Arima Onsen: 10 Hotels and Inns With Open-Air Baths for Couples and Families

Excellent Hotels and Inns in Arima Onsen

Photo by Pixta

Arima Onsen, famous for its kinsen (gold springs) and ginsen (silver springs), boasts a number of high-class ryokans (Japanese-style inns), where guests can spend their time in luxurious style.

We have selected 10 inns and hotels in Arima Onsen that are suitable for couples and family groups. These facilities are ideal for anniversaries and special occasions but also for casual trips to create lasting memories.

Hotels and Inns in Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen: Basic Information
Inns Recommended for Couples
1. Tocen Goshoboh
2. Spa Terrace Shisui
3. Oku no Hosomichi
4. Hyoe Koyokaku
5. Kinzan
Inns Recommended for Family Trips
6. Motoyu Ryusenkaku
7. Arima Grand Hotel
8. Gekkoen Korokan
9. Miyukisou Hanamusubi
10. Arima Gyoen

Arima Onsen: Basic Information

Photo by Pixta

Arima Onsen, a resort loved by the famous lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), is known as the oldest hot spring resort in Japan.

While a therapeutic spring must contain one of the nine designated ingredients, Arima is a rare case. It is a simple hot spring that also contains carbon dioxide, hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulfate, iron, and radioactive materials, which accounts for seven of the nine necessary elements. People from all over the world visit Arima to experience these hot springs.

The onsen water in Arima also has a moisturizing effect and helps keep the body warm. It is said to be effective against muscle and joint pain, making it popular among people of all ages.

Besides the hot springs, the town has an old, nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll while tasting local treats such as tansan senbei or croquettes. They can also drop by various shrines, temples, or museums located within walking distance and take a break at a public bathing house or footbath.

Arima Onsen Inns Recommended for Couples

Tocen Goshoboh. Picture courtesy of Booking.com

The following are inns suitable for couples, where guests can relax in Japanese-style rooms and spend their time leisurely.

1. Tocen Goshoboh

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Tocen Goshoboh, established in the 12th century, is the oldest facility in Arima Onsen. The building is designed in a modern style, making it perfect for couples looking to relax in an exceptional setting.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

All the onsen water is sourced from the natural springs. There is a private bath where guests can enjoy time alone with their partners.

They can also appreciate the architectural details, framed Chinese poetry, and the garden, which offers different scenery with each season.

Tocen Goshoboh is the perfect resort to get away from the hassles of daily life, take in the history of the area, and simply relax.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: Accepted
Access: 5 minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 858
Check-in 15:00 to 18:00 / Check-out 10:00

2. Spa Terrace Shisui

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The modern tatami guestrooms at Spa Terrace Shisui were designed by a female architect, combining Japanese aesthetics with modern taste. The inn serves colorful Japanese-French cuisine, perfect for couples seeking an elegant touch.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com.

The inn has its own private source of hot springs, which is rare in Arima, to draw kinsen and ginsen. A private bath can be booked on the day of the stay. There is also a women-only aroma mist sauna, which offers strong detoxification effects.

This is an inn where you can escape the bustling city and relax in a natural setting.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: Must be older than thirteen.
Access: 10-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 1656-1
Check-in 15:00 to 18:00 / Check-out 11:00

3. Oku no Hosomichi

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Tadamichi Ohta, who was awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays, is the chef at Oku no Hosomichi. The inn is perfect for those who are particular about their dining options. It is located near the Rokko Arima Ropeway, allowing guests to feel close to the Arima Mountains.

An open-air private bath filled with kinsen hot springs is available in the annex building.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

The pouch containing the room key and amenity items is beautifully designed with Japanese fabric. Guests can take it home as a lovely memento of their trip.

This is an inn where guests can relish the chef's creations to their heart's content.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: Please ask the staff for details.
Access: There is a free shuttle service from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho Oh-yashiki 1683-2
Check-in 15:00 to 19:00 / Check-out 11:00

4. Hyoe Koyokaku

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Hyoe Koyokaku, a long-established high-class ryokan with more than 700 years of history, is furnished with three bathing rooms and nine bathtubs. It is perfect for couples who want to enjoy the golden hot springs.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com.

Guests can enjoy the nostalgic townscape from their rooms, filled with a serene Japanese aura. A kaiseki course featuring Kobe beef, as well as a buffet-style dinner, both reflecting the inn's tradition, are available.

From the private open-air bath, guests can take in an exclusive view of the spacious garden. It will feel like spending a day in paradise, rejuvenating both the mind and body.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: Must be older than eighteen.
Access: 6 minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 1904
Check-in 14:30 to 19:00 / Check-out 11:00

5. Kinzan

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Kinzan limits the number of guests attended to by each staff member to two groups a day, with a maximum of six people. This makes the inn perfect for couples who want to spend their time leisurely.

