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.

This hotel is right next to Meriken Park, offering stunning views of Kobe Port Tower and the sea from the windows. It's within walking distance to Motomachi Shopping Street and the Anpanman Children's Museum, and there's also a shuttle bus service to and from Sannomiya, making transportation quite convenient. Both indoor and outdoor facilities are available for children, though the outdoor pool requires an additional fee. The all-day dining restaurant in the lobby boasts excellent ambiance and service; I enjoyed a dinner there and then went to watch the mini fireworks show on a Saturday evening. The hotel also provides a free laundry room, ice maker, and microwave, and there's a small convenience store on the first floor to meet daily needs.

I'm fairly certain this hotel used to be the Daiwa Royal Hotel. I've stayed here many times before, even under its previous name, but this was my first visit since the rebranding. Considering the high price, the amenities provided were quite basic. On a positive note, the complimentary drinks and snacks were a nice touch. The most significant disappointment was the 50-minute wait for breakfast. Had this not been an issue, my stay would have been far more satisfactory. During peak times, such as the busy summer holiday season, I strongly suggest they consider expanding the breakfast area or increasing its capacity. Despite the wait, the breakfast itself was absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately, this lengthy delay significantly impacted our sightseeing plans for the day.

We had an absolutely wonderful time at Arima Onsen Goshoboh. The room was very spacious with all the amenities you could need, and it was such a great touch having two massage chairs in the room! Dinner and traditional kaiseki breakfast were quite unique - some of the dishes were a bit too specific for our taste and we didn't try everything, but it was still an interesting culinary experience overall. What really stood out was the honeymoon surprise at dinner - a beautifully presented dessert with a flame that revealed a flower, with cute little figurines inside. They even let us keep them as a souvenir! Such a thoughtful and memorable touch. At the end of our stay, the hotel kindly drove us to the bus stop, which was a really nice gesture. Overall a fantastic experience - we'd love to come back again!

I had low expectations for this trip and was pleasantly surprised! Firstly, the town itself is so beautiful and cozy, you can take your time and just enjoy it! Secondly, the hotel is top-notch! The service and politeness of the staff are amazing, and the hotel's interior and courtyard are beautiful! The onsen at the hotel is stunningly beautiful, with everything thought out to the smallest detail! The rooms are very authentic, as is everything else, and the breakfast buffet is amazing! The transfer service was also well thought out, and of course, the yukata is simply wonderful and fits every size! I can go on and on about how much I enjoyed it! Thank you!

If shopping convenience isn't a top priority, I highly recommend staying at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel. It's right next to Shin-Kobe Station, just one subway stop from Sannomiya Station. The rooms offer unbeatable panoramic views of Kobe, and the Nunobiki Herb Garden ropeway station is right nearby. Kitano Ijinkan is also a short walk away, and it's downhill so it's not tiring. Arima Onsen is only 30 minutes away too. Plus, there's a large supermarket downstairs that's open until 11 PM, making it easy to stock up on supplies. The value for money is incredibly high. I'll definitely be staying here again.

Food was great and Eri-san was very friendly and helpful. The room was really clean and love the private onsen with amazing view. I love how attentive Eri-san was as well, the timing in which the next meal came was impeccable, allowing me to enjoy the food thoroughly. Other ryokans I have stayed before (despite being more expensive), the breaks between the food served was very short and it felt like I was rushing to eat. The outdoor hotspring bath was great and perfect for people who cannot stand too high temperatures. Unfortunately, when we wanted to dip in Gekkoen's more traditional and older outdoor hotspring, it was being cleaned. Would love to try dipping in it the next time we visit again.

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.

This landmark hotel is a must-stay in Kobe! Choosing a sea-view room was such a pleasant surprise, offering direct views of the ocean and the Ferris wheel. Both day and night, the scenery is stunning; the hotel itself is a beautiful sight. There's a regular shuttle bus service to and from Sannomiya, with a timetable conveniently located at the entrance, making it very easy to go shopping and dining in the city center. Just outside, you'll find Meriken Park, and other port attractions are within walking distance. The harbor atmosphere is absolutely incredible, perfect for watching both sunsets and night views. It's ideal for a relaxing getaway and highly recommended for anyone visiting Kobe.

The hotel offers private hot springs, and guests can book a time slot after check-in. There are both indoor and outdoor options, with four types each, ensuring excellent privacy. This is a great alternative for those who might feel uncomfortable using public hot spring pools. Some rooms also have their own private hot springs, but these are all ”silver springs”; if you wish to experience a ”golden spring,” you need to make a reservation. The hot spring environment is clean and hygienic, and the facilities are comprehensive. The shower rooms are spotless. The front desk staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. The hotel also provides a dedicated shuttle service; simply inform the front desk where you'd like to go, and you can also call them to pick you up and bring you back to the hotel after you're done exploring. Highly recommended!