Arima Onsen is a beautiful hot spring town just half an hour’s drive from Kobe. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll find some of the most relaxing hotels where you can enjoy a traditional onsen. We’ll show you the most luxurious rooms, ideal for families and couples. Some rooms even have a private onsen with lovely views of the mountains. So before you plan a weekend getaway, here are the best hot spring hotels in Arima Onsen.
1. Arimasansoh Goshobessho
Arimasansoh Goshobessho is located within a stunning complex, surrounded by tranquil gardens. Typical for elegant Japanese guesthouses, this 5-star establishment combines authentic wooden interiors with modern amenities. The hotel’s Arima Golden Hot Spring is surrounded by calming greenery and the sound of the gentle hot waterfall. But if you want your own private onsen, check out the Deluxe villa. It’s designed on the balcony like a bird’s nest, a unique way to experience an onsen. For a traditional dining experience, visit the on-site Restaurant Gosho Bessho where Japanese and fusion dishes are served. Finish the day with a glass of sake or Japanese whisky paired with local delicacies in The BAR POCO D’OURO.
- Guest Rating: 9.5
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe villa
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 958, Japan
2. Nakanobo Zuien
Nakanobo Zuien is an up-scale hotel in Arima Onsen for adults only. Wooden floors, classic Japanese furniture, and splendid views from the rooms are courtesy of this elegant onsen resort. Most of the 49 rooms at Nakanobo Zuien have a private open-air hot bath. Inside, you’ll be pleased with the chic minimalist design and generous living room with a massage chair. In terms of onsen, Nakanobo Zuien has a golden and silver bath with unique healing purposes. A private bath can also be reserved if you want to enjoy a whole section to yourself. Sourced from regional farms and the sea, the ingredients at the hotel’s restaurant genuinely shine through the skilled hands of the chefs. Other treats at Nakanobo Zuien include a lounge bar, a cafe, and a shop full of sweets and souvenirs.
- Guest Rating: 9.3
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Rooms with open air bath
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arimacho 808, Japan
3. Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
Based within a vibrantly green bamboo forest, Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama is a luxurious hotel. Book a suite with an open-air hot spring bath and you’ll never want to leave. In most suites, there’s a private Japanese garden adding to the relaxing vibes. There’s even a TV fitted on the side so you can soak in the bath all day. Around the property, there are more indoor and outdoor hot springs for guests to enjoy. For dining, you’ll love the Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that displays the chef’s skills and magnificent flavors. In the morning, you can opt for a Western or Japanese breakfast before heading to the hot springs.
- Guest Rating: 9.2
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Suite with open air bath
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 1364-1, Japan
4. Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan
Based in a hypermodern 8-story building, this extravagant onsen hotel is a feast for the eye. Apart from its looks, Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan has a long list of amenities. You’ll love the different hot spring baths, in-room dining, and a karaoke bar. Pick from 9 baths to soak in, or enjoy the warm natural river that flows right next to the hotel. For food, you can enjoy a Kaiseki feast beautifully presented over 4-courses. If you’re on a budget, there are standard rooms. But if you want the complete experience, book the Executive Hollywood twin room that comes with an open-air bath.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 5 stars
- Best Room: Executive Hollywood twin room
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 318 , Japan
5. Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano
Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano is the ideal hot spring hotel for friends and families. There’s a Japanese suite with tatami mats, a dining area, and a lounge with superb views of the rolling hills. However, we highly recommend the suites with their own hot springs inside. Outside, you’ll love the larger communal baths with views of Arima Onsen. For dining, there’s a traditional kaiseki meal and a vegetarian option as well. Extras like lobsters and abalone can be ordered separately for bigger occasions. During the day, book your tours through the concierge service, or stay in the hotel for a massage or body treatment in the spa facility.
- Guest Rating: 9.1
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Suite with spa bath
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 400-1 , Japan
6. Arima Grand Hotel
At Arima Grand Hotel, you’ll be catapulted into a world of class, luxury, and comfort. Sitting at the top of majestic mountains, you’ll have the most incredible views from your room. We recommend staying in one of the twin suites that include breakfast and Kaiseki dinner in the package. There are also Japanese-style rooms and standard rooms which are just as comfy. Outside, there’s a huge swimming pool for all guests with plenty of recliners and dining chairs around it. But the main features are their hot springs. When you’re ready for a hot dip into the onsen, you’ll find different settings from mountain views to lush forests. Arima Grand Hotel also has a spa center, where you can enjoy aromatherapy and body care treatments.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Twin suites
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arimacho 1304-1, Japan
7. Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo
Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo is a historical inn with roots in the 12th century. On arrival, you’ll see hedges and bonsai-like trees dotted around the building that add to the tranquil vibes. Inside, rooms stick to the traditional look with futon beds and tatami mats. There are a range of configurations from twin rooms to family suites. Some even have massage chairs to ensure you get the best out of your stay. More importantly, you’ll have access to their natural hot springs At night, enjoy the freshly cooked kaiseki cuisines like sashimi, meats, and fried foods. Other areas to relax include the library and a bar that serves splendid sake and international wines.
