Arima Onsen Motoyu Ryuusenkaku
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 189 reviews
Arima Onsen Motoyu Ryuusenkaku sits in the historic hot-spring quarter of Arima Onsen in Kobe, Hyōgo, and presents a traditional inn experience anchored by multiple mineral baths. The property combines indoor and outdoor onsen facilities set among landscaped terraces and a small garden, offering restorative soaking pools fed by Arima’s well-known waters. Public bathing areas accommodate both day and overnight guests, while shared spaces include a lounge and terrace that open onto views of the surrounding hills, creating a calm base for exploring the town’s temples and walking routes.
Accommodation is arranged in Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and futon bedding, with a selection of renovated rooms and larger family suites. Several suite types feature their own open-air baths attached to the room, providing a private soak option for families or couples; these room-level facilities mean the property functions as a ryokan with private onsen options as well as a ryokan with onsen for general use. Rooms are non-smoking, come with basic in-room amenities such as kettles and refrigeration, and some larger suites offer mountain views and separate living areas suitable for multi-generational stays.
Meals emphasize seasonal Japanese cuisine served in set-course format, with dining presented on-site to complement the onsen experience. Practical facilities include free on-site parking and a shuttle connection to the local station, an indoor pool and light recreational features for children, and multilingual front-desk assistance to help arrange local sightseeing. The inn’s combination of communal mineral baths, private room baths, and traditional accommodation makes it a straightforward choice for travelers seeking an authentic Hyōgo onsen stay within easy reach of Kobe’s urban attractions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arima Onsen Motoyu Ryuusenkaku
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen facilities
Beautiful indoor and outdoor hot springs, including private family baths and an all-night open onsen with mountain views; guests repeatedly praised the bathing experience and cleanliness of the baths.
Highly attentive, welcoming staff
Staff are described as very friendly, caring and helpful (able to assist in English/Mandarin), providing genuine Japanese hospitality and special attention to families and pregnant guests.
Excellent traditional meals (kaiseki)
Dinner (often served in-room) and breakfast were frequently highlighted for quality and variety — kaiseki full-course dinners received particular praise.
Very family- and child-friendly
The ryokan offers many family amenities—kids’ play area, pool, high chairs, children’s yukata and slippers—and staff accommodate young families, making stays easier and more enjoyable with children.
Traditional, comfortable rooms with views
Rooms are spacious in a traditional tatami style, comfortable futons, well maintained and clean, often with attractive mountain views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Negative Reviews
Location and limited shuttle times
Property is uphill and somewhat removed from the town centre; the free shuttle has limited evening/start times which can make arrival or local travel inconvenient without a car.
Few nearby evening dining options
If guests do not book the ryokan dinner, there are limited restaurants open in the small town at night, so booking in-house meals is often recommended.
Traditional breakfast may not suit Westerners
Several guests noted the typical Japanese breakfast (set/bento style) can be challenging for Western palates compared with buffet options.
Noise from other guests
Some guests reported being able to hear other visitors clearly in their rooms—particularly active or noisy children—affecting perceived room quietness.
Room comfort issues for some
A few reviewers mentioned minor room problems such as a musty tatami smell, rooms feeling too hot, or limited seating (not enough chairs) in certain room types.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan mainly offers Japanese-style rooms in various sizes suitable for couples, families or small groups; some room types accommodate 2–6 guests — check the specific room description when booking.
The public hot spring baths are available around the clock, and there are additional outdoor and indoor bathing areas with set opening times; private family baths have specific morning and evening sessions.
Yes — reservable private outdoor family baths are available; reservations are made at the front desk in fixed sessions, with afternoon and morning time slots.
The ryokan provides a free pickup from Arima Onsen train/bus/ropeway station if you call on arrival; there is no direct airport shuttle, so guests typically travel to Arima station then request pickup.
The property maintains English information and staff can assist English-speaking guests, though Japanese is the primary language on site.
Meals are traditional Japanese-style (including seasonal kaiseki options) and are typically served in your room; to have dinner at the ryokan you need to select a meal-inclusive plan when booking.
The ryokan sits in Arima Onsen village with easy access to local temples, the onsen town streets, small museums and shops; central Kobe is a short trip away for additional sightseeing.
Take the Kobe Dentetsu line to Arima Onsen Station — the property is about a 10-minute walk or a short pickup call away; from Osaka or airport hubs transfer to the Kobe Dentetsu network.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is 10:00; guests with dinner plans should check in by 18:00 (plans without dinner by 21:00), and the front desk has limited hours so late arrivals must be arranged in advance.
Pets are not permitted except for service animals; you can book private family baths for exclusive use during their sessions but public baths remain shared; convenience stores and local shops in Arima Onsen are within walking distance.