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Zen & Hot Springs: Outdoor Calligraphy in Arima’s Serene Bamboo Forest
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Joined 2026
Explore Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, famously loved by the 16th-century samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Walk the historic streets and enjoy a relaxing dip in the therapeutic waters.
Afterward, step into a serene, quiet bamboo forest for a private outdoor calligraphy session with a local master. Feel the ultimate zen as you paint your own masterpiece to take home as a perfect souvenir.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Arima Onsen Hankyu Bus Terminal
- Arima Onsen Hankyu Bus Terminal
Guided Stroll around Arima Onsen
Choose your own way to enjoy the town! If you would like to fully experience the hot springs, you can take a dip in one of Arima’s famous public baths (Soto-yu). For a more casual option, you can enjoy a relaxing foot bath (Ashi-yu), which is a wonderful way to feel the geothermal waters without undressing. Alternatively, you can enjoy shopping in the historic streets, and I will guide you through beautiful temples and shrines deeply tied to the samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Lunch Time
Savor local culinary delights and enjoy a delicious lunch in the heart of the town.
Traditional Calligraphy Experience
Enjoy a private, 2-hour outdoor brush-writing session in a serene environment with a local master.
Cafe & Relaxation Time
Unwind at a cozy local cafe to wrap up our wonderful afternoon before heading back.
Ending Point
3:40PM Arima Onsen Hankyu Bus Terminal (4:35PM ETA OSAKA)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
・guide fee
・Transportation costs (for both guests and the guide)
Your guide will be waiting for you at the Arima Onsen Bus Terminal (Bus Stop).
*Transportation: Direct Highway Bus (Hankyu Bus or JR Bus) from Umeda/Osaka Station to Arima Onsen.
*Fare: 1,400 JPY (one-way per person)
*Duration: Approx. 55-60 minutes
The Hankyu bus departs Umeda at 9:00 and arrives in Arima at 10:00.
Please be careful not to miss it, as it will depart on time.
・Lunch and cafe expenses (for both guests and the guide)
（about 15 USD per person)
・Calligraphy experience fee: ¥8,000 per person (Please pay on-site)
Includes all materials, the workshop, matcha/tea with sweets, and your own final artwork to take home as a souvenir. You can choose to write your creation on a postcard, a hanging scroll (Kakejiku), or a folding fan (Sensu).
・Hot spring (Soto-yu) admission fees (if you choose to bathe / around ¥650–¥800 per person)
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
*Calligraphy Experience Fee: ¥8,000 per person (Please pay on-site)
Includes Matcha or Hojicha (roasted green tea) and traditional sweets after the session.
Payment Method: Credit cards accepted.
*Flexible Calligraphy Venue:
The session will take place outdoors if the weather is clear. In case of rain or if you prefer a climate-controlled space, we can smoothly switch to a beautiful indoor atelier.
*If you would rather focus solely on exploring Arima Onsen without the calligraphy session, that is absolutely no problem at all! I can easily customize the itinerary to fit your preferences. Please contact me before booking, and we can discuss your ideal plan.
Important message from the supplier
My standard guiding hours are weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00. However, I am happy to adjust my schedule to meet your needs! If you are interested in a night tour or weekend availability, please feel free to message me for a consultation!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2026
About Tour Guide Ayumi S.
Academic Knowledge & Global Mindset – Your Local Expert for Culture and Sports!
Hi everyone! I’m Ayumi, a local guide based in the Kansai area.
I studied Tourism at University, where I explore the deeper historical and cultural backgrounds of Japan's most famous sites. Having traveled to many countries myself, I know exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, authentic local experiences and stress-free environment.
Why book with me?
Academic Insight: I don’t just show you the sights; I share the "why" behind them, from the architecture of Himeji Castle to the rituals of a tea ceremony.
Active & Diverse: Whether you want to go hiking in Kobe, watch a professional rugby match, Baseball game, Soccer game, or find the best hidden yakitori spots, I’ve got you covered.
Flexible & Friendly: I understand the needs of international travelers and will help you navigate Japan (including your JR Pass) with ease.
Shopping & Sweets Expert: I am a huge fan of shopping! If you need recommendations for Japanese cosmetics or the best local snacks, just ask me. I especially have a "sweet tooth" for Apple Pie and Daifuku (mochi)—I’m always on the hunt for the best ones in town!
Let’s go beyond the guidebooks and discover the real Japan together.
I look forward to meeting you in Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe!
Reviews
Robert C.
“Osaka with Ayumi”
Ayumi was the best! Above and beyond! So patient with us. We were a family of 7 including two kids and two seniors. We did over 20k steps in 8 plus hours. She was very accommodating to all of our needs and we couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. She did not only provide us with an excellent experience but she became a friend. I truly hope you are lucky enough to find someone like her. Hope to see you again someday Ayumi. : )
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Ayumi S.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for such a beautiful and heartwarming review!!!!!!! I am incredibly grateful and happy to hear your kind words. It was truly an absolute pleasure to spend that wonderful day with your beautiful family. Even though we walked over 20k steps, your energy and smiles made it an unforgettable and fun experience for me too! Please take good care, and I am already looking forward to the day I can see you all again!
Bill V.
“Great Tour my Son and I won’t forget!”
Great guide and treated my son like her own showing him and teaching him along the way. We never felt rushed and she helped us quickly navigate the crowd and made sure we didn’t miss the little hidden details along the way. All the other people were getting lost some asking us where to go but with our guide it was simple and fun! Thanks for making our day great!!
Ayumi S.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Bill! I had an amazing time guiding you and your son in Kyoto. His fresh perspective and unique insights added so much fun to our tour！ Please definitely come back to Japan!! I’ve collected some fantastic gluten-free spots that you all will love. Wishing you and your family all the best, and hope to see you again!
Nobuyoshi K.
“The best customized tour my husband and I enjoy so much!”
Comments from Denise and Paul: Ayumi is very knowledgeable with a great English communication skill. As soon as she find out more about us, which we don’t like to go where most of tourist go. To the end of the tour , she took us to a quiet shop for local people have coffee and dessert. She also tell us where to go for a good drip coffee shop in Arima Onsen, where is our next destination! When we were with her, for some reason, we didn’t noticed crowd around us, without her, we probably will feel overwhelmed by so many crowds a round us and not enjoying each place we visit. We truly appreciate her as our tour guide and thank her to give us a memorable experience!
Ayumi S.
Hi Andy, Thank you so much for sharing this review with me and for taking the time to get feedback from Denise and Paul. Their kind words mean a lot to me. I had a wonderful time with them and genuinely enjoyed the tour as much as they did. I hope I’ll have the chance to see them again someday, and I’m looking forward to working with you again soon. Thanks again for your continued support! Best regards, Ayumi
$159/ per group
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