5-Star Hotels in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

A very satisfying trip to Awaji Island was made even better by our hotel. Everything was arranged in the best way. We changed buses from Kyoto and confirmed the pick-up station through the Ctrip platform. When we arrived, it was still early, so we took the free shuttle bus to go shopping (with luggage back to the hotel). We used the coupons to buy lunch and ice cream at Hello Kitty. When checking in, the male waiters all kneel down to serve, and confirm the information of dinner and going out the next day. The room we stayed in is a single-family round house like a yurt with a viewing balcony and a wooden bath. The details of the room are all local characteristics (dressing box, free mini bar/dessert, washbasin are all petrified wood). The central roof is transparent and empty, and you can also observe the stars. We enjoyed the food here for 5 days, especially the dinner was not repeated and changed in various styles. What surprised me was that the waitress could perform saxophone and flute at dinner, and there was a restaurant like a stage on the island where you could also enjoy the waiter's musical performance. The 20,000 consumption vouchers given for 5 days are enough for you to go out for free at noon. We also bought Hello Kitty exclusive gifts for the children at the Big Apple with the vouchers. This trip to Awaji Island is more memorable than the trip to Kyoto, and the people are simple and honest. Everyone is working hard to promote tourism in Awaji Island, which is worthy of praise. I will bring my children here next time.

The service was excellent! I believe true old-money style is all about staying calm and unruffled, and this hotel's smart facilities and attentive staff perfectly embody that. I arrived quite late, and the hotel was very thoughtful, upgrading me to a sea-view room. I went out for a day to the hot springs and returned to extend my stay, and they continued to upgrade my room. During my stay, it rained, and I took one of the hotel's umbrellas. I accidentally picked up someone else's umbrella when I returned, but the front desk kindly kept the wrong umbrella and exchanged it for the correct one. All in all, the service was superb, and the smiling service was very much appreciated.

Grand Mercure Awaji Island boasts unparalleled sea views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. Its excellent location, however, makes it best suited for guests traveling by car. Our sea-view room was spacious and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows that made the morning sea sunrise a daily spectacle. Both breakfast and dinner offered a wide variety of dishes; we especially recommend the Awaji Island milk and local onion specialties. However, dining options nearby are limited, meaning you'll likely rely on the hotel's restaurant for dinner. Without a car, finding other dining spots would require a taxi. The hotel service was attentive, and the front desk staff spoke fluent English, providing helpful guides to local attractions. While the rooftop open-air hot spring bath isn't natural, it was uncrowded, peaceful, and incredibly relaxing with its sea views. On the downside, the facilities are a bit dated, and there's a noticeable lack of family-friendly entertainment options. Overall, this hotel is ideal for guests seeking serene sea views and a relaxed pace, offering particularly excellent value for money during the off-season.

Overall, a wonderful place. We highly recommend it. It was a wonderful walk from the station to the hotel, and we were greeted with the utmost courtesy, explained everything, and shown around. We were shown to our room and given instructions. We booked a traditional room with futons, and the view from the window was simply stunning. The onsen includes two hot springs, a comfortable changing area with massage chairs, a sauna, and a cold plunge pool. They give free passes to seven public baths in the village. There's a shuttle that takes you to various walking spots. The prices are reasonable. The breakfast buffet was wonderful. We were very satisfied and would love to come back!

This is a truly excellent hotel. It was exceptionally clean and the room was spacious. As I was traveling solo, I left the second bed completely untouched to make cleaning easier for the staff. The friendliness of the staff was also very impressive, and breakfast was superb. Many thanks to all the ANA staff for such a wonderful experience.

I don't speak Japanese, only a little English, so I was worried I wouldn't understand the check-in explanation. To my surprise, I actually understood it, and the staff member who explained everything was very thoughtful with their language. There's a shuttle service, and if you don't speak Japanese and want the driver to pick you up, you can ask for help at the Arima Town Tourist Information Center.

We stayed at Negiya Ryofukaku in Arima Onsen during the maple leaf season, opting for the West Wing's deluxe Japanese-Western mixed room with a mountain view. The hotel staff were incredibly attentive and thoughtful, making us feel truly comfortable. Looking out the window, the mountain was ablaze with vibrant red maple leaves, like a flowing oil painting—the scenery far exceeded our expectations. Upon check-out, the hotel even thoughtfully arranged a car to take us to Arima Station, which was incredibly convenient.

The hotel has a unique design and is located in Meriken Park, Kobe Port. Standing on the balcony and gazing out at the sea, it feels as if you're on a real ship's deck. During check-in, the hotel thoughtfully provides drinks, coffee, and snacks. I initially thought it was very far from the JR station, but after getting familiar with the area, I realized the location is quite good. It's a 10-15 minute walk to Daimaru and Motomachi. It's worth noting that the hotel shuttle bus times provided by Trip.com are incorrect; the shuttle actually runs quite frequently, not just once an hour. I even took photos for other travelers' reference.

★★★★★ Amazing Ryokan Experience in Arima Onsen We had an absolutely wonderful stay at Arima Onsen Taketoritei Maruyama. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality and service were exceptional. The staff were warm, attentive and made us feel very welcomed throughout the stay. The private onsen experience was fantastic — peaceful, relaxing and beautifully maintained. The atmosphere of the ryokan was calm and luxurious, especially with the mountain surroundings and fresh air after the rain. It was the perfect escape from the city. Our room was spacious, clean and very comfortable for the family. The meals were also delicious and beautifully presented, with great quality ingredients and authentic Japanese cuisine. The shuttle service, attention to detail and overall guest experience were all top-notch. We truly enjoyed every part of our stay and wished we could stay longer. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Arima Onsen looking for a relaxing and memorable ryokan experience. We would definitely love to return again in the future.

The room was spacious and comfortable, providing a serene atmosphere for relaxation. The onsen facilities, along with the provided Japanese bath suits and slippers, added a delightful touch to the experience. The breakfast buffet featured a variety of healthy Japanese options, which I found both satisfying and nourishing. Additionally, the view of Kobe Tower from my room was a charming highlight. The hotel's design reflects a refined minimalistic luxury, creating an elegant and calming environment. Overall, I highly recommend this hotel for anyone seeking a blend of comfort and traditional Japanese hospitality.