Hotel Hanakoyado
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 344 reviews
Hotel Hanakoyado sits in the Arima Onsen district of Kobe, Hyogo prefecture, occupying a renovated traditional inn that pairs paper shoji screens and wooden detailing with contemporary beds and in-room amenities. The property operates communal hot-spring baths that are available around the clock and may be reserved for private use, and it has added “Premium Twin with Hot Spring” rooms that include a private Kin-sen spring with natural free‑flowing water. Meals are served in the on‑site dining room in a multi-course, seasonally focused style, and the staff handle luggage assistance and limited station pick-up on request.
Room options run from Japanese-style twin rooms with tatami to suites with separate seating areas; some categories share bathrooms while the premium rooms and designated baths provide private spring access. On-site services include a traditional restaurant, massage treatments, complimentary parking and Wi‑Fi. Operational details such as check-in/out times and private-bath reservations are managed by the property; guest reports highlight attentive service, carefully prepared multi-course dinners and well-maintained bathing facilities rather than large-scale resort extras.
Located a short walk from Arima Onsen station (about six minutes) and reachable from central Kobe and Osaka via regional rail connections, the ryokan is tailored to guests seeking an authentic thermal retreat within a compact hot-spring town. It functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Hyogo, and while searches for a ryokan with onsen in Kanagawa point to different coastal and resort areas, Hanakoyado offers a concentrated Arima experience that suits couples and travelers prioritizing traditional bathing, seasonal Japanese cuisine and quiet, service-oriented hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hotel Hanakoyado
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Many guests highlight exceptionally friendly, helpful and attentive staff who provide personalised service and make stays memorable.
Outstanding meals and sake tasting
Multiple reviews praise the on-site cuisine — kaiseki-style multi-course dinners, thoughtfully prepared breakfasts and recommended sake tastings — described as delicious and a major part of the experience.
Private onsen and quality hot-spring water
Guests value the private onsen options, the quality of the volcanic hot-spring water and that baths are clean and well maintained; several reviewers appreciated being able to use onsen late into the night.
Authentic, charming ryokan atmosphere and great location
The property’s traditional Japanese character, retro-renovated charm and central location in Arima Onsen are frequently praised, making it convenient to explore nearby shops and attractions.
Clean, comfortable rooms and nice extras (yukata)
Reviews mention comfortable rooms with a Japanese vibe, cleanliness, pleasant balconies in some rooms and comfortable yukata provided, enhancing the overall stay.
Negative Reviews
Small onsen capacity and queuing
Several guests note the onsen pools are small (more like private or jacuzzi-sized) with limited capacity, meaning guests sometimes wait for access and cannot enjoy a large communal bathing area.
Old building and noise issues
As an older ryokan, the structure can be noisy; thin walls and creaking/floor noise were reported by some guests, which affected sleep for a few visitors.
High restaurant prices
A number of reviewers felt the on-site meals are expensive (especially dinner) relative to expectations and recommended dining out as a cheaper alternative for some guests.
Accessibility, parking and location logistics
Guests mention the hotel sits up the hill/in a mountain area — parking can be far and access requires planning; walking from bus/train is possible but may be inconvenient with large luggage.
Bathing logistics and lack of guidance
Some guests wanted clearer instructions on wearing yukata and onsen etiquette, and a few reported there was no in-room shower (requiring use of the onsen to wash) or that bath water felt too hot for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
One booking can include up to six people; room capacities vary so check the room description when booking and note there are no extra beds or cots available.
The property has two indoor hot-spring baths that guests may use privately and are open to staying guests from the afternoon until the next morning; some shared open-air facilities at a nearby sister inn are also accessible to guests.
The hotel offers pick-up from Arima Onsen Station on request and can arrange taxi transfers or airport pick-up reservations from major airports—please contact the property in advance to arrange transfers.
Arima Onsen Station is about a five‑minute walk from the ryokan; travel times from nearby hubs are roughly 30–60 minutes from Kobe or Itami and about two hours from Kansai International by public transport, with routes described on the hotel’s access information.
The hotel provides English-language information on its website and can be contacted by email or phone for questions; if you need detailed English assistance, notify the hotel before arrival so they can prepare.
Rooms follow a traditional Japanese ryokan style with tatami and classic bath options, and the on-site dining focuses on seasonal Japanese terroir cuisine served in a traditional setting.
The ryokan sits in the Arima Onsen town center within easy walking distance of public hot-spring baths (such as Kin no Yu), shrine steps, souvenir shops and the local strollable streets of Arima.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 (latest listed check‑in hours extend into the evening) and check‑out is by 12:00; guests with dinner included should check in earlier (by the time specified by the hotel) if they wish to dine in the dining room, otherwise alternate meal arrangements may be provided.
Private use of the indoor baths is available to staying guests, usually on a first‑come or turn‑taking basis; pets are not permitted on the property.
Arima Onsen’s central streets have small shops and souvenir stores close to the ryokan, while larger supermarkets and wider services are located in greater Kobe; contact the hotel if you need directions to nearby convenience facilities.