The previous night at Safi Spa Maiko, I'd been utterly mesmerized by the Sauna King's masterful cold bath and sauna design, but after a restorative night's sleep, I was recharged and ready for whatever the day might bring. Over breakfast, I contemplated my options. Something about this particular morning called for a different kind of indulgence—I craved the slow, meditative pleasure of soaking in natural hot springs. Japan is blessed with therapeutic springs bubbling up from coast to coast, but if I was going to bathe, why not experience the absolute pinnacle? Arima Onsen, easily accessible from Kobe, beckoned. And among Arima's legendary springs, there's one facility where you can simultaneously experience both the famous Kinsen (golden springs) and Ginsen (silver springs): Arima Onsen Taikou-no-yu. I arrived precisely at the 10 AM opening—perfect timing to avoid crowds. My plan crystallized: morning soak, exquisite meal, perhaps an afternoon nap. Pure indulgence. After checking in, I made a beeline for the bathing area. The moment I stepped inside, the potent mineral aroma of authentic hot springs enveloped me—that unmistakable scent that signals you're about to experience something extraordinary. I quickly surveyed the layout: a two-story setup with indoor baths on the first floor and outdoor baths above. Everything a hot spring enthusiast could want was here—natural spring-fed baths, mist sauna, cold plunge, traditional sauna. But what absolutely stunned me was discovering that even the cold bath was fed entirely by natural springs. I'd never encountered anything like it. After my ritual cleansing, I eased into the blended Kinsen-Ginsen bath. The effect was instantaneous and overwhelming—waves of pure bliss as every ounce of tension melted from my body. As I surrendered to this supreme relaxation, something remarkable happened: my body temperature began rising, my pulse quickening as if I were in a sauna. The mineral-rich waters were clearly being absorbed through my skin, supercharging my circulation. I've soaked in countless hot springs across Japan, but this was my first experience of achieving sauna-like physiological effects from the springs alone. No artificial heat needed—I was ready to transition straight to the cold plunge. That natural spring-fed cold bath at around 18°C was pure silk—so smooth and embracing that despite the chill, I felt like I could float there indefinitely. Glancing over, I noticed a gentleman about my father's age in a state of near-unconsciousness, clearly achieving perfect ととのう right there in the cold water from sheer bliss. I completely understood. I too felt my consciousness beginning to drift if I wasn't careful. Moving to the outdoor relaxation area, I settled into one of the many available chairs and closed my eyes, letting the gentle morning sun warm my face. The comfort was so profound I could have dozed off right there—and why not? It was still morning, after all. Just like that, I'd achieved perfect ととのう from my very first cycle. Remarkably, I only used the actual sauna once during my entire visit to Taikou-no-yu. The hot springs themselves were that extraordinary. Without any artificial heat, my circulation reached sauna-like levels, while the natural spring-fed cold bath delivered both invigoration and deep healing. While cutting-edge sauna facilities certainly have their appeal, there's profound wisdom in dedicating entire days to the slow, meditative art of hot spring bathing.

Following my hot spring immersion, I treated myself to an extraordinary culinary experience at Hanajuraku, the on-site Japanese restaurant. Sushi, tempura, and innovative kaiseki creations—each dish was a masterpiece. There's something almost mystical about dining after hot springs: your senses become incredibly heightened, transforming already exceptional Japanese cuisine into something transcendent. Every flavor seemed amplified, every texture more pronounced. This is one of humanity's purest pleasures—the perfect marriage of thermal therapy and culinary artistry. Time spent this way feels like the ultimate luxury. With my palate thoroughly satisfied, I drifted to the reclining room for what would become the most natural afternoon nap imaginable. The combination of mineral-rich hot springs and exquisite food creates an almost irresistible drowsiness—not the heavy, uncomfortable kind, but a gentle, blissful pull toward rest. Why fight it? I surrendered completely, slowly closing my eyes with the delicious knowledge that I could sleep as long as my body desired. Evening plans could wait until I naturally awakened, refreshed and ready for whatever the night might bring.