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Come to Japan to rediscover nature. The hills and dales of Japan, her forests and lakes and her many hot springs and cherry blooms speak of a land that has been blessed by nature's bounties and of a people who have come to feel at one with nature through the ages. The Japanese people revere nature and their veneration is well reflected in the myriad Japanese festivals dedicated to some aspect of nature. The Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki is one such festival that is dedicated to hot springs. About Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki The Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki is held in the beautiful city of Kobe every year on 2 nd January. The Arima Onsen (or the Arima Hot Springs) nestled amidst the slopes of Mount Rokko in Kobe is one of the oldest hot spring regions in the whole of Japan and is the site for one of the most ancient of the Kobe festivals and events , the Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki. It is worth noting in this context that the Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki, Kobe dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867). The Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki, Japan is the first of the few festivals held throughout the year in Kobe that is held as a mark of respect for the Arima Hot Springs. At the Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki, there is a prayer ceremony that calls for the prosperity of the region, followed by a “Yumomi” performance (the traditional practice of mixing cold air into the hot spring water to cool it, now done only as a part of the festivities) by the women folk. The prime attraction for the tourists at the Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki is that the rituals follow the age-old pattern and hence give a glimpse into the customs and beliefs of yore. The Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki, one of the most popular festivals in Japan , is held at the Onsendera Temple and the festivities last from ten in the morning to twelve noon. Take part in the Arima Hot Springs Irizome Shiki to know more about the simple beliefs of the Japanese.
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