Arima Kirari
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 323 reviews
Arima Kirari is a contemporary ryokan set on the slopes of Arima Onsen, a historic hot-spring district north of central Kobe. The property combines modern, design-led guest rooms with traditional tatami options and multi-futon arrangements, placing guests within easy walking distance of local temples and the compact onsen town. Operated with an emphasis on hospitality and wellness, the property functions as a convenient ryokan with onsen in Kobe for visitors who want village access alongside elevated mountain views.
On-site bathing facilities include indoor and open-air thermal baths sourced from Arima’s celebrated springs; the layout provides distinct bathing areas that reflect the district’s traditional “gold” and “silver” spring experiences, together with a natural sauna and scheduled guest-only bathing times. Dining is offered across two main venues and a casual food-court area, with evening set menus focused on regional ingredients and a morning buffet that highlights local produce. Additional guest services include a wellness centre, complimentary Wi‑Fi, organised shuttle connections and on-site parking to support multi-day stays and sightseeing.
Accommodation spans compact Japanese-style rooms, larger designer rooms and family layouts, all fitted with modern comforts such as climate control and flat-screen TVs while retaining elements of traditional Japanese bedding and décor. The ryokan’s practical amenities and location make it a useful base for exploring surrounding attractions across Hyōgo Prefecture, and its integrated bathing facilities ensure relaxation remains central to the stay. For travellers seeking a balanced spa-focused stay, Arima Kirari presents a well-equipped ryokan with onsen in Hyōgo that pairs contemporary interiors with classic hot‑spring bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arima Kirari
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the onsen: large and varied baths (including gold and silver pools), natural sauna, multiple open-air and indoor pools, and easy access to the adjacent public onsen for guests.
Delicious and varied food
Guests highlighted high-quality meals — flavorful dinners (including kaiseki-style options) and a plentiful breakfast buffet with regional items and good coffee.
Helpful, service-oriented staff
Many reviewers found staff friendly and service-focused; staff often went out of their way to assist guests (including helping with translations when needed).
Good location near the village
The hotel is within walking distance of the village/main street and centrally located in Arima Onsen, making it convenient for sightseeing and nearby amenities.
Comfortable rooms and facilities
Guests appreciated spacious rooms, comfortable tatami rooms, and comprehensive hotel facilities (dining areas, parking, and on-site baths reserved for hotel guests).
Negative Reviews
Steep uphill location and transport issues
Many guests reported the hotel sits on a steep hill which is difficult with luggage; information about the shuttle was sometimes unclear or missing, and public-transport access can be challenging.
Language and communication barriers
Several reviewers noted staff speak little English, menus and signs are often only in Japanese, and check-in/out instructions rely on English handouts—making dining and onsen procedures hard for non-Japanese speakers.
Seafood-heavy meals problematic for picky eaters
Some guests experienced that set meals were largely seafood-based; this caused issues for guests (especially children) who dislike fish or shellfish and was compounded by language barriers during requests for alternatives.
Some rooms feel dated or have cleanliness concerns
A number of reviews mentioned older furnishings in the hotel’s older wing, occasional room odor, and futons that were not always perceived as fully clean or as comfortable as expected.
Breakfast can be crowded
A few guests found the breakfast service crowded at peak times, leading to congestion and a less relaxed dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Japanese-style rooms normally sleep up to four guests on futons; some larger room types can accommodate up to six—check the room description when booking.
Guest access to the hotel's on-site hot‑spring complex (Taiko‑no‑Yu) is included; it features golden and silver springs, carbonated baths and bedrock baths among multiple public pools.
Private/reserved baths are limited and depend on the room or plan; contact the hotel beforehand to request or confirm private‑bath availability.
The hotel runs a scheduled free shuttle between Arima Onsen Station and the property; airport transfers are not regular—use the station shuttle and taxis from nearby airports if needed.
From Shin‑Kobe take the Hokushin Line and change to the Kobe Electric Railway to Arima Onsen Station, then walk or take the hotel shuttle; from Osaka use Hankyu or JR connections plus local buses or a taxi to Arima.
Check‑in generally begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:30; confirm the exact times on your reservation.
Multilingual assistance, including English, is commonly available, though staffing levels vary; notify the hotel in advance if you need specific language help.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan; several convenience stores and small shops in Arima Onsen village are within a short walk for basic supplies.
The property has two on‑site restaurants serving Japanese set dinners and a breakfast buffet; some accommodation plans include meals, so check your booking details.
The ryokan sits in Arima Onsen village close to Hosenji Temple, local museums and the Rokko‑Arima Ropeway/Mt. Rokko; guests can easily explore the old town, try yukata dressing and visit nearby cultural sites.