Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 652 reviews
Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama sits on a quiet mountainside above the historic Arima Onsen district of Kobe, presenting a blend of traditional Japanese rooms and Western-style suites with tatami areas, low tables and optional beds. The property makes use of its elevation to offer framed views across the Rokko range and nearby towns; rooms are non-smoking, equipped with air conditioning, free Wi‑Fi and yukata robes. Positioned for day trips to Osaka and central Kobe, this ryokan with onsen Kobe provides a shuttle to the local station and complimentary parking for guests.
The onsen program is oriented around guest-only private baths rather than a shared public facility: eight private hot spring rooms are available free to overnight guests, four indoor baths on the first floor and four open-air baths on the fourth floor. Baths feature two local spring types — the iron-rich “gold” spring and the radium-infused “silver” spring — and private bathing slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, typically in 45-minute blocks; each private bath includes a shower area and basic toiletries. Guests with tattoos are accepted, and staff manage reservations at check-in.
Accommodation ranges from compact Japanese-style rooms to larger suites with in-room or attached private onsen, and some suites include alfresco baths overlooking the valley. Meals emphasize seasonal ingredients in multi-course kaiseki dinners served in private dining rooms rather than in-room, and the property offers complimentary amenities such as shuttle service, limited free parking and multilingual reception support. For travelers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Hyōgo, the property combines accessible transport links with focused onsen privacy and traditional service.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruya…
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Many reviewers praised the staff’s politeness, helpfulness and high service standards — proactive assistance with reservations, shuttle pickup/drop‑off, clear explanations about the onsens, and thoughtful touches (welcome towels, fruit, complimentary items).
Private onsens and in‑room hot tubs
Guests repeatedly highlighted the private onsen options (indoor and outdoor) and guest rooms with private thermal baths as standout features — easy booking, beautiful setups, relaxing atmosphere and forest or mountain views.
Convenient complimentary shuttle and transport support
The hotel’s free shuttle between the property and the town/bus station was frequently mentioned and appreciated, along with staff help organising local transport and reservations. This made access and local travel easier for many guests.
Clean, well‑maintained rooms with traditional charm
Reviewers liked the Japanese‑style rooms and tatami areas, describing the property as clean, peaceful and beautifully decorated. Many enjoyed the comfortable bedding (western beds and futon options) and authentic, tranquil atmosphere.
Very good meals and breakfast experience
Multiple guests praised the Japanese breakfast and kaiseki meals, noting quality and private dining rooms for breakfast. Several reviewers also mentioned good dinner options and a strong wine list.
Negative Reviews
Restaurant seating and table allocation issues
Some guests reported problems with restaurant availability (no table available in the evening) and lack of choice over breakfast table allocation, which was seen as surprising for a high‑rated property.
Limited or no large public baths
A number of reviewers noted the property focuses on private baths and that there are few or no larger public communal baths, which may disappoint travellers expecting a larger public onsen experience.
Occasional cleanliness or comfort concerns
A small number of guests felt some areas could be cleaner or more comfortable, and one review described the property as not feeling very luxurious in places — suggesting some variability in expectations versus experience.
Location and travel time to major cities
Several guests pointed out the ryokan’s location requires extra travel (e.g., a 30‑minute drive from Kobe or multiple train changes to reach Osaka/Kyoto). While many found it worth the visit, transport time can be inconvenient.
Aesthetic/maintenance detail in some onsen areas
At least one guest mentioned an aesthetic/maintenance issue (plastic fencing and tubes visible in an onsen area) that detracted from the otherwise high quality of the facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan features both Arima’s traditional ‘gold’ and ‘silver’ spring waters and offers on‑site hot spring baths; guests can use private baths reserved for staying guests.
Some rooms include private hot spring baths and the property also provides reservable private baths for guests; ask the hotel when booking to confirm availability.
Room capacity varies by room type and there are family options; children under 3 stay free (please note they should be added in a reservation note) while children aged 3 and over are treated as regular guests — contact the hotel for large groups or specific room capacities.
A free shuttle service runs between the ryokan and Arima Onsen train/bus stops; no advance reservation is required but guests are asked to call the hotel on arrival to request pickup (hotel phone available on their website).
From Kansai Airport expect about 100 minutes by limousine bus and trains via Sannomiya; from Itami (Osaka/ITM) and Kobe Airport travel times are roughly 50–60 minutes using local buses and trains to Arima Onsen, then the hotel shuttle or a short walk.
The ryokan provides English information and can assist international guests; for specific language needs or detailed requests please contact the hotel in advance.
Traditional Japanese kaiseki dinners and Japanese/Asian breakfast options are offered on property; dietary requests should be communicated to the ryokan before arrival.
Pets are not allowed on the premises. For requests about private events or group bookings, contact the hotel directly to discuss options and availability.
The ryokan is a short walk from Arima’s historic streets, local shops and public baths, and is well placed for excursions to Mt. Rokko and views toward Kobe; nearby sightseeing and souvenir areas are within about 10–15 minutes on foot.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00; please inform the hotel of your expected arrival time in advance, and note the property has restricted entry hours overnight so late arrivals should be communicated ahead of time.