Negiya Ryofukaku - A Tattoo-Friendly Hot Spring in Arima Onsen, Hyogo

Negiya Ryofukaku (ねぎや 陵楓閣) stands as a jewel within Arima Onsen, one of Japan's most ancient and revered hot spring towns with a history stretching back over 1,500 years. Established in 1857, this elegant ryokan offers a rare combination of historical significance and accessible bathing options for international visitors with tattoos. Nestled in a serene forested setting, the ryokan's traditional Japanese architecture frames the exceptional "kinsen" (gold spring) experience—iron-rich waters once enjoyed by emperors and nobility, now available to tattooed travelers through private bathing options.

Private Bathing Allowed: While public baths may require covering tattoos, tattooed guests can freely enjoy private in-room baths or reserve one of two dedicated rental baths (¥3,000 per 45-minute session) without restriction.

• Rare "Kinsen" Waters: Experience the unique golden-brown, iron-rich waters that have drawn visitors to Arima for centuries
• Private Onsen Access: Six rooms with private baths and two additional reservable baths perfect for tattooed travelers
• Historic Authenticity: 1857 establishment with traditional Japanese architecture and Edo-period heritage
• Luxury Kaiseki Dining: Seasonal multi-course meals featuring premium ingredients like Kobe beef
• Maple Forest Setting: Tranquil location with seasonal views, particularly stunning during autumn foliage
• English-Friendly Environment: Staff communication, signage and reservations available in English

Sinking into Negiya Ryofukaku's golden-brown waters delivers an immediate sense of timelessness—these are the same therapeutic minerals that have drawn bathers to Arima for more than a millennium. The "kinsen" waters, colored by their high iron content and sodium chloride, feel silky against your skin while working their therapeutic magic. Many guests report relief from joint pain, improved circulation, and noticeably moisturized skin after just one soak.

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The bathing areas themselves are crafted from aromatic hinoki cypress wood, creating a multi-sensory experience as you transition between indoor baths and the "Higurashi no Yu" open-air bath, where steam rises among maple branches. For tattooed travelers, the private "Yuzuriha" (indoor) and "Natsume" (semi-outdoor) baths provide the perfect opportunity to experience authentic Arima waters without concern about tattoo policies.

Reservations are recommended at least 1-2 months in advance, particularly for rooms with private baths or during autumn foliage and spring cherry blossom seasons. English-language booking is available through their website or major booking platforms.

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🌐 Website: en.negiya.jp

📞 Phone: +81-78-904-0501

📍 Address: 1537-2 Arimachō, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401, Japan