Although Hyoe Koyokaku's exact date of establishment is unknown, it's believed to have existed for around 700 years. Its first appearance in text can be traced back to the Muromachi period (1466), when it was mentioned in Inryoken Nichiroku, which was a record/diary kept by a monk. The onsen town where it's located, Arima Onsen, is in itself a historical attraction. It dates back over 1,000 years! The ryokan's name pays tribute to the legendary Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi. For the past 700 years, the property has maintained its policy of "hospitality with a smile", treating guests to authentic cultural experiences and maximum comfort. You'll be welcomed with sweets in your guest room and get to feel like a local in comfy yukatas (casual Kimono-style robes).

Design and Architecture

While the exterior of the property offers a blend of Japanese and Western styles, all of the ryokan's guest rooms are in the washitsu (traditional Japanese) style. Each comes with tatami mats on the floor, shoji screens that bring in beautiful natural light, fusuma (sliding doors), and the quintessential low tables and chairs. You will also find pretty seasonal flowers adding more life to the rooms. The lounges, on the other hand, boast a more modern and chic design.

With around 700 years of heritage to boast of, it's no surprise that Hyoe Koyokaku specializes in exquisite traditional cuisine. Head Chef Shimamoto Shinichi falls back on age-old recipes and methods to create authentic Japanese cuisine for guests. Ingredients are personally selected, and the meals are presented in a way that connects people to the property's heritage. Don't forget to try the special Kobe beef here. The beef is sourced from Hyogo prefecture's Tajima cattle and offers delicious flavors and taste. You can enjoy the beef in a shabu-shabu style meal or go for a Teppanyaki grill.

There are multiple dining venues on site. These include the main dining area, Mokuren, the charcoal-grill dining area, Ajisai, and the buffet restaurant and cafe, Hana no Mai. There's also a lobby with a coffee corner ideal for catching up with loved ones. As for the meal types, check out what you can expect at the ryokan below:

Seasonal kaiseki-Japanese multi-course menu

Like most Japanese accommodations, the restaurant team at Hyoe Koyokaku also makes sure to highlight the various seasons of Japan in the cuisine they offer. You'll get to taste the freshest ingredients of the region during your stay. Enjoy kaiseki-styke multi-course meals to explore the flavors. You can savor the meals in your guest room or the in-house restaurant, depending on the package you choose.

Charcoal-grilled kaiseki menu

Engage in a one-of-a-kind dining experience by choosing a charcoal-grilled kaiseki meal package to enjoy in a private dining room. This will let you charcoal-grill the veg or non-veg main course yourself and relish accompaniments such as seasonal appetizers, sashimi, and traditional desserts.

Arima Four Seasons Buffet

This grand buffet offers as many as 50 dishes along with beverages. You can taste items such as a Teppanyaki beef dish, seasonal sashimi, rice, and salads. End the meal with desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Breakfast

Breakfast can be served in your room or at the restaurant, according to your preference. The restaurant accommodates both Japanese- and Western-style menus, including items such as miso soup, grilled fish, scrambled eggs, and bacon. The in-room breakfast menu usually consists of Japanese-style dishes such as grilled fish, porridge, and miso soup.

Opening hours: Mokuren: 5:30 pm - 9 pm (dinner); Ajisai: 5:30 pm - 9 pm (dinner); Hana no Mai: 7 am - 9 am (breakfast), 11 am - 4 pm (cafe food), 5:30 pm - 9 pm (dinner); Coffee Corner: 9 am - 6 pm

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Hyoe Koyokaku guarantees an action-packed stay with its different activities and experiences. There's a karaoke lounge where you can belt out some tunes and socialize with fellow guests. Guests availing the "Hyoe Premium" Plan can also spend time at the Premium Lounge and share drinks and snacks. You can rent a yukata and feel like a local as you enjoy a game at the table tennis corner. There's also a souvenir shop selling local products and traditional crafts that you can take back home.

Immersing in an onsen is an unmissable cultural experience in Japan, and this ryokan provides you with the perfect opportunity to do so. Arima Onsen is known for its "Golden Spring", which is sodium- and iron-rich. Three public baths, two Japanese-style and one Roman-style, offer both indoor and outdoor bathing opportunities. There are also private open-air baths that you can reserve for a fee. The after-bath area is ideal for kicking back after a session and enjoying garden views. You can also venture out to explore the other onsens in the town.

Outdoor lovers will also find activities to indulge in nearby. Avail yourself of the complimentary shuttle service to make the most of your stay. Have an exciting time on the Rokko/Arima Ropeway, ski on the Rokko Snow Park if you're visiting in winter, or stop by Rokkosan Farm to meet animals and spend quality time amidst nature.

Other Celebrations

The ryokan welcomes private events and celebrations and can accommodate birthday parties or other special events for an extra fee. You can consult with the staff and management to get customized service for your special occasion. Events can be accommodated at Lounge Crystal (65 to 80 people) or the Premium Lounge.