Tocen Goshoboh

The building is over 800 years old and designated a cultural property, so it has real historic value. The location was ideal, only a one- to two-minute walk from the bus station, which was a relief in the rain. Arima has lots of hills and stairs, so this ryokan could be a good option if you use a wheelchair or have trouble walking. We stayed two nights with my elderly parents. The second-floor room was spacious, and my parents especially liked the two massage chairs, apart from the onsen. But noise carried badly: we heard stomping upstairs and voices next door, and my mother couldn't sleep. I haven't experienced soundproofing this poor at other ryokans. Hospitality was disappointing for the price. There wasn't the welcome tea and seated paperwork I've had at other ryokans. My parents ended up sitting awkwardly by the entrance while our passports were taken, and staff explained things quickly as they walked us to the room. It felt disorganized and not very welcoming. Dinner and breakfast were served at set times. The kaiseki dinner was average in both taste and presentation. The onsen was small and had Kin No Yu, the gold spring. Some websites say there's also Gin No Yu, the silver spring, but I didn't see it. We visited in early October during Korean Chuseok and Chinese holidays, when it was expensive. The location and historic atmosphere were good, but hospitality, food, and comfort disappointed. It was worth trying once, but once was enough.

The location is really the main thing this place has going for it. The room itself was spacious and had plenty of amenities, including massage chairs, but the AC kept shutting off. I woke up sweating at 4 am and had to keep trying to get it running so it would cool the room. At one point the unit near the massage chairs blew hot air. For a hotel charging this much, that was a mess. They charge everyone a bathing fee whether they use the onsen or not. The onsen was nice, but the separation between genders was very light: some areas were divided, while the main part only had a low partition. They tell you at check-in, but the fee still applies even if you skip it. Dinner was wildly overrated. Staff described it as an experience not to miss and said we'd get Kobe Beef, but our portion was maybe the size of three coins. Ridiculous. The meal cost 15,000 yen per person and felt like it could've cost a quarter as much. This place is completely overrated and not worth the price. I really don't recommend it. If you can stay somewhere else, do that and save your money. If being close to the bus station is what you want, this hotel fits.

We were traveling with our five-month-old, and they arranged a really good baby cot for us. The whole stay felt quiet and relaxed, the hotel was very clean, and the hot springs were pleasant and soothing. The food was very good and gave us a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine. Mina took care of us during dinner and breakfast and made up our bed at night and in the morning, so special thanks to her. The staff were superb, and in my opinion the location is the best in town. It was an amazing experience, and I couldn't recommend it more.

The onsen was so peaceful and not crowded, and the water, which I'm pretty sure is natural iron-salt water, was really relaxing. Paired with the scenery, it became an experience I'll never forget. Inside, the hotel was much nicer than I expected and clearly very clean. Staff greeted me kindly and explained the dishes and how to eat them in the traditional way.