Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The main draw for staying at Hashinoya Bekkan Ransui would be to take a bath in their rejuvenating onsen. But how should one spend the time between those visits to the springs? Arima Onsen is filled with many cultural sites and outdoor opportunities if you know where to look. Visiting the area's shrines and temples is one of the most popular ways to pass the time here. Tosen Jinja is conveniently close by and a lovely place to pray for good fortune and purchase souvenirs. Those who'd like to stretch their legs can climb up Mount Ochiba and visit Myoken-ji, one of the many Buddhist temples that sit atop the region's many mountains. The town is also home to contemporary museums, such as the Arima Toy Museum which is home to a collection of automaton toys from all over the world.

If you're feeling adventurous, hop aboard the nearby Rokko Mountain Cable Car, which is Japan's longest cable car line, and find yourself atop Mount Rokko. Depending on the season, one can find the Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden in full bloom, or the Rokko Snow Park bustling with skiers.

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Bowing (ojigi): It's advisable to bow to show respect when greeting someone. It can also be done to show gratitude or convey an apology.
Shoe etiquette: You must remove your outside footwear before stepping on the elevated area of the genkan (entrance) and entering a house. You should also ensure not to step on the lower area of the genkan without your shoes on. Shoes must be kept facing the entrance. If you wear socks, they should be clean and without any holes.
Slipper etiquette: It's usually better to wear fresh socks or slippers inside the house, especially for formal situations. Make sure to remove your slippers before stepping into a room with tatami mats on the floor. There should also be a separate set of slippers for the washroom.
Dining etiquette: How you hold and place your chopsticks while dining is crucial. For example, they shouldn't be held upright when eating rice. You must also place them on a holder when you're not using them. It's good to say "Itadakimasu" before starting a meal and "Gochisousama deshita" after completing it.
Tipping etiquette: Tipping isn't a common practice in Japan and may be considered rude.
Luggage etiquette: Luggage, especially those with wheels, should be carried instead of being dragged across the floor as it might damage the tatami mats or wooden flooring.
Photography etiquette: Photography rules can change from place to place, so make sure to check for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures anywhere.
Queueing etiquette: Make sure to maintain queues and never cut in line.
Onsen etiquette: Some onsens don't allow tattoos, so check with the staff before getting into one. You must also shower and be clean before entering a shared onsen bath.
Bathing etiquette: Japanese baths include separate areas for washing while the tub itself is meant only for soaking. This means bathers must first wash, scrub, and rinse themselves before entering the bath tub.