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The Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine, served on elegant tableware, is pleasing to the eye. It is made from seasonal ingredients, emphasizing quality over quantity. After dinner, guests can relax at the piano bar or in the karaoke room.

Certain guestrooms are equipped with a private bath to enjoy ginsen hot springs.

The inn offers high-quality rooms and meals, ensuring guests a blissful stay.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: Elementary school students and under are not allowed. Please ask the staff for details.
Access: 5-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 1302-4
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 12:00

Arima Onsen Inns for Family Groups

Motoyu Ryusenkaku. Picture courtesy of Booking.com

The following inns are suitable for families and three-generation groups, featuring pools and playrooms where parents need not worry about their children.

6. Motoyu Ryusenkaku

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Motoyu Ryusenkaku has more than 20 years of history as a child-friendly inn. They offer a variety of services for parents who are busy raising children.

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There are multiple pools and playrooms in the inn where children can have fun.

Baby food is included in the meals for infants who aren't old enough to use the children's facilities. In-room dining is available, so parents don’t have to worry about other guests.

The suite can accommodate up to six people and is universally designed to suit senior citizens. The room is equipped with an open-air bath, making it perfect for a three-generation group.

Just relax and create lasting memories with your children.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: Pre-school children will be charged. There is a special rate for elementary school students and under.
Access: 10-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho Utsugidani 1663
Check-in 15:00 to 18:00/Check-out 10:00

7. Arima Grand Hotel

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Arima Grand Hotel, which operates a shuttle service from the nearest station and bus stop, offers a wide range of services.

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Guests can enjoy the garden pool in the summer, the largest of its kind in Arima, free of charge. It features three levels of depth, making it suitable for families with small children.

The hotel is located on a small hill, and the large bathing room on the top floor offers a stunning view. There are also various services for infants, such as baby food, disinfection of tableware, and rental beds and strollers.

The large bathing room and delicious meals will ensure a pleasant stay.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: There is no charge for infants under 3 years old.
Access: 10-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 1304-1
Check-in 14:30 to 22:00 / Check-out 10:30

8. Gekkoen Korokan

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Gekkoen Korokan, located at the foot of Mount Ochiba in the Rokko Mountains, offers a stunning view of the Taki River. This is an inn for families who want to enjoy the natural surroundings.

There are various rooms, ranging from a standard type (12 tatami mats) to a suite with a large window and an open-air bath, allowing guests to choose according to their preferences.

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At dinner, a kaiseki course featuring Kobe beef is served for parents, along with dishes for children, such as hamburg steak. Other menu options, like omelet with rice, ensure there is something for everyone.

The water, drawn from a source located on the grounds, fills the spacious large bathing room. An open-air bath and sauna are also available. Free beverages are served at the salon, where guests can relax after bathing.

This is an inn where you can enjoy scrumptious meals alongside a magnificent view.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: There is no charge for infants under 2 years old.
Access: 10-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 318
Check-in 15:00 to 19:00 / Check-out 12:00

9. Miyukisou Hanamusubi

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Miyukisou Hanamusubi, which operates a shuttle service from Arima Onsen Station and nearby bus stops, is an inn where guests can experience the four seasons and enjoy meals made with carefully selected ingredients.

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The facility is universally designed and stroller/wheelchair-friendly, making it ideal for families with babies. There is also a rental service for chairs and baths for infants.

The inn is known for its meals, which aim to please both the palate and the eye. The cuisine features Japanese Black Wagyu, including Kobe beef, beautifully presented. The chef’s choice kaiseki, a special course meal, is perfect for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.

These colorful meals are sure to create lasting memories of your trip.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: There is no charge for infants under 3 years old, and a special rate for children.
Access: 10-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 351
Check-in 15:00 to 19:30 / Check-out 10:00

10. Arima Gyoen

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At Arima Gyoen, offers guests the opportunity to enjoy both kinsen and ginsen, which is rare in Arima Onsen. Located in the center of town, within walking distance of public baths and sightseeing spots, the inn is an ideal accommodation for family groups.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com

As the inn is also a designated registration store, the appealing meals feature Kobe beef. There are menus for children, and guests can also place orders from the café in the inn.

While porridge is the only baby food available, guests can warm up the food they bring, so parents need not worry.

Bathe in kinsen and ginsen hot springs, enjoy Kobe beef—a famous Japanese brand—and all your worries will fade away.

Parking: Available (No additional charge)
Children: Infants can share a bed with their parents and stay for free.
Access: 2-minute walk from Arima Onsen Station (Kobe Electric Railway).
Address: Hyogo, Kobe, Kita, Arima-cho 1296
Check-in 15:00 to 18:00 / Check-out 10:00

Stay at a Ryokan in Arima Onsen

It is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi, also known as "the great unifier", frequented Arima Onsen, one of the three ancient springs in Japan.

This traditional onsen resort is the perfect destination for creating pleasant memories for families, three-generation groups, and senior couples.

Be sure to check the meals, bathing facilities, and age limits before booking.