The Gran Resort Princess Arima

7.6
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 7.6/10, based on 27 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Hot Spring Town Mountain Setting Valley Scenery Public Onsen Hot Spring Bath Indoor Bath
Staff 8,1/10
Facilities 7,3/10
Cleanliness 7,8/10
Comfort 7,8/10
Value for money 7,5/10
Location 7,3/10

Ryokan highlights

A hillside Arima Onsen stay in Kobe with hot-spring baths, roomy layouts, and solid value.

Arima Onsen BaseLocated in Arima-cho, giving easy access to the famous hot spring area.
Relaxing OnsenHot-spring bathing is a repeatedly noted reason guests choose this ryokan.
Spacious RoomsRoom options with tatami areas add extra space for families or small groups.
Hilltop CalmIts hillside setting feels quieter and more secluded than the busier center.
Handy ShuttleGuest feedback highlights useful shuttle pickup after visiting the town area.
Good Value StayReview patterns suggest competitive value for an Arima Onsen area stay.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsArima Onsen is the main draw: arrive mid-afternoon, use the baths, eat dinner, walk the hot spring lanes, then leave after breakfast or add one extra slow day for nearby town sights and Mt. Rokko access.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night Arima Onsen stay or a relaxed 2-night break, not as a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Uphill accessThe property sits slightly above the town center, so walking with luggage can feel tiring.
Limited base valueArima is charming but compact, so many travelers will run out of nearby low-effort sightseeing after one full day.
Less traditional feelUse it for onsen and practicality rather than expecting a deeply refined old-ryokan atmosphere.

Food & drinks

Verified Arima Onsen ryokan at 1338 Arima-cho with buffet breakfast, Japanese dinner plans, and a lounge/bar; nearby town dining adds sweets and local cuisine.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Main meal venue for buffet breakfast and Japanese dinner courses.

  • Buffet breakfastfoodMorning buffet with mixed Japanese and simple Western items.
  • Kaiseki dinnerfoodSeasonal multi-course Japanese dinner on meal plans.
  • Sashimi assortmentfoodOften included in dinner course menus.
  • Shabu-shabuspecialtySeasonal hot pot style course item.
  • Tea servicedrinkIn-room and meal-time tea is commonly provided.
Lounge Bar (on-site)
on-site

Small on-site bar/lounge for a casual drink after the baths.

  • BeerdrinkSimple post-onsen drink option.
  • HighballdrinkLikely standard lounge-style mixed drink.
  • Soft drinksdrinkBasic non-alcoholic refreshments.
Sanbo Kan (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Well-known local dining room in Tocen Goshobo with Kobe and Hyogo ingredients.

  • Kobe beeffoodLocal premium beef featured in set meals.
  • Tajima steakspecialtyRegional beef specialty.
  • Fresh fishfoodSeafood from Akashiura fishing port.
  • Breakfast setfoodReservation-based breakfast option.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Arima Onsen area of Kobe, best reached via Arima Onsen Station or express bus connections rather than on foot from major city hubs.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a hillside onsen stay in Arima, Kobe that suits travelers who want a quieter base with mixed Japanese-Western style rooms and a reasonable price point. It is less ideal if you want a polished luxury ryokan or very easy walkable access with luggage.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Quiet hillside settingThe property sits above Arima Onsen rather than in the busiest part of town, so the atmosphere feels calmer and more secluded at night. It still remains close enough for a short trip down to the onsen area.
  • Onsen baths are a real plusThe public bath is one of the hotel's main strengths and is regularly mentioned as a relaxing part of the stay. It works well for travelers who mainly want a hot-spring break rather than a highly designed boutique experience.
  • Rooms offer more flexibilitySeveral room types combine beds with a tatami area, which is practical for couples, friends, or families who want a more spacious layout than a standard business hotel room. This hybrid style can feel convenient if you want a touch of ryokan atmosphere without going fully traditional.
  • Good value for ArimaCompared with many famous Arima Onsen properties, this hotel is often seen as a more budget-conscious way to stay in the area. Travelers focused on accessing Arima rather than paying for top-end luxury may find the balance attractive.
  • Useful for drivers and short staysThe hotel is easier to enjoy if you have a car, and parking is a practical advantage in this part of Kobe. It can work well for a one- or two-night stay tied to Arima, Mt. Rokko, or a regional road trip.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Steep access can be tiringThe hotel is on a hill, and the climb back from Arima town can feel hard with luggage, in bad weather, or for older travelers. If seamless walkability matters, this location may become frustrating.
  • The building feels datedA repeated downside is that the property shows its age, with guests noting an older overall feel and areas that could use renovation. Travelers expecting a refined modern ryokan look may be disappointed.
  • Some facilities come with caveatsThe pool has been described as an extra-charge facility, which can feel poor value if you assumed it was included. A few guests also felt some shared facilities were worn compared with the room rate.
  • In-room comfort can be inconsistentWhile some guests found the rooms spacious enough, others mentioned issues such as lingering smoke in non-smoking rooms or comfort limitations for larger groups. That makes room quality less predictable than at stronger midscale properties.
  • Service experience is not fully seamlessStaff hospitality is often appreciated, but practical details like shuttle timing clarity and limited English support have caused friction for some international travelers. If you want very smooth communication, this may not be the easiest Arima stay.

Ranking around this ryokan in Hyogo

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 83rd out of 90 ryokans in Hyogo.

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83rd The Gran Resort Princess Arima Current ryokan 7.6/10 27
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