Arimasansoh Goshobessho — Hotel in Kobe

Arima Onsen town is a stone's throw away from both Osaka and Kobe, which is likely one reason that hotels and ryokans can charge such high rates there. Being at the upper end of the pricing echelon, Arimasansoh Goshobessho's room rates can't be considered good value. Still, we decided to spend a two-night getaway there in spite of that. Sticker shock notwithstanding, we feel that Arimasansoh can be considered among the nicer small properties that Japan has to offer.||||Arimasansoh is nestled at the end of a long strip of hotels in the Arima Onsen town - it's really quaint, but still within walking distance to the main tourist areas. The property is charming, and the buildings and villas blend in nicely to the calming environment that is full of trees, ponds and other pretty vegetation. Stepping into the grounds for the first time will instantly reduce your blood pressure - it's that soothing of a place.||||Service is refined, if a bit formal; we could tell they've all been comprehensively trained in Japanese hospitality. Given the clientele that stays there, being discreet and unobtrusive is probably appropriate. The sprawling hotel grounds are divided into two distinct sections. On the lower hillside along the banks of a river are the two-storey Maisonette rooms. We weren't able to tour this room type, but at first glance they seemed quite close together - sort of townhouse style. Further up the hill (near the reception area and the public onsen baths) are the one-storey Villa Suites, which is the room type that we stayed at.||||Our room was absolutely gigantic, and felt more spacious than the published size (for what it's worth, both the Maisonette and Villa Suites are listed as 100m².) There's an enormous living room as well as a large bedroom, along with a small balcony with views across the ravine. The Villas also have a bathroom the size of many hotel rooms. It comes complete with dual vanities, a sauna as well as a private Onsen (hot springs) bath. Further adding to the sense of massive space is the extremely high vaulted ceilings. Aesthetically speaking, the dark wood and dark brown furnishings were a bit on the dark side (for our tastes); the lighting was barely sufficient to prevent the room from exhibiting a gloomy feel - but just barely. The Onsen bath is nice; however, it's not of the free-flowing variety... it's empty and you fill the tub with the Onsen water by turning on the bath tap, just as you would a regular bath. It wouldn't be a problem but for the fact that the water trickles out at a glacial pace. We literally had to let the water run for over 30 minutes before the tub was filled up halfway.||||Arimasansoh also offers a communal Onsen bath area, one each for women and men. As was the case with the Onsen in the Villa, the water is unique in that it's brackish brown in color. And, you can really smell the sulfur. Arima Onsen is renowned for the (alleged) healing powers of its mineral hot springs; whether you believe it or not, it's unlike most other Onsens you will experience in the country where the water is clear.||||Dinner at Arimasansoh is French inspired but with Japanese ingredients and flair. Some examples of the fusion experience include Bouillabaisse with fried Lobster, Japanese Turnip and Yuzu; Red Sea Bream & Avocado Tartare with Grapefruit Jelly; and Spring Roll with Lotus Root Mochi and Cheese; and Black Sesame Mousse. The final dish before dessert is similar to Japanese kaiseki courses in that it's rise, miso soup and pickled tsukemono vegetables. And you consume most (if not all) of the courses with a chopstick. Arimasansoh will definitely keep you guessing and anticipating. Overall, the food is very good but just short of exceptional. Our breakfast is more decidedly Western, although still with some Japanese elements - think French Toast, cauliflower soup, Burdock root potage, salad, a pastry basket, grilled fish, grilled vegetables and a variety of fruit. Again, it was satisfying although not super memorable.||||Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at Arimasansoh. While it's definitely among the most expensive of Japan's luxury properties, the quality of service, hotel grounds, rooms, onsen experience and food will not make you feel cheated in any way.||||One final observation: some of the TripAdvisor reviewers noted that dinner was delivered to their room, bento style. That was definitely not the case when we were there. Both dinner and breakfast were served in private rooms in the main building; I'm not sure whether that's the norm or the exception (sorry, I didn't bother to ask the conditions by which the meal...

