Arima Onsen is surely the best hot spring town closest to Kyoto and Osaka. While the onsen town is full of characters and worth visiting, vegan/vegetarian meals are hard to come by. Fortunately, Onsenji Temple (温泉禅寺) offers monk cuisine, making it the only place in Kobe to enjoy the famous Shojin Ryori. The temple also runs a café that serves vegan keema curry rice!
About Onsenji Temple
Onsenji Temple was established in 724, when the eminent monk of the time, Gyōki (行基), tried to cure the locals of illness using the hot spring. As the first temple built in the hot spring town, the temple is also known as a spot for cherry blossoms in spring.
In its main worship hall, there are many National Important Cultural Properties, including the magnificent golden statue of Yakushi Nyorai (healing Buddha), which will definitely catch your attention.
Fucha Cuisine at Onsenji Temple
What excites us the most is Fucha Cuisine (Fuchar Rōri, 普茶料理), a type of Shojin Rōri (精進料理) offered here! Since October 2019, pilgrims can enjoy Chinese-style vegan cuisine for lunch from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm if they book in advance by calling +81-78-904-0650. One thing to note is that you have to be in a group of 3 or more to book one of their 6 tables.
While it isn’t cheap to dine here (5,500 yen per person), it can be quite an experience if you have some extra cash to spare (^_-)-☆. Each table will have around 7 to 9 dishes shared among everyone. Unlike the small portions served at many traditional diners in Japan, you can expect dishes served in large quantities here.
Tip: Another vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant in Arima Onsen Town is Tea House citta (茶坊 citta), operated by Nenbutsuji Temple (念佛寺).
How to Get to Onsenji Temple
The temple is around an 8-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (有馬温泉駅).
Discover Other Attractions in Arima Onsen Town
Experience the timeless charm of Arima Onsen, Japan’s oldest and most iconic hot spring town. Tucked away in the scenic mountains of Kobe, this historic retreat is famous for its unique “Gold” and “Silver” onsen, renowned for their healing properties for centuries. Whether you are seeking a luxury ryokan stay, a rejuvenating day trip from Osaka, or a stroll through narrow winding streets filled with traditional snacks, Arima Onsen offers the ultimate authentic Japanese spa experience.
To find out more about this hot spring town, please refer to our article on Arima Onsen (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
