SPA TERRACE Shisui
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 9 reviews
SPA TERRACE Shisui is a compact, design-led ryokan set within the Arima Onsen area of Hyōgo Prefecture, where a focus on local hot-spring tradition meets contemporary comfort. The property uses Arima’s famous golden and silver springs, and public bathing areas are arranged to take advantage of the surrounding Rokko foothills and night sky views. With a small number of guest rooms, the atmosphere is deliberately intimate: quiet public spaces include a lounge that draws on Arima craft motifs and a relaxation room for pre- or post-bath downtime. This ryokan with onsen Hyōgo suits travellers seeking a restorative, low-key onsen experience close to Kobe.
Bathing facilities span an indoor public bath, an open-air gold-spring bath, a silver-spring aroma mist sauna and a steam room, with additional spa services such as massages and a relaxation corner. Room configurations are modest and thoughtfully outfitted, and several sources indicate private-bath options can be arranged for more secluded bathing; towels and yukata are provided. The hotel operates an on-site restaurant that offers plated, seasonally minded meals and a breakfast selection that ranges from Japanese choices to Western-style morning plates, adaptable for dietary needs with advance notice.
Practical details reflect the property’s adult-oriented approach: the ryokan does not accept children and requires guests to be 18 or older, with standard check-in from mid-afternoon and checkout by late morning. Complimentary Wi‑Fi, seasonal outdoor swimming facilities, free parking and a shuttle option from local transit points are noted conveniences that support short stays and transfers. For travellers prioritizing privacy and thermal variety, this compact ryokan with private onsen Hyōgo presents a calm base in the Arima hot-spring district.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: SPA TERRACE Shisui
Positive Reviews
Pleasant decor and attentive service
Multiple guests praised the ryokan’s decor and the quality of service, noting staff friendliness and genuine hospitality that contributed to a relaxing stay.
Clean, quiet atmosphere
Reviewers highlighted that the property is clean and peaceful, making it a restful choice for leisure stays.
Good onsen offerings
Guests appreciated the onsen facilities; some noted the baths are well maintained and that the hotel provides access vouchers to additional bathing areas when needed.
Convenient transport and parking
Several guests mentioned easy parking availability and the hotel’s willingness to provide station pick-up/transfer on request, which improved convenience.
Authentic breakfast
The breakfast received positive comments for being very authentic and memorable for guests.
Negative Reviews
Limited English spoken by staff
Some guests experienced communication difficulties because relatively few staff members spoke good English, which made interactions harder for non-Japanese speakers.
Unpleasant toilet odor reported
At least one guest reported a smelly toilet during their stay, indicating an isolated cleanliness/maintenance issue.
Serious billing dispute/overcharge
One guest reported being charged an incorrect amount (16,000 yen) and felt the situation was handled poorly, with no apology when the error was discovered.
Time limits and being rushed in lounge areas
A guest complained about set time limits for the mini bar/lounge and staff urging guests to leave, which felt restrictive.
Rooms and facilities feel dated or small; limited on-site shopping/dining
Some reviewers found rooms slightly old in layout and lighting, noted the souvenir shop was small, and mentioned that onsen and dining areas can be small or feel mismatched in flavor/preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 14 rooms with a total capacity around 50 guests; room types accommodate singles up to small groups (some rooms take up to 4). Children are not permitted and guests must be at least 18 to check in.
The property offers communal hot spring baths and reservable private baths, using both Arima gold and silver springs; public onsen hours are typically in the morning and evening (check at booking for exact daily times). Yukata and basic onsen amenities are provided.
The ryokan offers station pick-up by prior arrangement from Arima Onsen Station; for airports and major stations you can reach Arima by train or express bus then use the short transfer or hotel shuttle if arranged in advance.
Staff provide multilingual support including English and Chinese, and other language assistance may be available on certain days.
There is an on-site restaurant serving seasonal cuisine with a Japanese–Western fusion style for dinner and plated breakfast choices; dietary requests can usually be accommodated if notified in advance.
SPA TERRACE Shisui sits in Arima Onsen village near Mount Rokko, with easy access to Arima’s baths and shops, Rokkosan Ranch, and outlet shopping within a short drive.
Take Kobe Dentetsu (Kobe Electric Railway) to Arima Onsen Station, then it’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk or a short arranged shuttle ride; direct buses run from Sannomiya and some services from Osaka as well.
Check‑in is generally from 15:00 (latest stated window on property pages is until early evening) and check‑out is by around 11:00; the property enforces restricted access during the small hours, so confirm arrival time with the hotel.
Private onsen rooms are available to reserve for exclusive use, but full privatization of the entire property is not offered; pets are not permitted on the premises.
Arima Onsen village has small shops and convenience stores within easy walking distance from the ryokan, and the property provides on‑site parking for guests.