Arima Onsen town is a stone's throw away from both Osaka and Kobe, which is likely one reason that hotels and ryokans can charge such high rates there. Being at the upper end of the pricing echelon, Arimasansoh Goshobessho's room rates can't be considered good value. Still, we decided to spend a two-night getaway there in spite of that. Sticker shock notwithstanding, we feel that Arimasansoh can be considered among the nicer small properties that Japan has to offer.||||Arimasansoh is nestled at the end of a long strip of hotels in the Arima Onsen town - it's really quaint, but still within walking distance to the main tourist areas. The property is charming, and the buildings and villas blend in nicely to the calming environment that is full of trees, ponds and other pretty vegetation. Stepping into the grounds for the first time will instantly reduce your blood pressure - it's that soothing of a place.||||Service is refined, if a bit formal; we could tell they've all been comprehensively trained in Japanese hospitality. Given the clientele that stays there, being discreet and unobtrusive is probably appropriate. The sprawling hotel grounds are divided into two distinct sections. On the lower hillside along the banks of a river are the two-storey Maisonette rooms. We weren't able to tour this room type, but at first glance they seemed quite close together - sort of townhouse style. Further up the hill (near the reception area and the public onsen baths) are the one-storey Villa Suites, which is the room type that we stayed at.||||Our room was absolutely gigantic, and felt more spacious than the published size (for what it's worth, both the Maisonette and Villa Suites are listed as 100m².) There's an enormous living room as well as a large bedroom, along with a small balcony with views across the ravine. The Villas also have a bathroom the size of many hotel rooms. It comes complete with dual vanities, a sauna as well as a private Onsen (hot springs) bath. Further adding to the sense of massive space is the extremely high vaulted ceilings. Aesthetically speaking, the dark wood and dark brown furnishings were a bit on the dark side (for our tastes); the lighting was barely sufficient to prevent the room from exhibiting a gloomy feel - but just barely. The Onsen bath is nice; however, it's not of the free-flowing variety... it's empty and you fill the tub with the Onsen water by turning on the bath tap, just as you would a regular bath. It wouldn't be a problem but for the fact that the water trickles out at a glacial pace. We literally had to let the water run for over 30 minutes before the tub was filled up halfway.||||Arimasansoh also offers a communal Onsen bath area, one each for women and men. As was the case with the Onsen in the Villa, the water is unique in that it's brackish brown in color. And, you can really smell the sulfur. Arima Onsen is renowned for the (alleged) healing powers of its mineral hot springs; whether you believe it or not, it's unlike most other Onsens you will experience in the country where the water is clear.||||Dinner at Arimasansoh is French inspired but with Japanese ingredients and flair. Some examples of the fusion experience include Bouillabaisse with fried Lobster, Japanese Turnip and Yuzu; Red Sea Bream & Avocado Tartare with Grapefruit Jelly; and Spring Roll with Lotus Root Mochi and Cheese; and Black Sesame Mousse. The final dish before dessert is similar to Japanese kaiseki courses in that it's rise, miso soup and pickled tsukemono vegetables. And you consume most (if not all) of the courses with a chopstick. Arimasansoh will definitely keep you guessing and anticipating. Overall, the food is very good but just short of exceptional. Our breakfast is more decidedly Western, although still with some Japanese elements - think French Toast, cauliflower soup, Burdock root potage, salad, a pastry basket, grilled fish, grilled vegetables and a variety of fruit. Again, it was satisfying although not super memorable.||||Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at Arimasansoh. While it's definitely among the most expensive of Japan's luxury properties, the quality of service, hotel grounds, rooms, onsen experience and food will not make you feel cheated in any way.||||One final observation: some of the TripAdvisor reviewers noted that dinner was delivered to their room, bento style. That was definitely not the case when we were there. Both dinner and breakfast were served in private rooms in the main building; I'm not sure whether that's the norm or the exception (sorry, I didn't bother to ask the conditions by which the meal...

We arrived at Arimasansoh GoshoBessho by car. The staff met us at the main gate and helped us to unload our bags. The ryokan is on the hill, and built down a steep slope. ||The ryokan staff parked the car in a private car park lot about 3-5 minutes drive away. ||Check-in was quick and painless and then we were shown to our villa just around the corner from the onsen. The staff helped us bring up our luggage, up the uneven stone steps. ||Our villa was cavernous. We walked into a huge room. The room has no ceiling, just the Roof beams and the roof. ||There’s a Living room with two sets of sofas surrounding a table. There’s also another sitting area closer to the two spare beds along the East wall. ||Dinner was brought into the room as two large bento boxes per person. We also received a bottle of sake. ||There are Two large flat screen TVs in the room. It only receives Japanese TV stations. There’s also a DVD player and DVDs available. I’m uncertain if it’s only Japanese movies. ||My son used the Study table to play his computer games. There’s also a Bar counter with bar fridge below. The fridge drinks are chargeable. There’s Mineral water bottles provided free in the fridge and on the bar counter.||The Bathroom area was special. We had Double sinks and a whole lot of Amenities and ladies products to spoil your skin. A Hairdryer was provided. |There’s also Separate toilet in its own room, complete with its Japanese toilet functions. ||We loved the Large sauna area before the bathroom. The sauna is kept consistently toasty. There’s a a large bathroom with bath tub, plus large bottles of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel provided. We could put the shower in its mount and we could shower standing up. |We were Informed hot water for room only 800litres. Once gone, cold showers! ||There are Yukutas in the bathroom and you can pair these with large down java keys if you’re walking to the onsen. There is also a large cubby hole for staff to put in newspapers and other requests without disturbing guests. ||Parts of the floor are heated, including the bedroom floor. There’s also a central heating system for the room. ||Our bed room was to the side of the living room. There’s two beds in the room. They share a central bed side table. There are two electrical points there too. The beds were very comfortable and we slept quite well. ||Some of the not-so-well thought-out features includes: |- No pyjamas|- No lamps on bed side. Once lights are off, no more reading |- Spotlights for lights in room is rather harsh||Breakfast is provided in your own room near the main building. Breakfast was western style and there’s plenty to eat; including hot dishes and breads and fruit and yoghurt.||We liked the chilled vibes at this ryokan. It just seemed to invited you to kick back and take it easy. The food was good and pretty plentiful....