The art of Japanese hospitality in Arima
Our Stories
History of Nakanobo
When Nakanobo first opened its doors in 1868, founder Genjirō Kajiki delivered a special brand of hospitality, a unique aspect of Japanese culture. As in everything he did, he strove for a level of excellence to “contribute to the betterment of society”. Today, more than 150 years later, we have kept this tradition alive even as we continue to innovate on our services and offerings.
History of Arima Onsen
Arima Onsen history dates back over 1,300 years ago. It is one of the oldest – and arguably most famous – hot spring towns in Japan. This storied onsen town, known for its therapeutic springs, appears in some of the country’s oldest literature – Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), the second-oldest book of classical Japanese history written in the year 720, as well as in Makura no Sōshi (The Pillow Book) by Sei Shōnagon, a record of the author’s daily musings of life in the imperial court, completed in 1002. There are two types of spring water that feed the various baths around town. Golden-brown water called “kinsen” is rich in iron and salt, and it’s known for its skin-moisturizing and warming effects, ideal for skin-related ailments. Meanwhile, silver water called “ginsen”, loaded with radium and carbonate, is said to be perfect for muscle and joint relief.
The essence of Rikyū
At Nakanobo, we follow the teachings of Sen no Rikyū, who perfected and crafted a unified style of the tea ceremony in the 1500s, elevating it to an art form. He established seven principles, collected in the “Rikyū Shichisoku”, that define how to provide the appropriate hospitality for the occasion, valuing the importance of time and a relaxed state of mind. Embracing Sen no Rikyū’s concept of “Ichi-go ichi-e” – to cherish every moment as fleeting, never to be repeated – we strive to welcome our guests with wholehearted, dedicated hospitality. These principles form the basis of our brand of hospitality.
Our baths
Our facilities offer various amenities, including an open-air bath with a view of Mount Rokko. There are two separate large communal baths for men and women, and private baths are available on reservation. There’s also a relaxation facility called “Aqua Terrace”, where you can wear swimsuits and enjoy features like a walking pool, sauna, fireplace-equipped lounge, among others.
Our cuisine
Arima is located in the heart of Hyogo Prefecture, an extraordinary region blessed with abundant produce from the mountain and the freshest catch from the sea. Arima sits on the fringes of Kobe, a city globally renowned for the quality of its beef – recognized as Kobe beef – as well as high-grade sake that constitutes a quarter of the domestic production. From course dinners called “kaiseki” to casual meals, there’s something for everyone at Arima.
Custom Kaiseki
We want our guests to enjoy exactly what they desire at any given moment. For this reason we designed our custom dining experience, offering 60 menu options covering a wide variety of culinary traditions – from regional varieties of Japanese cuisine, to international cuisines. Should you require help in deciding, we offer courses recommended by our chef, as well as options suitable for those less familiar with Japanese cuisine.
Breakfast
For breakfast, we offer two options: a buffet spread, featuring over 100 Japanese and Western menu items and that incorporate seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, served at the dining hall. Otherwise, guests may enjoy an in-room dining experience exclusive to certain accommodation plans.
Stay with us
We offer a variety of room types ideal for couples, families or solo travelers. These range from Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, to rooms featuring open-air baths.
Bessho Yura
Bessho Yura, features rooms that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comforts. It offers a luxurious space for relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing you to fully experience the pleasures of Arima. It features a club floor, and natural hot spring open-air baths on the 2nd (kinsen) and 7th (ginsen) floors.
Central Building
The central building features Japanese-style and Western-style rooms, as well as rooms with open-air baths. On the 5th to 8th floors, the Japanese-style rooms feature comfortable sofas in relaxation spaces called “hiroen”, as well as tables with raised seating cushions. In-room dining is also available to guests staying at a Japanese-style or Western-style room on the 5th to 8th floors.
North Building
All rooms at the north building are Western-style, each one offering over 70 square meters of space for maximum relaxation. Although the rooms are modern – some with open-air baths with breathtaking views of the Tamba mountains – they retain a kind of traditional charm.
The Spa
Experience a relaxing time at our inhouse spa and salon.
Design your stay
We offer a wide range of accommodation plans that give you the power to customize your stay and find your pitch-perfect level of comfort. By choosing a plan that includes breakfast and dinner, you can begin and end your day savoring all the goodness of seasonal ingredients at the hotel.
Access
Arima Onsen town is a highly accessible destination in Western Japan.
- Kyoto70min. by Bus
- Osaka60min. by Bus
- Itami Airport40min. by Car
- Kansai International Airport90min. by Bus
- Kobe Sannomiya30min.
By express bus: Approximately 60 minutes from Osaka Station, and about 70 minutes from Kyoto Station.
It takes around 30 minutes from Sannomiya and Shin-Kobe Stations. By taxi: Approximately 40 minutes from both Itami Airport and Kobe Airport, and about 90 minutes from Kansai International Airport.
Arrival by heliport is also available.
We also provide information about the beneficial Japan Rail Pass and various routes through Google Maps, should you require it.
Experiences
Immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a stroll down Arima’s charming laneways wearing traditional Yukata (rental available for women only, at a fee). Other adventures include hiking, mountain climbing and uphill and downhill cycling (with your own bike) at Mount Rokko.
Ryokan Etiquette
Learning the customs of a traditional ryokan – such as how to wear a “yukata” (bathrobe) or the steps of traditional bathing – unlocks the gates to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and customs, and allows you to have an even more memorable experience in the country.
See Ryokan Manual