What’s up, Kobe? 

I’m sure you’ve heard of Kobe—especially for its world-famous Kobe beef. But what about an unforgettable onsen experience? As part of my quest to find the best onsens in Kansai, this one has quickly become my top favorite. Here’s why:

1) The Location

This onsen is located right at the harbor, offering stunning panoramic views. Visit during the evening to enjoy the city lights reflecting on the water—absolutely magical!

2) Hot Spring & Hotel

It’s not just a hot spring—it’s also a hotel! Stay overnight for the ultimate relaxation, or opt for a day visit if you’re short on time.

3) Manga For Days

If you enjoy manga, you’ll love the dedicated reading area stocked with countless titles. It’s the perfect place to unwind between soaks.

Don’t Worry, Relaxxxxxx! 

 

Feeling self-conscious about visiting an onsen? Don’t be! Everyone is there to relax and enjoy the health benefits. Just focus on the soothing experience—your body is beautiful as it is.

A Kobe Reservation To Relax

Do you need a reservation? No!

But…

But I highly recommend adding the onsen on LINE before visiting. You’ll get access to exclusive discounts and important updates.

How to Get There! Transportation to Kobe~

It’s super easy! Kobe Harborland Onsen Manyo-Club is just a 5–10 minute walk from Kobe Station and Harborland Station. :).

Arrival at the Onsen in Kobe

 

When my friend and I arrived, it was smooth sailing. If you are a tourist or foreigner that doesn’t speak Japanese, don’t worry, they have staff that are more than eager to practice their English by speaking with you and that can help you get situated. 

 

Luxury of a Time✨✨✨

 

Here is exactly what we did from 10:10 to 7PM

• 10:00-10:10

Check in

During this time, I signed up for the app, registered as a member, and then we went to get our onsen clothes, and headed to our separate quarters. 

 

***Men and women’s onsens are separated***

Though there are common areas, such as a variety of relaxation rooms, internet corners, massage areas, etc.

• 10:10-12:45

Onsen Time

(Most people spend about 45 minutes to an hour in the onsen, but I really like to take my time, so I spent about 2 to 3 hours there.😂)

 

When I went into the onsen, I started by cleansing my body in the cleaning area before going to the different onsen baths. Jumping back-and-forth between the hot water and then sitting in the cool area where I laid on the beach chair and let the cold air hit me was magical. 

 

If you’re ever stressed, burnt out, or at a loss in life, I highly recommend going to an onsen. 

I did so much thinking and worldbuilding there this day. Onsens are where I do some of my best thinking and brainstorming for my novels and short stories.

 

Make sure to end with milk! Which they sell in the locker rooms~

 

• 12:45-14:20

EAT!

On this day, I had to work a lot so I wasn’t able to eat prior to going to the onsen. My friend also didn’t eat very much throughout the day, so we were both starving. The food was relatively cheap, but extremely delicious. We were both happy with what we ordered. We sat in the floor seating area, but there is an area where you can sit in regular chairs.

• 14:20-18:20

Relaxation area

I still had work to complete, so I ended up working for the rest of the time there. The seats have outlets for you to plug in a charger for your phone or electronic device. Just make sure to remember to bring your charger so that you don’t have to rent one while you’re there!

I fully enjoyed working from the onsen. The only painful part was when my friend went to get massages without me.🥲

They have a whole massage area and a variety of different massages that they offer at this luxury Onsen.

You may be asking how we were able to pass four hours so quickly, it really was not hard. Time for you way too quickly! Make sure you make this an all day thing so you can get the full experience.

• 18:20-19:10

Manga Reading Area

I was so tired after going to the onsen, eating, and working, I needed a bit of a break before we left, so I went to the manga reading area and read a manga as I relaxed. You can’t imagine how excited I was that I got to feel nostalgic through Cardcaptor Sakura. As a diehard fan of the anime, I really enjoyed the little bit of time I had to read.

 

19:10-19:40

I changed into regular clothes, put on light make up, and headed out with my friend. 🙂

Extra Activities at the Onsen!

 

Here is what I want to recommend and what I plan to do the next time I go back. As I said, I was working that day, so I didn’t get to reap all of the benefits that came with being in such a beautiful onsen. Next time, I plan to check out:

 

*Rock Sauna (12th floor) – A unique stone bed relaxation experience.

*Chinese Foot & Heel Therapy – Because who doesn’t love a good foot massage?

*Edo-Style Walking Pressure Massage – Sounds intriguing… do they actually walk on your back?

*Ladies-Only Infrared Sauna (12th floor) – Exclusive and therapeutic for women.

*Panoramic Foot Bath Garden (18th floor) – An open-air foot bath with breathtaking views.

 

BONUS: A Little Fun After 🙂

 

 

After the onsen, we headed to a famous gyoza restaurant. This is my second time meeting and speaking with the owner of this wonderful restaurant, so I was so happy that he remembered me and that we could talk more this time around. The owner, Korosue-san, was incredibly kind and even let us make gyoza in the kitchen! Talk about an unforgettable experience.

(Shoutout to Korosue-san for the hospitality! 🙌)

Check out my previous article with Korosue-san and more Kobe fun here:

A Wonderful Winter Kobe Adventure

This time we went into the kitchen and watched him work his magic as he let my friend make his own gyoza. It was another magical experience that I want to recommend to you. Please check out his restaurant and tell him hello. He’s extremely friendly and truly excited to speak with everyone

Happy Relaxing! 

Life can be stressful, so if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take a break—this is it! Book a trip to Kobe Harborland Onsen Manyo-Club and give yourself the self-care you deserve.

Stay tuned for more onsen recommendations and self-care tips in Japan. Happy relaxing! 

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