Tsuetate Onsen Hotel Hizenya
7,6/10 Very good - Based on 28 reviews
Tsuetate Onsen Hotel Hizenya occupies a wooded riverside valley in Kyushu and traces its origins to 1690, presenting a mix of traditional Japanese rooms and larger suites. Accommodation ranges from compact tatami chambers to premium suites that include a private open‑air bath, creating options for couples or families seeking an intimate stay. Large windows and riverside orientations emphasize seasonal views; interiors combine tatami, low tables and modern touches such as free Wi‑Fi and ensuite facilities. As a ryokan with private onsen Kumamoto, it balances communal bathing culture with rooms that offer seclusion.
The property operates multiple hot‑spring sources and a variety of bathing facilities, from expansive indoor pools and open‑air baths to specialized options including a lava bath and an anti‑aging sauna. Several public baths are available to staying guests and one‑hour family baths can be reserved for private use, while the premium suite’s outdoor tub draws on the same springs. Hot‑spring hours are generous and some large baths remain accessible around the clock, inviting a relaxed bath tour that showcases mineral variety and landscape views.
Dining highlights Kyushu produce through both buffet selections and seasonal kaiseki menus that emphasize local beef and seafood, alongside a substantial breakfast offering. Onsite leisure features include a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness room, game facilities and a distinctive corridor that straddles the Kumamoto–Oita boundary, giving the property a singular local character. Practical touches — non‑smoking rooms, yukata, toiletries and multilingual staff — support a calm stay, making the ryokan with onsen Kyushu well suited for travelers seeking restorative hot‑spring time framed by nature.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tsuetate Onsen Hotel Hizenya
Positive Reviews
Very friendly and helpful staff
Multiple reviews highlight polite, attentive staff who go out of their way to assist guests, chat with them, and provide special extras, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Extensive onsen options (indoor & outdoor)
Guests praised the large, modern onsen complex with both indoor and outdoor baths and many choices; the variety and ability to bathe late into the night were noted as highlights.
Abundant buffet meals / good dining variety
Several guests enjoyed the buffet-style breakfast and dinner with many dishes and good variety, making it suitable for family gatherings and group meals.
Comfortable, stylish rooms and amenities
Reviews mention attractive Japanese-style rooms, comfortable beds that promote good sleep, river-view rooms, and useful in-room amenities (extra TV, air purifier, high-end air conditioner).
Family-friendly atmosphere
Many reviewers said the hotel is well-suited for families: multiple bath options, plentiful food choices, and facilities that support family stays and group relaxation.
Negative Reviews
Food quality inconsistent / sometimes disappointing
While some guests loved the buffet, others described the food as very poor or were disappointed by repetitive menus (same dishes on consecutive days), indicating inconsistent dining experiences.
Large layout causes long walks and cold/dark corridors
Several guests found the property sprawling, with long corridors and distant routes to the large bath areas; some corridors felt cold or dim, making access to facilities less convenient.
Onsen condition or size issues for some guests
Although the onsen was praised overall, a few reviewers felt parts of the baths were small, felt a bit cramped, or appeared older/yellowed despite being clean.
Limited or unavailable amenities and inconvenient smoking areas
Complaints included closed entertainment facilities (karaoke/snack), lack of accessible family baths at times, insufficient smoking areas on each floor, and cold outdoor smoking spots.
Price and occasional noise from groups
Some guests noted the stay was relatively expensive for larger families, and there were occasions of noise or crowding when overlapping with large tour groups, affecting quiet enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single/twin layouts to larger Japanese-style and maisonette rooms; some rooms accommodate small families or groups and certain maisonettes list capacity up to around ten guests, with exact maximums shown on each room description.
Yes, the property draws on multiple natural springs (around eleven sources) and offers a variety of public and open-air baths for staying guests, with some baths open 24 hours and others operating on set schedules.
Yes, select premium suites include a private open-air bath and the hotel also offers private family baths that can be reserved for private use.
Guests with tattoos are not permitted to use the public bathing facilities.
The hotel does not advertise an airport shuttle; common access is by express or local buses (reservations often required), taxi or private car from nearby airports and stations.
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM with the latest check-in around 7:30 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM; please contact the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive after the stated latest time.
Front-desk staff can assist in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese.
The hotel serves seasonal kaiseki cuisine and buffet-style meals including a large breakfast selection; the property requests that guests note dietary needs but states it cannot accommodate individual food allergies.
Animals are not permitted anywhere on the property and the entire hotel, including all rooms, is non-smoking.
Nearby highlights include Nabegataki Falls (about 13 km), Lake Kinrinko (about 47 km) and the Tsuetate river and precincts; local buses (Hita Bus, Kyushu Sanko) serve Tsuetate, taxis or a private car are the most convenient for exploring, and there is a small convenience shop (R SHOP) adjacent to the hotel annex along with local souvenir shops and eateries.