Negiya Ryofukaku
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 1554 reviews
Negiya Ryofukaku sits quietly amid maple‑framed slopes in Arima Onsen, blending a history that reaches back to Edo‑era hospitality with measured modern comforts. Accommodation ranges from traditional tatami rooms to Japanese‑Western hybrid suites, and several room types include private open‑air tubs and massage chairs. Public spaces are intentionally calm: a library lounge called The Perch, a small souvenir shop and a 24‑hour front desk that assists in English. The property is a short walk from the town station and provides a complimentary shuttle and on‑site parking by prior arrangement, making it a convenient base for exploring the hot‑spring town.
Bathing here centers on Arima’s Kinsen, the famed “golden spring,” delivered to both indoor hinoki (cypress) baths and an open‑air tub set against trees. For greater privacy the ryokan operates two reservable baths, Yoruha no Yu and Natsume no Yu, which can be booked in short sessions; some guest rooms also feature their own private tubs. Public bathing follows traditional onsen etiquette and the property asks guests with visible tattoos to use private options. This ryokan with onsen in Kansai highlights the mineral qualities of Kinsen water while offering both communal and secluded experiences.
Dining emphasizes seasonal kaiseki cuisine, with menus that showcase local fish, vegetables and optional Kobe beef courses served in dedicated dining spaces or as set meals. Additional practical amenities include on‑site massages, free Wi‑Fi in the lobby, luggage storage and attentive staff who help arrange local walks and transfers. For travelers seeking a balanced combination of tradition and comfort, Negiya presents a calm, forested retreat and functions as a ryokan with private onsen in Hyōgo suited to overnight stays focused on relaxation and seasonal dining.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Negiya Ryofukaku
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and bathing facilities
Many guests praised the onsen: the indoor and outdoor baths are very relaxing, well maintained and a highlight of the stay. Several reviews mention the onsen atmosphere as peaceful and restorative.
Attentive, friendly staff
Numerous comments note the staff are welcoming, helpful and attentive — from warm greetings and umbrella assistance to arranging restaurant reservations and shuttle pickup.
Authentic ryokan experience
Reviewers appreciated the traditional ryokan elements (tatami rooms, futons, kimono, traditional decor) and felt the property provided a genuine Japanese cultural experience.
High-quality meals
Dinner and breakfast were frequently described as excellent, with traditional multi-course meals highlighted as a strong point of the stay.
Peaceful location, pleasant views and comfortable rooms
Guests liked the tranquil mountain/garden setting, scenic room views and overall comfort and cleanliness of the property; some rooms were noted as spacious and enjoyable for relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Futon / bed comfort issues
Several guests mentioned personal discomfort with futons or that some beds were too soft; futon comfort was a recurring personal preference concern for some visitors.
Language limitations at times
A few reviewers reported limited English from some staff members, which made communication slightly more difficult on occasion.
Access and local transport constraints
Some guests warned that Arima's public transport can be busy (buses fill up quickly) and that the ryokan is a distance from major hubs like Osaka, so planning and extra travel time may be needed.
Private onsen is paid / limited private options
A number of reviewers noted that private/paid onsen use is extra (not always included), which differed from expectations or from practices in other onsen towns.
Onsen guidance and some room upkeep concerns
A few guests wished for clearer explanations about onsen etiquette/practices. Minor issues were also mentioned such as some signs of age, slight dust or rooms located up stairs without an elevator requiring luggage carrying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/twin layouts to traditional Japanese rooms with futon bedding; some rooms can accommodate up to six guests using futons. Please check the specific room type when booking for exact capacity.
The ryokan offers Arima’s famous 'Kinsen' golden spring in both indoor and open-air public baths, plus reservable private baths for a more secluded experience. Public baths have separate male/female areas and there are private baths available by reservation.
Yes — the property has reservable private baths that are typically booked in set sessions (about 45 minutes). Some direct-book promotions include one free private-bath session, but you should reserve the slot in advance.
Negiya provides a free shuttle to and from Arima-Onsen Train Station on request. There is no regular airport shuttle; visitors usually travel from Osaka/Itami/Kansai airports by bus, train or transfer to Kobe stations and then use local transport to Arima.
Itami (Osaka International) offers the fastest bus connection to Arima (about 30 minutes by express bus), while Kansai Airport (KIX) typically takes longer by combined train/bus (roughly 1.5–2+ hours). Shin-Kobe and Sannomiya are about 20 km away and connect to Arima by local trains or buses.
Staff provide English support and the property has English-language information; the reception is noted for being helpful with directions, local recommendations and arranging activities. For specific guided tours or transfers, ask the front desk in advance.
Negiya serves traditional seasonal kaiseki dinners with optional Kobe beef courses and an Asian-style breakfast; dinner usually requires advance reservation. Note that guests should check in by the property’s stated dinner cutoff (typically around 19:00) if they wish to be served dinner.
Pets are not allowed at the ryokan. The property is family-friendly with larger Japanese rooms that accept children and shared bathing areas; check room restrictions as some room types exclude children.
Arima Onsen town has souvenir shops, small convenience stores and vending machines within walking distance, and the ryokan offers a souvenir shop and vending machines on site. For full supermarkets or large grocery shopping you’ll need to travel to central Kobe or nearby neighborhoods.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is usually by 11:00; the front desk offers 24-hour service and can store luggage before check-in or after check-out. If you plan a late arrival or need dinner, notify the ryokan in advance to confirm meal availability.