If you’re staying in Kobe and looking for accommodation, why not try the ryokan experience? The city has a number of these traditional Japanese inns, some with the added benefit of excellent hot spring onsen facilities. Read on for our recommendations.
Taketoritei Maruyama – image © Booking.com
The following list highlights a range of Kobe ryokan with information on location and how to find them.
Taketoritei Maruyama
Taketoritei Maruyama – image © Booking.com
Nestled on a hillside in Arima Onsen, Taketoritei Maruyama is a fine choice for a ryokan stay in the area. The inn has just 30 guest rooms, and a few even include private hot spring baths. Most are Japanese-style rooms but a few suites have Western-style beds. The Japanese breakfast and kaiseki (multi-course fine dining) dinners here are delicious. The hot spring baths are great to soak in, and all guests have the option of reserving 45-minute sessions in the private baths on a first-come, first-serve basis. A stay here won’t break the bank, but it isn’t the cheapest around. Avoid peak travel seasons like Golden Week if possible, and time your visit accordingly for more reasonably priced rooms. Note that the hotel is located on top of a moderately steep hill. Arrange for pickup from the train station with the hotel beforehand, or you may have to drag your suitcase up the hill.
Japanese name: 竹取亭円山
Japanese address: 〒651-1401 神戸市北区有馬町1364-1
English address: 1364-1 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-1401
Internet/wifi access: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest transport: Train: 11-minute walk from Arima-Onsen Station on the Shintetsu Arima Line.
Telephone: +81-78-904-0631
District: Arima Onsen
Website: Official Website
:: Check Availability, Pricing and Guest Reviews of Taketoritei Maruyama on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Arima Road Yuuwa
We like this clean, peaceful ryokan with its fabulous hot spring baths – especially the open air bath which can be booked for private use! The free-flow coffee in the 3rd floor lobby doesn’t hurt, either. Arima Road Yuuwa has both Western-style and Japanese-style guest rooms, so it’s a case of choosing what you prefer. The inn itself is reasonably family-friendly, with triple-share options available. The hotel staff are also friendly and helpful. Be warned that not all rooms are ensuite; check at the time of booking that you’ll have a private bathroom if that’s something you need. Dinners are pretty tasty – not the best food around, but great if it’s your first experience of kaiseki dining at an inn. We like that the inn offers a free shuttle service, but be warned that this only runs till 5:30pm. A stay here is generally good value for money, especially on weekdays.
Japanese name: 有馬街道 ゆうわ
Japanese address: 〒651-1331 神戸市北区有野町唐櫃4509-87
English address: 4509-87 Arinocho-karato, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-1331
Internet/wifi access: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest transport: Train: 9-minute walk from Arima-Onsen Station on the Shintetsu Arima Line.
Telephone: +81-78-904-2811
District: Arima Onsen
Website: Official Website
SPA TERRACE Shisui
SPA TERRACE Shisui – image © Booking.com
Rooms at the modern, tastefully designed SPA TERRACE Shisui are comfortable for what they are. The hot spring baths are wonderful to soak in, and there are three private baths you can reserve for an additional fee. Free WiFi is always welcome, dinner is delicious, and we like the views of Mount Rokko from the rooms. But what really makes this inn stand out is the attention to detail. What’s not to love about complimentary tea and cake upon arrival for check-in, or a gentle and sublime fragrance emanating from your futon bedding? Women staying here also enjoy free alcoholic drinks in the evenings from 8:00pm onwards; choose from wine, sake, and shochu. The excellent customer service is just the icing on the cake.
Japanese name: SPA TERRACE 紫翠
Japanese address: 〒651-1401 神戸市北区有馬町1656-1
English address: 1656-1 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-1401
Internet/wifi access: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest transport: Train: 9-minute walk from Arima-Onsen Station on the Shintetsu Arima Line.
Telephone: +81-78-904-0622
District: Arima Onsen
Website (Japanese): Official Website
:: Check Availability, Pricing and Guest Reviews of SPA TERRACE Shisui on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Arima Grand Hotel
Arima Grand Hotel – image © Booking.com
Arima Grand Hotel puts the ‘grand’ in its name. Set on a hillside, guests can enjoy stunning views of the town below from spacious rooms. Both Western and Japanese-style rooms are available. In general, this place has everything you want from a resort hotel in Japan – fantastic kaiseki dinner, hot spring baths, karaoke bars, massage chairs, outdoor garden, and even a huge swimming pool, which is a real rarity in Japanese hotels. Service here is top-notch, too. If you contact the hotel on arriving at the train or bus station, they’ll dispatch a minivan to pick you up! As you might expect, all this hospitality comes at a wee bit of a price. It’s worth the splurge.
Japanese name: 有馬グランドホテル
Japanese address: 〒651-1401 神戸市北区有馬町1304-1
English address: 1304-1 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-1401
Internet/wifi access: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest transport: Train: 8-minute walk from Arima-Onsen Station on the Shintetsu Arima Line.
Telephone: +81-78-904-0181
District: Arima Onsen
Website (Japanese): Official Website
:: Check Availability, Pricing and Guest Reviews of Arima Grand Hotel on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Arima Onsen Okuno Hosomichi
Arima Onsen Okuno Hosomichi – image © Booking.com
With just 17 rooms, this charming inn nestled in the mountains feels like a secluded getaway in Arima Onsen. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when you can look right out into the red and gold mountains! Oku no Hosomichi offers both Western and Japanese-style rooms – spacious enough for 2, though those travelling in larger groups and sharing a room may want more space. A special mention must go to the multi-course kaiseki dinner, which is a real highlight of staying at this inn.
Japanese name: 天地の宿 奥の細道
Japanese address: 〒651-1401 神戸市北区有馬町1683-2
English address: 1683-2 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, 651-1401
Internet/wifi access: wifi access
Non-smoking rooms: Yes
Nearest transport: Train: 13-minute walk from Arima-Onsen Station on the Shintetsu Arima Line.
Telephone: +81-78-907-3555
District: Arima Onsen
Website: Official Website
:: Check Availability, Pricing and Guest Reviews of Arima Onsen Okuno Hosomichi on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Kobe Travel Guide:
- Kobe Travel Guide Overview
- Things To Do In Kobe
- Places To Eat In Kobe
- Kobe Itineraries
- Family-friendly Attractions in Kobe
- Kobe Cherry Blossoms
- Kobe Fall Foliage
- Kobe Districts
- Kobe Ryokan
- Kobe Hotels
- Kobe Map
- How To Get To Kobe
- Getting Around Kobe
- Best Time To Go To Kobe
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