Beppu no Oyado Kagaya
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 236 reviews
Beppu no Oyado Kagaya is a modest, traditionally styled ryokan set in the hot-spring city of Beppu, offering a compact, guest-focused stay in Ōita Prefecture. The property centres its appeal on three distinct, reservable baths — a rock bath, a hinoki (cypress) bath and an open-air bath — all described as natural, continuously flowing springs with a bicarbonate-rich composition often associated with skin-softening benefits. Rooms are arranged in a Japanese tatami format with futons and a mix of room types in the main house and an annex; the mood is domestic and deliberately unpretentious rather than modern-luxe, making it suitable for travellers seeking an authentic onsen rhythm rather than hotel amenities.
Facilities are practical and oriented to relaxation: the ryokan provides shared bathing facilities which can be booked for private use, simple in-room furnishings, complimentary coffee in communal areas, luggage storage and basic services such as optional massages and vending machines. The property lists a small number of guest rooms, onsite parking and a straightforward, guest-friendly reception (check-in typically in the late afternoon and check-out by mid-morning). Staff assistance and English communication are highlighted by past visitors as reliable; the three baths are located on the ground floor and are offered on a first-come or reservation basis depending on arrival, reinforcing its positioning as a ryokan with private onsen in Kyushu.
Location is practical for exploring central Beppu: the guesthouse sits within easy walking distance of key local attractions and transit points, which makes it convenient for day trips around the bay and nearby onsen neighbourhoods. The atmosphere suits couples or solo travellers who prioritise time in the baths and a simple, traditional sleeping arrangement over extensive in-house entertainment. As a compact ryokan with private onsen in Ōita, it provides a clear, low-friction option for visitors who want easy access to Beppu’s hot-spring culture while staying in a small, family-run setting.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Beppu no Oyado Kagaya
Positive Reviews
Private reservable onsens (three types)
Multiple reviewers praised the ryokan’s three private onsens (open-air, rock, wooden) that can be booked by the hour, allowing guests (including tattooed guests) to enjoy hot-spring baths privately.
Friendly, helpful staff with good English
Staff repeatedly described as very kind, patient and helpful (assisting with late check-ins and even retrieving lost items). Several guests noted fluent English and clear explanations of facilities.
Traditional, cosy Japanese rooms and atmosphere
Guests enjoyed the authentic ryokan experience: tatami rooms, yukata provided, spacious traditional-style rooms that feel cosy and characterful.
Excellent central location
Many reviewers highlighted the convenient location close to Beppu Tower, bus stops and restaurants, making travel and sightseeing easy.
Good value and useful amenities
Guests felt the property offered good value for money. Positive mentions include free tea/matcha, shared fridge/hot water, extra mattresses on request and generally clean, comfortable futons in many stays.
Negative Reviews
Shared / limited bathroom facilities
Many rooms do not have en‑suite showers; toilets and sinks are often shared (sometimes only one per floor), which may surprise guests who expect private bathrooms.
Aging property and need for repairs
Several reviewers noted the building is old and a bit rundown, mentioning the need for repainting, repairs and general maintenance to refresh worn areas.
Onsen temperature control and occasional cleanliness issues
Some guests reported the onsens are centrally temperature-controlled (can be extremely hot at certain times). One review raised serious cleanliness concerns (mold, slimy floors, debris in water), though most guests praised the baths.
Weak or no WiFi in annex
Guests staying in the annex reported poor or inconsistent WiFi reception and had to use the main lobby for a reliable connection.
Room comfort / small fixtures and occasional faults
A few reviewers mentioned comfort issues such as very firm futons, small private toilets, cold rooms, or minor faults (e.g., loose/defective electrical outlets) that affected comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from small tatami rooms for 1–3 guests to larger superior or maisonette rooms that can sleep up to six; many rooms use futon bedding on tatami and some room types share bathroom facilities.
The property has three hot-spring baths, including a rock/cave-style bath; some baths can be used privately by reservation at reception while others have public hours — check availability on arrival.
There is no regular hotel airport shuttle; the usual route is the Oita Airport bus (Air Liner) or train to Beppu, and the ryokan is about a 10‑minute walk from JR Beppu Station.
Staff provide basic English assistance, but Japanese is the primary language on site; guests may find a translation app helpful for detailed requests.
Expect a Showa‑era style ryokan with tatami rooms, futon bedding, communal or shared bathrooms for many room types, and an onsen-focused, retro atmosphere.
Beppu Tower, the Hells (Jigoku) sightseeing area, Umitamago Aquarium and various city onsens are within a short walk or short drive from the ryokan.
The ryokan is roughly a 10‑minute walk from JR Beppu Station (about 700–900 metres); taxis and local buses are also easily available nearby.
Check-in is from 16:00 to 21:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the property in advance if you expect to arrive after 21:00.
Private-use of some baths can be arranged at reception; pets are not permitted; a convenience store (7‑Eleven) and small shops are a short walk from the ryokan.
The ryokan offers limited room service but no large on-site restaurant; there are many local restaurants and convenience-store options within walking distance.