Kadonobo Ryokan
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 72 reviews
Kadonobo Ryokan sits in Arima Onsen, a traditional stay offering low-rise ryokan rooms decorated with tatami, shoji screens, woodwork and futon bedding. Rooms include a private bathroom, bathtub, tea-making facilities and air conditioning; many are described as calm, compact and authentically styled, with both Japanese-style and hybrid arrangements. The property is about a short walk from the local station and offers a free shuttle to Arima-Onsen, making it a convenient choice for visitors exploring the area. This ryokan with onsen in Hyōgo balances traditional atmosphere with practical amenities.
Bathing facilities centre on hot-spring kinsen waters with both indoor and outdoor baths available; public bathing is offered and there are evenings when baths are less crowded, while the property also manages communal bathing schedules. Meals follow a traditional format: a Japanese breakfast and multi-course kaiseki dinners served on-site, with a lounge bar open in the evening; guests are asked to order dinner by 19:30. The ryokan provides complimentary parking and a station shuttle; check-in and check-out windows are set in the afternoon/evening and morning respectively.
Atmospherically the ryokan projects a restrained, wooden‑interior charm suited to travellers seeking a calm onsen stay close to central Arima, with nearby attractions including small museums and Rokko mountain walks. The property is family-friendly, non-smoking and does not accept pets; staff assistance extends to station pickup when arranged in advance. As a compact traditional property in Kobe’s hot-spring district, Kadonobo functions well as a straightforward, locally rooted ryokan with onsen in Kobe for visitors prioritising proximity to the springs and an authentic, low-key experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kadonobo Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Guests repeatedly praised the on-site hot springs (both indoor and outdoor) including the two types of Arima water (Kin-no-yu and Gin-no-yu). Baths were described as clean, relaxing and convenient to use as part of the accommodation.
Friendly, attentive staff
Many reviews highlighted welcoming, helpful staff who provided excellent service, assisted despite language barriers (sometimes using translation devices), and made guests feel well looked‑after.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Visitors enjoyed the classic Japanese experience — tatami rooms, futon bedding, tea welcome, and meals served in-room. Several guests said the stay was a memorable introduction to Japanese culture and hospitality.
High-quality meals
Breakfast and dinner were frequently described as excellent, beautifully presented and plentiful. Multiple guests noted the meals as a major highlight of their stay.
Convenient, central location and pleasant rooms
The ryokan’s location near bus stations, shopping, restaurants and ropeway/cable car was praised. Many mentioned spacious, clean traditional rooms with good views and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
Negative Reviews
Perceived high price / value concerns
Several guests felt the accommodation (and especially dinner) was expensive for what was offered and questioned the value for money compared with expectations.
Language and communication limitations
Multiple reviews noted that staff speak mainly Japanese, which made communication difficult for non‑Japanese speakers despite staff efforts or use of translation tools.
Aging facilities and minor maintenance issues
Some guests observed that parts of the property feel dated (Showa‑era charm) and pointed out issues like ripped hallway carpet or older fixtures, suggesting refurbishment would help.
Room/bathroom issues and noise
Problems mentioned included occasional cigarette smell in a room, less‑than‑ideal bathroom cleanliness or compact bathroom units, thin walls leading to street noise, and one outdoor bath with limited privacy.
Lack of certain modern amenities
Reviewers missed some Western conveniences: no Western‑style beds in traditional rooms, some rooms lacked washlet toilets, no international TV channels, and charges for minibar drinks or limited cold drink options after the onsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futons; options range from single rooms to larger rooms that sleep up to five guests, and the ryokan has 39 rooms in total.
The property has multiple public baths including indoor and outdoor (rotenburo) baths fed by Arima’s famed hot springs, notably the golden (kinsen) source.
There are no reservable private onsen; guests use the gender-separated public baths which may operate on a rotating schedule.
Yes, the ryokan offers a complimentary transfer from Arima-Onsen station; please contact the property in advance with your arrival time to arrange pickup.
The nearest major airport is Osaka International (Itami), approximately 40–60 minutes by car; the ryokan is also reachable by train via Kobe or Osaka followed by a short walk or the station transfer.
English is limited but staff regularly assist international guests and often use simple English, gestures or translation tools to communicate.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts, typically served in-room; inform the ryokan ahead of time about any dietary restrictions.
The ryokan is in Arima Onsen town close to the Arima Toys & Automata Museum, local public baths, and access to Mount Rokko via nearby trails and cable car.
Pets are not accommodated on the property; there is free on-site parking and the town offers souvenir shops, convenience stores and public facilities within a short walk.
Standard check-in begins in the mid-afternoon (around 15:00) and check-out is around 10:00; notify the ryokan in advance if you expect a late arrival so they can prepare reception or station pickup.