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Zen & Hot Springs: Outdoor Calligraphy in Arima’s Serene Bamboo Forest

Zen & Hot Springs: Outdoor Calligraphy in Arima’s Serene Bamboo Forest

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2026

Ayumi S.

5.00 / 5

(27 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Hyogo

English, Japanese (Native), Korean, Turkish

5 hrs 40 mins

Private tour (only you and Ayumi S.)

Up to 7 people

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!

10:00 AM

Meeting Point

Arima Onsen Hankyu Bus Terminal

- Arima Onsen Hankyu Bus Terminal

10:10 AM

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.

12:00 PM

Lunch Time

Savor local culinary delights and enjoy a delicious lunch in the heart of the town.

01:00 PM

Traditional Calligraphy Experience

Enjoy a private, 2-hour outdoor brush-writing session in a serene environment with a local master.

03:00 PM

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

What‘s included

・guide fee

What‘s not included

・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

Ayumi S.

5.00 / 5

(27 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Arnold M.

5 / 5

Oct 24, 2026

The Best of Kyoto in 5 Hours: Ancient Temples & Historic Streets

Oct 24, 2026

Kyoto

5 hours

Customized

“Ayumi is a must if you need an excellent guide in Kyoto”

We had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Ayumi during our time in Kyoto. She has a great smile with warm and friendly personality. She was definitely a great tour guide for our time in Kyoto. She was professional and was flexible in meeting our needs and preferences in terms of places to see or where to to eat. So if you're looking for a great guide for Kyoto look no further than Ayumi. Will definitely use her services again on our next visit to Japan as she made our experience in Kyoto very memorable.

Ayumi S.

Dear Arnold, I really enjoyed guiding you in Kyoto and had a wonderful time together. Knowing that your experience was so memorable makes me truly happy!! Thank you again for your warm words, and I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan on your next visit!

Simon M.

5 / 5

Oct 22, 2026

Osaka Castle & History Private Tour: Premium Hospitality by a Former Hotelier

Oct 22, 2026

Osaka

8 hours

“Absolutely Amazing Ayumi”

You could not ask for a better guide than Ayumi. She was knowledgeable, professional and courteous. Her English was perfect. We had an extensive program travelling from Kobe to Osaka Castle, back to Kobe for an outstanding Kobe Beef lunch. We then did some Kobe sightseeing and a visit to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens & Ropeway. Pre trip, Ayumi was responsive to emails, offering suggestions and tailoring the day to our needs. It was a fun day and one we will remember. If you are visiting Kobe, Kyoto or Osaka, do not look any further than a guided tour with Ayumi.

Ayumi S.

Dear Simon, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful and detailed review! It was truly a pleasure guiding you through Kobe and Osaka. I had a fantastic time visiting Osaka Castle, enjoying the delicious Kobe beef lunch, and exploring the Nunobiki Herb Gardens together. I also really enjoyed your great sense of humor. Your jokes kept me laughing all day!lol Since Kobe is my hometown and such a wonderful city, there’s still so much more I’d love to show you. I hope you’ll come back again! Thank you for choosing me as your guide. I hope to welcome you back to Kansai in the future! Please give my warm regards to Leonie as well. Warmest regards, Ayumi

Clare M.

5 / 5

Oct 22, 2026

Kyoto 4-Hour Private Tour

Oct 22, 2026

Kyoto

4 hours

Customized

“Amazing Ayumi”

We could not have had a better experience with Ayumi. She was incredibly professional, organised, knowledgeable, spoke great English and was a real pleasure to spend time with. The whole family enjoyed our time with Ayumi and we hope to see her again in the future.

Ayumi S.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review Clare! It was truly a pleasure spending those four days together, and I have such great memories of our time with your lovely family. I hope your experiences in Kyoto and Osaka bring you fond memories for years to come. I hope to see you all again and please send my warmest regards to everyone in your family.