Hashinoya Bekkan Ransui

Dinner was the standout for us: five courses of traditional Japanese food and suiyaki with matsusaka beef. Every dish was full of flavor, distinct from the next, and clearly made with care. My husband and I savored it all, and left feeling nourished and recharged. The onsens were great too, and the tatami room was cozy, with a tranquil garden around it. The service made the stay feel personal and authentic. The staff speak only a little English, but they used translation apps to explain everything we needed, which worked perfectly well for us. If you book the private onsen, they'll drive you there. It's less than a two-minute ride and there's a small fee.

The hosts made sure we had a great stay even though we don't speak much Japanese. Our room looked out onto a peaceful garden, a lovely spot for reading and taking it easy. The food was amazing and there was so much of it, so skip lunch before you arrive unless you want to risk leaving some unfinished.

The kaiseki dinner was the highlight in Arima. The courses moved through seasonal ingredients beautifully, from rich sea urchin to tender Kobe beef and delicate sashimi. The presentation and flavors were thoughtful, and dessert, Japanese green grape with melon soba ice cream, was a light, refreshing finish. I came away appreciating traditional Japanese cuisine much more. We arrived at dusk, driving through Arima's charming narrow streets to a rather tight parking area. Parking was tricky, though the staff greeted us warmly and got us settled quickly. The onsen had a small outdoor pool, and soaking in the warm water in the chilly 8°C weather felt wonderful. It was short on basic amenities, though: there was no lotion or hairdryer, so I had to go back to the room to dry my hair. I returned to the onsen after dinner to enjoy it again. The meal more than made up for the limited facilities, and the stay offered a mix of relaxation and fine dining.

Really cozy, lovely place with delicious food and good service. You can shower in the hot springs area, so there's no need to book a room with its own bath. I loved the whole experience, and it felt well worth it!