Arima Kirari is a Japanese-style inn located in Arima Onsen, one of Japan’s three oldest hot springs. With exceptional hospitality, stylish Japanese-modern interiors, and newly opened guest rooms in 2024, it offers a comfortable stay.

From its atmosphere and guest rooms to its hot springs and restaurant cuisine, here’s a detailed look at what makes Arima Kirari special.

Arima Kirari has been welcoming guests in Arima Onsen for over 50 years. The hotel underwent a renovation in 2019, featuring a stylish and modern interior.

Arima Onsen is known for its two distinct hot springs: the reddish-brown “Kinsen” (gold bath) and the clear “Ginsen” (silver bath).

At Arima Kirari, guests can enjoy both, a rare offering among accommodations in the Arima area.

The hotel features 55 guest rooms, including elegantly designed spaces that offer a comfortable and relaxing stay.

In 2024, new rooms with private baths featuring free-flowing “Ginsen” water opened, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons while soaking in a private onsen. These rooms are highly recommended for those seeking a more intimate hot spring experience.

One of the most notable features of Arima Kirari is the unlimited free access to the adjacent hot spring theme park, Taiko no Yu.

Spanning 7,000 square meters, Taiko no Yu is the largest hot spring facility in the Arima Onsen area. It boasts six open-air baths, indoor baths, a lava sauna, a cold air bath, a bedrock bath, a steam bath, and other unique bathing experiences.

You can enjoy a variety of bathing experiences in one place, including the open-air herb bath, where seasonal scents like yuzu and lavender, combined with atmospheric lighting, create a relaxing ambiance. Other highlights include the golden spring open-air bath with free-flowing hot spring water, a blended bath of golden and silver springs, a high-concentration carbonated spring, and a rustic cold water bath.

If you prefer a more relaxing soak rather than a theme park-like hot spring experience, rest assured.

Within Arima Kirari, there is an exclusive, stylish, and modern bathing area reserved for hotel guests.

From Kobe Electric Railway Arima-Onsen Station and Hankyu Bus Arima-Onsen Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Arima Kirari. However, a free shuttle bus runs 2 to 3 times per hour, making access even more convenient.

The shuttle bus is available not only for check-in and check-out but also during sightseeing, allowing for an efficient exploration of the area. It also stops at the Arima-Onsen Station of the Rokko-Arima Ropeway, providing easy access to the Rokko Mountain area, where visitors can enjoy stunning natural scenery and art installations.

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If you are going from Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe to Arima, please refer to the article below.

How to Get to Arima Onsen from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe – A Complete Transportation Guide

The entrance of the hotel is where the experience begins. From the moment you arrive at the façade, hotel staff fully attend to you, guiding you seamlessly to the lobby.

Once inside, you’ll be welcomed by a spacious and open atmosphere. The lobby’s feature wall showcases a massive ink-wash painting of cherry blossoms by renowned artist Mi Tongyin, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms all year round.

Above, the ceiling space is adorned with Noto cypress umbrellas, filling the air with their refreshing fragrance, while a Bang & Olufsen sound system plays seasonal healing music, heightening the sense of anticipation for an extraordinary stay.

Check-in starts at 3:00 PM. You can leave your luggage at the front desk and head out for a stroll through the Arima Onsen town, but first—let’s explore the hotel!

Let’s start with the welcome lounge.

Guests can enjoy complimentary drinks at the welcome lounge, including coffee, tea (black and green), and orange juice.

There’s also Yakult, but it’s limited to one bottle per person, which is perfect for a refreshing treat after a relaxing bath.

The lounge is open from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, so be sure to stop by during those hours.

Next, near the elevators, you’ll find the yukata selection corner. Female guests can choose from five different yukata designs in various sizes. However, keep in mind that these cannot be taken home!

The entire hotel features a cohesive modern interior. The lattice shelves in the lobby and the dry landscape garden along the corridor leading to Taiko-no-Yu add a stylish touch!

There is also a souvenir shop, so you don’t have to worry if you forget to buy something.

I was guided to the newly renovated 5th-floor room, “Tsuzumi,” which opened in 2024. Spanning 57 square meters, this spacious room can accommodate up to six guests, making it a great option for families looking for a hotel or ryokan in Arima Onsen.

The interior design matches the modern and stylish aesthetic of the entrance. While it features tatami flooring, the seating arrangement includes a table with chairs instead of traditional floor seating, ensuring a comfortable experience without straining your legs.

The hallway is equipped with a closet and a coffee machine, allowing you to enjoy a fragrant cup of coffee with just the press of a button.

Next is the washroom and bathroom area. The bathtub in the bathroom offers a continuous flow of Ginsen hot spring water! Soaking in a private onsen while enjoying a refreshing view of lush greenery is a true luxury. This is highly recommended for those who prefer a private hot spring experience over a large public bath.

Additionally, the washroom is designed for two people to use at the same time, making it convenient for families, as it helps avoid congestion during busy times.

Let’s take a look at the exclusive bathing area for hotel guests, which I had the special opportunity to photograph.

Inside the bathhouse, you’ll find two types of Arima’s famous hot springs side by side:

Kinsen: A cloudy, reddish-brown water rich in iron and salt.

Ginsen: A clear and silky hot spring with a smooth texture.

The changing area is also well-maintained, offering a clean and comfortable space to relax before and after your soak.

If you’re staying overnight in Arima Onsen, it’s highly recommended to soak in the hot springs, change into a yukata, and enjoy a leisurely hotel dinner.

“Arima Kirari” features an exclusive, stylish, modern Japanese dining space for guests called “Dining Kirari Ichigo Ichie.” Guests head to the restaurant at their pre-selected dinner time, chosen during check-in.

The cuisine here is “Shin-Washoku,” a fusion of traditional Japanese cooking techniques and Western culinary styles. The seasonal menu includes appetizers, sashimi, a main course featuring roasted premium Kuroge Wagyu beef, and a dessert, all made with the finest seasonal ingredients.

The presentation of each dish, including the carefully selected tableware, enhances the experience, bringing surprise and delight with every course.

Enjoy the full sensory experience of Kirari’s exquisite cuisine.

The plan introduced here is the limited-time “New Guest Room Completion Commemorative Premium Stay Plan,” starting at 50,000 yen per person, including dinner.

For a more affordable option, standard rooms with two meals included start at 22,000 yen. Prices vary depending on the season and day of the week, so be sure to check the official website for details.

Click here for official accommodation plans

Heartfelt hospitality, a modern Japanese interior, the rare chance to enjoy both Kinsen and Ginsen hot springs, and exquisite seasonal cuisine—all make “Arima Kirari” a perfect stay, ensuring cleanliness and comfort.

If you’re interested in exploring the area, check out the articles below for information on strolling through Arima Onsen town, its gourmet scene, the nearby Rokko Mountain area accessible by ropeway, and sightseeing spots in Kobe.

Arima Onsen-1 Day Trip｜Enjoy Hot Springs, Gourmet, and Nature!

The 10 best food and sweets in Arima Onsen Town

Leisure Spot Mt. Rokko

First Time in Kobe. 21 Best Things to Do! Sightseeing, Spots, Dining, Model Course