Tucked deep in the mountains, Takamaru Onsen is Kobe’s secret healing haven. Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by whispering pines and babbling streams—the steam carries away stress, one breath at a time. Stay in a traditional ryokan with tatami floors and wooden beams, where every detail feels like a warm embrace. Sleep well, wake refreshed, and rediscover what true rest feels like.

Everything you need to know about Takamaru Onsen
Takamaru Onsen Ten no Yu is a top choice, offering panoramic views of the Rokko Mountains from its private outdoor baths. The traditional Japanese inn features wooden bathhouses, hinoki tubs, and meals made with local ingredients. Each room opens to a garden terrace, ensuring an immersive nature experience. Located just 45 minutes from Kobe City, it's ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Takamaru Onsen Hoshino Yu is perfect for families, with spacious family baths, kids' yukata, game rooms, and farm-fresh meals. The property is surrounded by walking trails leading to the Kobe River, great for seasonal cherry blossom or autumn leaf viewing. Guests can also enjoy nightly traditional storytelling sessions, adding cultural depth to their stay.
Try Konoigawa Old Bathhouse, a century-old private onsen only open by reservation. Known for its natural sulfur-rich waters, it offers unique treatments like herbal face masks and traditional massage paired with tea ceremonies. Hidden from tourist crowds, this intimate spot delivers a serene, aristocratic-style wellness journey.
Take the Kobe Electric Railway Sanda Line to Sanda Station, then transfer to the Hankyu Bus (Takamaru Onsen Route)—about 40 minutes with comfortable seating and regular departures. For greater flexibility, consider a private car rental; some hotels even provide free shuttle service, making access seamless.
The Ten no Yu outdoor bath uses a cantilevered design that integrates seamlessly into the mountain landscape, creating the illusion of floating among trees. Featuring natural pebble beds for circulation stimulation and semi-open hinoki wood cabins for privacy, all baths use water drawn from 1,200 meters underground, rich in minerals beneficial for skin health.
Visit the Rokko Mountain Chū no Tōge Trail, a 3-km path through lush forests with native ferns and seasonal highlights: fireflies in summer and snow-dusted peaks in winter. The trail ends at a scenic overlook offering sweeping views of Kobe City and the Seto Inland Sea—ideal for photography. Accessible within 10 minutes from the onsen village, it’s perfect for early morning or evening walks.
See what other travelers say about Takamaru Onsen

We stayed in a connecting room for four guests, opting for the SPA Tower—very modern facilities and a spacious onsen-style bath area made the stay even more relaxing. The hotel’s surroundings are beautifully serene, with large, clean, and comfortable rooms that truly feel like a retreat. While the view of the Akashi Bridge was lovely, we had requested a higher floor in advance but were still assigned to the 3rd floor—slightly disappointing, though not enough to ruin the overall experience. Breakfast was exceptional: a wide variety of delicious options, served by friendly and attentive staff. There are multiple parking levels available, perfect for those driving, with a fee of ¥800 per entry—fairly reasonable considering the convenience. Overall, this was a memorable and well-organized stay, highly recommended for anyone seeking a peaceful getaway with great amenities.
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