 |
  |
 |
Annual Events in Arima
This is an annual event held on January 2nd to show appreciation to the
important benefactors of Arima Onsen.
Festival Procession
This ceremonial procession heads toward the festival grounds (Arima Elementary
School) and is led by the local Shinto and Buddhist priests followed by
the proprietors of Japanese inns and a group of geisha girls in traditional
bathhouse costumes. They carry wooden sculptures of the high priests Gyoki
and Ninsai on a palanquin from the Onsenji Temple as well as the object
of worship from Tosen Shrine of Onamuchi-no-Kami (Okuninushi-no-Mikoto),
worshipped as the mythical discoverer of Arima Onsen in Japanese folklore.
Churning the Hot Water
In step with the beat of the drum, the ladies of the bathhouse churn the
first hot water until the water becomes the right temperature.
Throwing Water
The first hot water poured in appreciation of Gyoki and Ninsai.
Dance
Geisha announce a dance with the commemorative bath song playing in the
background.
Purification Ceremony
Rice that has been spread on the floor is raked up using a young pine and
is wrapped in white paper as an amulet.
Return, Come Back
The ladies of the bathhouse begrudgingly bid farewell to the palanquin
by saying "Return, Come Back" as the palanquin moves back and
forth according to their instructions.
   |
From the start of April, there is a cherry blossom festival held at Shinsui
Park when the rosebud cherry trees at Shinsui Park and Zenpukuji Temple
and the cherry trees lining Arima River are lit up.
(Please inquire for details as the date varies yearly.)
[ Guide to Cherry Blossoms Spots ]
   |
In early June, the spectacle of swirling fireflies can be seen at the Arima
River. Every year students at Arima Elementary School release fireflies
at the river, and the beautiful scenery of the early summer at the Arima
Onsen becomes a backdrop for poetry.
|
This is a festival held in mid-June around the time a myriad of white Sal
flowers (summer camellia) are in full bloom. With a lifespan of only a
day, these flowers fall to the ground the same day as they bloom. With
the sound of the ichigen-kin or one stringed harp played in the background,
one cannot help but reflect on the transitory nature of life.
   |
From late July for one month, stalls line up on the riverbeds of the Arima
River. With the river breeze providing relief, many people come every year
smacking their lips in anticipation of delicious food.
   |
Hideyoshi loved Arima and would sometimes hold tea ceremonies with Sen-no-Rikyu
and his followers. In remembrance of Hideyoshi's love of Arima and tea
ceremony, the tea ceremony schools of Omote-senke and Ura-senke take turns
hosting an annual tea ceremony on November 2-3 in honor of Hideyoshi at
his memorial at Zenpukuji Temple. The tea ceremony is performed in the
open air in the Zuihoji Park with its beautiful autumn leaves. During this
time, tea ceremonies are performed at local Arima temples and inns. The
event is around the time the autumn leaves begin to change colors in Arima.
   |
In early November, the players of the game of Go gather on Sunday at the
Arima Onsen to win promotion to a higher rank of the Nihon Ki-in (Japan
Go Association). Two hundred people participate with opportunities for
young enthusiasts to match wits with professional player in commemorative
matches. |
Seeing steam from the hot springs rising through the falling snow in Arima
Onsen surrounded by the mountains wraps the beholder in awe-inspiring emotion.
Located on a hilltop in Arima, Ryuusenkaku offers a panoramic view of snow-covered
mountains in the distance from the warmth of our soothing outdoor mineral
baths.
   |
|
Address:
"Motoyu Ryuusenkaku - Arima Onsen"
1663, Utsugidani, Arima-cho, Kita-ku,
Kobe City, Hyogo, 651-1401 Japan
Tel: 078-904-0901 Fax: 078-903-0099
E-mail address: ryuusen@skyblue.ocn.ne.jp |
Experience the finest in Japanese hospitality complete with relaxing outdoor
mineral baths and exquisite Japanese cuisine at Ryuusenkaku.
The Management
Motoyu Ryuusenkaku
|
|
 |
