Arima Onsen Gekkoen Yugetsusanso
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 453 reviews
Arima Onsen Gekkoen Yugetsusanso is a traditional wood‑built ryokan set along a riverside in the Arima hot‑spring district, offering a quietly paced, characterful stay framed by seasonal views. The property is part of a small group of connected inns, which lets guests use a broader range of facilities while retaining the intimate, old‑style ambience of this house. Located within easy reach of major Kansai transport links, it presents a classic example of a ryokan with onsen in the Kansai region for travellers seeking an authentic onsen experience without leaving the convenience of town.
The accommodation centres on bathing: communal and outdoor baths are fed by continuously flowing natural springs and guests can enjoy the contrasting qualities of Arima’s mineral waters, including the iron‑rich “gold” spring and the clearer “silver” spring. Several bathing options are available across the property, including open‑air rotenburo and reservable private onsen rooms that allow couples or families exclusive use; this makes the inn a practical choice for anyone searching specifically for a ryokan with private onsen in Hyōgo. Staff operate a shuttle service from the town terminal and maintain a steady schedule for bath access to fit guest plans.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arima Onsen Gekkoen Yugetsusan…
Positive Reviews
Authentic Japanese ryokan experience
Multiple reviewers praised the traditional atmosphere: tatami rooms, futons, yukata and an overall genuine ryokan/onsen cultural experience that felt unique and memorable.
Excellent variety and quality of onsen baths
Guests repeatedly highlighted several well-maintained onsens (indoor, outdoor and private baths), good water temperature, sauna options and standout baths in the newer building or by the river.
High-quality food and buffets
Breakfast and dinner buffets were frequently described as abundant, varied and delicious (including fresh sashimi and Kobe beef), with many guests specifically noting the buffet quality and choice.
Attentive, helpful staff and good service
Reviews consistently mention polite, accommodating and professional staff who help with check‑in, prepare futons, speak English when needed and generally ensure guests feel welcome.
Beautiful, tranquil location and decor
The property’s riverside setting, gardens, bridge and quiet natural surroundings were commonly cited as calming and picturesque, with convenient walking distance to the town while still offering privacy.
Negative Reviews
Aging facilities that may need renovation
Several guests noted older infrastructure across rooms and common areas (old sanitary fittings, dated air‑conditioning units and general wear), suggesting parts of the property could benefit from updates.
Occasional musty or closed‑in odors and minor cleanliness issues
A number of reviews reported a musty/renfermé or stale smell in rooms and a few mentioned dusty cupboards, indicating occasional housekeeping/ventilation concerns.
Air conditioning and temperature control problems
Some guests experienced ineffective or old air‑conditioning during hot periods, which reduced comfort despite otherwise being able to sleep.
Limited connectivity and on‑site services/hours
A few reviewers mentioned slow or unsecured Wi‑Fi and a lack of lounge/bar services or very strict operating hours, which limited options for evening relaxation.
Access difficulties for guests with large luggage
At least one guest reported the property (or certain approaches) can be difficult to reach on foot with heavy suitcases, which may be inconvenient for travellers with large luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style and range from small 8–10 tatami rooms to larger 12-tatami or family rooms; Booking shows room layouts with 4–6 futons for larger groups.
Yes — the property offers natural Arima hot springs including indoor baths, outdoor rotenburo and shared onsen facilities, and some rooms or villas offer private open-air baths.
Yes — a complimentary shuttle/minibus can collect guests from Arima Onsen Station or the Arima Onsen bus stop; guests are asked to call the property on arrival to request pickup.
From Kansai International take the airport limousine to Arima Onsen Bus Terminal (about 70 minutes) then walk roughly 10 minutes; Itami/Osaka options include limousine buses and express buses via Sannomiya with onward bus connections to Arima.
Staff are reported to be multilingual at reception with some English (and in many listings Chinese/Korean support noted), but Japanese is predominant — a translation app can be helpful for detailed requests.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is by 10:00; guests should check in by 19:00 to be served dinner, and dinner service is not available after about 20:00.
Private open-air onsen rooms and in-room baths are available and are suitable for guests with tattoos; however, visible tattoos may be refused entry to the public baths.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. The property is within a short walk of Arima town center where you’ll find convenience stores, souvenir shops and small local markets.
The ryokan operates at least one on-site restaurant and offers set meals or buffet-style options depending on the plan; many guests note traditional Japanese meals (kaiseki or buffet) and local ingredients are used.
Gekkoen Yugetsusanso sits in Arima Onsen town, about an hour from Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe by public transport, and is roughly a 10–15 minute walk from Arimaonsen Station; the area offers hot-spring streets, temples and access to Mount Rokko sightseeing.