- Guest Rating: 9.0
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Deluxe family suite
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 858 , Japan
8. Hyoe Koyokaku
This high-end onsen resort lets you experience Japanese comforts, combined with stunning hot pools. Hyoe Koyokaku features a brilliant indoor bathing complex plus outdoor springs, surrounded by gardens. There are also 2 private open-air baths with different garden settings, but these need to be booked. Like most onsen, there’s a quiet lounge area to relax after bathing in the hot springs. Rooms are also designed with Japanese touches. Check out the Deluxe rooms with meals included to get the full experience. Spoil your tastebuds with the multi-course kaiseki dinner with Kobe beef, and a splendid buffet spread for breakfast.
- Guest Rating: 8.9
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Japanese style deluxe rooms
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 1904, Japan
9. Okuno Hosomichi
Okuno Hosomichi is in the southern part of Arima Onsen, next to a rainbow trout fishing venue. Most of their rooms have private bathtubs with views of the surrounding forest. If you’re visiting with family or a group of friends, you may want to check out the Presidential suite. It’s the most luxurious room at Okuno Hosomichi. You’ll have a private hot spring with a zen garden and a foot bath – you may not even need the communal baths. Although, there are more facilities outside including larger hot springs, cold baths, and sauna. Dining here is a spectacle too, as the award-winning chef at Okuno Hosomichi dishes out stunning plates of food.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Presidential suite
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arimacho 1683-2, Japan
10. Motoyu Kosenkaku
Motoyu Kosenkaku is a 4-star resort in a secluded area of Arima Onsen. This resort was established in 1956 and houses 66 guest rooms. They have their own hot spring source and several types of baths for different health properties. Spend your holiday in a tranquil environment and enjoy the extensive garden complex, cafe, and bar for refreshments in the evening. They have Japanese rooms with tatami mats on the floor, dining, and a private balcony for fresh air. However, you may prefer their cottages which have private hot tubs. In the restaurant, you can either order classic French food or fine-dining Japanese fare. Go with the multi-course kaiseki menu, or pick up some delicate a-la-carte dishes.
- Guest Rating: 8.7
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Family cottage
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arimacho 1455-1, Japan
11. Negiya Ryofukaku
Negiya Ryofukaku provides guests with a lavish and unforgettable onsen experience. In the middle of the forest, you can jump into several indoor and outdoor hot pools, plus some smaller private baths. If you want the best stay, look for their Japanese traditional room with open air bath. On the outside, the private hot bath is surrounded by a bamboo grove, the perfect spot to relax in privacy. The list of complimentary toiletries is impressive, as guests can use Yukata bathrobes, a shaving kit, and heaps of fragrant essences. For meals, you can arrange a dinner in your own room or a bento box-style breakfast in the restaurant of Negiya Ryofukaku.
- Guest Rating: 8.4
- Star Rating: 4 stars
- Best Room: Rooms with open air baths
- Address: 651-1401 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita-ku Arima-cho 1537-2, Japan
Kobe Onsen Hotels Map
Find More Kobe Hotels with Onsen Hot Springs
FAQs
At Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan, both the in-room and hotel facilities are quite impressive, ideal for family getaways.
They have a Japanese style-room that can accommodate up to 6 people.
The tatami woven mats, traditional dining area, and window-facing lounge are all utterly charming.
Outside the rooms, you’ll be entertained in the ramen restaurant, karaoke bar, souvenir shop, and many hot spring baths.
The Arimasansoh Goshobessho is by far the best hotel for couples to celebrate their honeymoon.
If its available, book the Deluxe villa that has a private onsen in a unique outdoor nest.
Otherwise, the Maisonettes are just as good.
This 5-star hotel is in the perfect location too so be prepared for a romantic stay.
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama has the best rooms with private onsen in the room.
Many of their suites have open air hot spring baths, and some even have TVs.
If you book the Deluxe suite with a spa bath at Okuno Hosomichi, you’ll be pampered with an attractive outdoor bath.
This open-air bath overlooks the forest, and especially in autumn, the views of the foliage are striking.
Summary
| Kobe Onsen Hotels | Best Rooms |
| Arimasansoh Goshobessho | Deluxe villa |
| Nakanobo Zuien | Rooms with open air bath |
| Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama | Suite with open air bath |
| Arima Onsen Gekkoen Korokan | Executive Hollywood twin room |
| Arima Onsen Takayamaso Hanano | Suite with spa bath |
| Arima Grand Hotel | Twin suites |
| Arima Onsen Tocen Goshobo | Deluxe family suite |
| Hyoe Koyokaku | Japanese style deluxe rooms |
| Okuno Hosomichi | Presidential suite |
| Motoyu Kosenkaku | Family cottage |
| Negiya Ryofukaku | Rooms with open air baths |
