Gekkoen Korokan

A truly unique experience full of suggestions that we lived last February at Gekkoen 🏨, a valid accommodation that hosted us during our stop in Arima Onsen. Arriving on site around 1:30 PM 🕜 (with prior reservation 📱), immediately after our arrival in the city 🚍, we were warmly welcomed at the reception by the staff who, shortly, handed us the keys 🔑 to the rooms (a couple of doubles) and provided a series of information about the services offered by the establishment, particularly regarding the hot springs ♨️ and the internal restaurant 🥢. Our rooms were fantastic, completely designed in traditional Japanese style 🇯🇵 and, therefore, complete with all the characteristics, furnishings, and unique features that distinguish Japanese homes seen a thousand times in films 🎞, anime 📺, and manga 📙. Of course, we were aware of the peculiarities of the establishment (not by chance chosen for this reason), however, in front of the tatami, the typical wooden/rice paper panels, the low table, and the futons (the typical rollable mattresses), it was truly impossible to remain indifferent 😮. As for the futons (already stored in the closets at the time of our arrival), they were then prepared by the staff during our afternoon session at the SPA. This last one is highly commendable also due to the possibility, which we indeed took advantage of, to book the private baths ♨️ exclusively, naturally with a corresponding surcharge (maximum stay time of 60 minutes ⏱️). Certainly particular are the baths ♨️, all different and characterized by specific features, from the purple color 🟣 of one to the stone structure 🪨 of another. Towels and yukata 👘 are provided directly at the reception, in front of which there are indeed compartments with clothing of all sizes. Excellent 👌🏻 the restaurant service (partially buffet-style although of quality and rich in variety), which we used for dinner 🥢🍣🍤🍚 and the following morning for breakfast ☕️🍵🍰. After this last meal and the subsequent check-out, we were kindly escorted by shuttle 🚌 (internal shuttle service) directly to the bus stop 🚍. The rates are not insignificant (123,656 yen 💴 total, equivalent to 667.51 euros 💶, paid with credit card 💳 already at the time of booking), but still to be considered in relation to the exclusivity of the establishment and the location. Strategically located just outside the most central area of Arima, yet still just a stone's throw away from it. Absolutely recommended experience 👍🏻.

We had visited Arima many times, having lived in Rock Island for 2 years in the 90s. Arima was on our visit list for a weekend driving trip. We had never stayed there. So we booked for 2 nights at the end of our most recent trip. Unfortunately we caught a type A flu (there was an epidemic happening). But this was over wise a great visit. Nice room and fantastic food (which my wife couldn't eat, she was much sicker than me) and service. Great location in amount the hills bu only a 10 min walk to the town. Apart from our sickness the visit was all we had hoped for. Pricey, sure but this is a classic place. The staff were most helpful and tried to alleviate our flu as mush as they could. Arima itself was much changed from my last time there over 30 years ago, some things remained but I saw little of the craft places that used to be there.

It rained heavily on the day we went. Although we said we didn't need a car when booking, we met the hotel's car at the station and simply communicated with the driver and we were able to get to the hotel smoothly. The hotel has a quiet environment and each hot spring has its own characteristics. It's a great place to have a good rest and relax all day long. Although I chose the smallest Japanese-style room, there is enough space for 3 adults. In terms of catering, although I made a reservation for the most expensive dinner, the overall quality of the food pales in comparison to similar-priced hot spring hotels, and the service level of the female general is also somewhat lacking. In summary, if you are just here to take a bath and rest, this one is definitely recommended, but don’t expect anything in terms of food.