Ryokan Kiraku
9,1/10 Exceptional - Based on 39 reviews
Ryokan Kiraku sits in the thermal district of Kannawa, Beppu, offering a quietly traditional stay that emphasises simple comforts and direct access to local hot spring culture. Guests find tatami-floored guest rooms furnished with low tables, futon bedding and yukata robes, creating a low-key, domestic atmosphere that suits couples and small groups. Public areas are modest and easy to navigate, and staff focus on practical hospitality rather than formal ceremony, so arrival routines and in-room basics are straightforward for visitors seeking an authentic ryokan with onsen in Kannawa, Ōita.
The property’s bathing facilities are a central feature: a mix of indoor and outdoor communal baths complements separate family baths that can be used for private soaking, while additional steam and sand-bathing options reflect local geothermal variety. Bath amenities and basic toiletries are provided, and the ryokan accommodates guests who prefer private time in a family bath by reservation; these smaller, bookable baths make it suitable as a ryokan with private onsen in Ōita Prefecture for travellers who value solitude or have visible tattoos and wish to avoid communal bathing constraints. Bathing etiquette and staff guidance are available on arrival.
Meals lean on regional ingredients and simple presentation, with chances to sample Beppu-style steamed preparations alongside seasonal dishes; dining is served in a communal room or delivered to guest areas depending on the plan selected. The ryokan’s location places it within easy reach of Kannawa’s steam vents, jigoku attractions and a short drive from central Beppu, making it a practical base for exploring local onsen culture. Overall, the property suits travellers focused on thermal experiences and unpretentious, locally rooted accommodation.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Ryokan Kiraku
Positive Reviews
Excellent meals (breakfast & dinner)
Multiple guests praised the food as outstanding, with large, tasty set menus served in private dining rooms; breakfast was repeatedly described as very good or fabulous.
Wide variety of onsen options
The ryokan offers several bathing options — indoor baths, outdoor onsen, sand/steam baths and private/family baths — many guests enjoyed the onsens and noted the ability to book private sessions.
Friendly, helpful staff and owner
Staff and the owner received frequent compliments for warm hospitality, attentive service and practical help (shuttle to/from station, assisting with early departures, helping arrange taxis).
Convenient location near attractions
Guests appreciated the ryokan's proximity to Beppu's 'hells' and the bus terminal; many found sightseeing within walking distance and transport access very good.
Authentic, relaxing ryokan atmosphere
Several reviewers valued the traditional feel—beautiful rooms, futons, kotatsu and a nostalgic taste of Japan—describing the stay as relaxing and highly recommendable.
Negative Reviews
Uncomfortable or inadequate bedding in some rooms
A number of guests reported thin or poor-quality futon mattresses and very firm pillows that caused an uncomfortable night’s sleep; some contrasted this with better bedding at other ryokan.
Room cleanliness and ventilation issues
Complaints included dusty rooms, bad odors and poor ventilation in certain rooms, which negatively affected comfort for some visitors.
Limited in-room bathroom facilities and onsen scheduling
Some rooms lack full shower facilities (only a toilet), and the ryokan has a limited number of indoor baths requiring gender/time rotations; the outdoor onsen’s location across the road and evening allocation for women made some guests uneasy.
Accessibility concerns (stairs, no elevator)
The property has stairs and a narrow entrance; there is no elevator so guests with heavy luggage or mobility needs found access difficult despite staff help. Requests for ramps or better access were mentioned.
Occasional communication issues and limited amenities
A few guests noted slow email communication or language barriers, limited cosmetic/toiletry amenities, and minor operational inconveniences such as only one room key being provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are arranged for one or two guests in traditional Japanese style; larger or group requests should be confirmed with the ryokan in advance.
The property offers public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, hot sand and steam baths, plus reserveable family (private) baths for guest use.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using public bathing areas; please speak with staff about private bath options if needed.
A free shuttle between Beppu Station and the ryokan is available (reservation required at time of booking, typically operating in the afternoon/evening); for Oita Airport, most guests travel by taxi or bus to Beppu then use the shuttle or local taxi.
Beppu Station is about 5–6 km away and reachable by the ryokan shuttle or a short taxi ride, while Oita Airport is roughly 36 km and is best reached by taxi or airport bus to Beppu followed by local transport.
Standard check-in is in the afternoon (around 15:00–18:00) and check-out is by 10:00; the property enforces a curfew—guests cannot enter or leave after 23:00, and arrival for dinner should be before the stated dinner cutoff.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course meals (kaiseki) and breakfast; guests who want to eat on-site but didn’t pre-book dinner should request it at least 24 hours in advance and note that dinner service requires timely arrival.
Yes — family/private baths are offered and can be reserved through the ryokan; ask staff at booking or on arrival to secure a time slot.
The property does not accept pets and is generally not suitable for children; there are no cots or extra beds available, so please confirm guest composition before booking.
Ryokan Kiraku sits in the Beppu/Kannawa onsen area close to the famous ‘Hells of Beppu’ and local observatories, with shops, restaurants and convenience stores within a short walk or brief taxi ride; local buses and taxis serve nearby sights.