When you are in Kobe, you must not forget to factor in a night or two in the neighbouring town of Arima Onsen. Onsen, literally means hot springs in Japanese and Arima, on the outskirts of Kobe, is known for, well, its hot springs. Here, I stayed at the historic Tocen Goshoboh in Arima, one of the, if not the oldest, Japanese-style inn in the precinct of Arima. Tocen Goshoboh has played an important role in local culture, and has been frequented by travellers for centuries. This luxurious family-run ryokan is as traditional as it gets, and is situated at the very heart of the Arima Onsen district. It also has direct access to the hot springs.
Leave your footwear outside
This might be a slightly disconcerting idea for many, but it’s just how things are done in Japan. As soon as you arrive in the ryokan, you leave your footwear at the lobby. You change into the comfortable slippers placed by the hotel staff at the entrance and walk around the premises only in this footwear.
A Different style of rooms
The first thing I notice is the beautiful tatami mat that lines the floor of my room. So as to not damage the delicate tatami mats, you are required to leave your “inn” slippers at the door. There is one central room, with low seating and a low dining table. This leads to a wardrobe area of sorts and then to a functional and basic bathroom.
Robe, socks and slippers
Slippers are provided to every guest once you check in. As you enter the room, you are provided with a pair of Japanese socks, which you can use to walk around your room. In the wardrobe, you are also given a yukata, a kimono-style robe, which is perfect to just lounge around in.
Kaiseiki Ryori
This is room service — Japanese style. At a time decided by you, the hotel staff, clad in beautiful kimonos enter your room and lay out a beautiful table for a multi-course dinner known as kaiseki ryori. The meal is brought to you in steps, and each one is presented like a work of art. The kaiseiki ryori is presented at the low table in the middle of your room.
Direct access to the hot springs
Tocen Goshoboh offers you the possibility of walking from your room straight to the hot springs, for which Arima Onsen is world famous. Taking a bath in the hot springs is a beautiful cultural experience in Japan. The springs are divided into male and female areas. You enter a sort of changing room, where you disrobe and take a shower, before finally stepping into the mineral-laden water of the spring. Towels and lockers are provided.
Transforming your room
After dinner, or after your evening visit to the hot springs, the staff discreetly pack away the low table and chairs in your room and transform it into a bedroom, by laying a mattress on the floor, with a plush blanket and pillows. goshoboh.com
