Gekkoen Yugetsusanso - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Arima Onsen, Hyogo

Does Gekkoen Yugetsusanso Allow Tattoos?

Partially, tattoos are accepted at Gekkoen Yugetsusanso, but only in private baths—not public bath areas.

Overview of Gekkoen Yugetsusanso

Gekkoen Yugetsusanso, nestled in the ancient hot spring town of Arima Onsen, offers an exquisite blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort just one hour from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. This historic wooden ryokan sits beside a picturesque river, connected by the iconic Gekko Bridge—creating a scene straight from a classical Japanese painting. What truly distinguishes this ryokan is its access to Arima's legendary dual springs—the rust-colored "kinsen" (gold water) and transparent "ginsen" (silver water)—each prized for centuries for their unique therapeutic properties. For tattooed travelers seeking an authentic onsen experience without compromise, Gekkoen Yugetsusanso provides a welcoming sanctuary within one of Japan's oldest hot spring regions.

Tattoo Rules & Guidelines

Private Bathing Allowed: While public baths follow traditional policies regarding visible tattoos, Gekkoen Yugetsusanso offers private open-air onsen rooms specifically available for reservation by tattooed guests, couples, and families—allowing you to experience authentic Arima waters without concerns.

Why Bathe Here? Benefits and History

  • Healing Dual Springs: Experience both "gold" iron-rich and "silver" radium-infused waters, historically revered for relieving joint pain, skin conditions, and fatigue 
  • Private Open-Air Baths: Reserve your exclusive rotenburo (outdoor bath) with natural spring water and tranquil garden views 
  • Traditional Wooden Architecture: Stay in an authentic three-story wooden ryokan with tatami floors and the scenic Gekko Bridge 
  • Multilingual Support: English and Chinese-speaking staff ensure smooth communication for international visitors 
  • Strategic Location: Perfect base for exploring Mt. Rokko, Kobe's attractions, and the renowned Akashi Kaikyo Bridge 
  • Culinary Excellence: Savor meticulously prepared kaiseki seasonal cuisine featuring local specialties

Onsen Facilities & Amenities

Type of Onsen ♨️

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Tattoo Policy ✅

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Bath Types 🛁  

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Private Onsen Baths 🔒

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Food & Drinks 🍽️

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Relaxation & Wellness 🌸

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Most Suitable For 👫

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Hospitality Services 🛎️

Traditional Indoor Bath
Rotenburo Outdoor Bath
Private Bathing Allowed
Private Bath Available
Tea Service
Snacks
Kaiseki Dinner
Breakfast
Rest Lounge
Massage
Family Friendly
Couples
Wheel Chair Accessible
English Speaking Staff
English Signage
Shuttle Service
Online Reservations
Day Use Onsen
Ryokan Onsen

Bathing Experience & Onsen Etiquette

Immerse yourself in Arima's famed dual waters—the rust-colored "kinsen" (gold spring) rich in iron and salt, and the clear "ginsen" (silver spring) containing radium and carbonic acid. The gold water envelops your skin in a silky mineralized embrace known to alleviate muscle tension and joint pain, while the silver water's gentle properties stimulate metabolism and improve circulation. In your private open-air bath, surrounded by seasonal foliage and the gentle sounds of the nearby river, you can experience these healing waters at your own pace. The baths maintain an ideal temperature of approximately 41-43°C, allowing for extended, contemplative soaking—a luxury particularly appreciated by tattooed travelers seeking a judgment-free bathing experience.

Prices & Ticket Options

  • Day Use Bath Access: Free public bath access (note: tattoo restrictions apply to public baths)
  • Private Bath Reservation: ¥3,000-5,000 for 45-60 minutes (ideal for tattooed guests)
  • Overnight Stay: From ¥22,000/person (low season) to ¥80,000/person (peak season) including kaiseki dinner and breakfast
  • Weekend/Holiday Surcharge: Additional ¥3,000-5,000 per person
  • Massage Services: From ¥5,000 for 30-minute treatments

Booking & Contact Information

Reservations are strongly recommended for both private baths and overnight stays, especially during weekends and holidays. The multilingual reservation staff can accommodate special requests for tattooed guests seeking private bathing options. 

🌐 Website: https://www.gekkoen.co.jp/en/yugetsusanso/   

📞 Phone: +81-78-904-0366   

📍 Address: 318 Arimacho, Kita-Ku, Kobe 651-1401, Japan

Opening Hours

  • Check-in: 15:00
  • Check-out: 10:00

Guest Reviews from Tattooed Travellers

Directions to Gekkoen Yugetsusanso in Arima Onsen

✈️ From Kansai International Airport → 🚌 Airport Limousine Bus to Kobe Sannomiya (65 min) → 🚌 Direct bus to Arima Onsen (30 min) → 🚕 Free shuttle service (3 min) or 🚶 7-min walk  🚅 From Shin-Osaka Station → 🚄 JR train to Shin-Kobe (15 min) → 🚌 Direct bus to Arima Onsen (30 min) → 🚕 Free shuttle service (3 min)  🏙️ From Kobe City Center → 🚌 Direct bus from Sannomiya Station to Arima Onsen (30 min) → 🚕 Free shuttle service (3 min)

FAQ

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Overview

✔️ Tattoo Policy: Private Bathing Allowed

Rating: 4.1/5 (776 reviews)

♨️ Category: Ryokan Onsen

🌸 Private Baths: Yes

🗺️ Location: Arima Onsen, Hyogo