. Japan is not dirt cheap but still can be enjoyed for so much less. And when we say less,  we don`t mean you sleeping in bed bug infested hostels or eating instant noodles for the whole duration of your travel. Simply,we wanted you to get the best value for your dollar, euro, or even your peso.

"Let me show you the beautiful places you can visit, where to stay, how to get here and get more for less enabling you to see more of this country and enjoy the rich culture this country has to offer.

Japan = cute (kawaii), lets not leave this one out too. Enjoy my cute Japanese posts too !!!"
               
                                  - ARIES

"Hi, Rinka here, native Japanese from Fukuoka, now living in Osaka. Japanese by nationality and by heart, but has cheap travel sensibility. And loves fashionable clothes on sale. Japan and cheap fashion, let me be your guide."  - RINKA