Umino Hotel Hajime
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 1178 reviews
Umino Hotel Hajime sits on the shoreline of Beppu Bay in the hot-spring city of Beppu, Ōita. The property blends traditional Japanese room layouts with some Western comforts: tatami floors, futon bedding, low tables and seating areas alongside air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and tea-making facilities. Room types range from spacious multi-futon family layouts to sea-view suites that include pottery tubs for in-room soaking. Public spaces are deliberately simple and functional, focused on sea views and relaxed communal areas rather than ornate decor.
As a ryokan with onsen in Ōita, the hotel operates both public baths and a rooftop or seaside-facing bathing area that frames the bay. Several room categories offer private or semi-open-air hot-spring baths fed with local onsen water, and additional private baths are available for hourly rental, providing options for couples or guests seeking seclusion. Facilities include a sauna with ocean views, toiletries and yukata for guest use, and staff can advise on booking private onsen slots and recommend bathing etiquette to make the experience straightforward.
Located a short walk from central Beppu and within easy reach of Takegawara sand baths and Beppu Tower, the hotel is convenient for exploring the city’s thermal attractions or taking a day trip to Yufuin. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout, on-site parking, an on-site restaurant serving Japanese-style breakfast and dinner options, and luggage storage. The atmosphere suits travellers who want a coastal onsen experience with straightforward service and rooms designed for comfortable overnight stays.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Umino Hotel Hajime
Positive Reviews
Onsen experience (private & public)
Many guests praised the onsen facilities, highlighting both the public baths and the option to privatise an onsen; several rooms include private onsen baths with sea views, described as a major highlight.
Stunning sea views
Numerous reviews mention beautiful views over Beppu Bay from large windows or from the bathtub/onsen, often calling the view ‘magnificent’ or ‘idyllic’.
Spacious, comfortable rooms
Guests repeatedly noted large, clean rooms with comfortable bedding and a mix of Japanese/Western styling (tatami areas, lounge spaces), suitable for couples and families.
Attentive, friendly staff and service
Reviewers reported warm, helpful service—reception available, kimono/yukata loan, and staff willing to assist—contributing to a relaxing stay.
High-quality Japanese meals
Many enjoyed the food: plentiful, well-prepared Japanese breakfasts and kaiseki dinners were specifically praised as a memorable part of the experience.
Negative Reviews
Decor a little dated
A number of guests described the hotel’s décor and atmosphere as somewhat old-fashioned or showing its age, despite the good overall condition.
Rooms can be chilly
Some reviewers reported that their room felt quite cold during their stay, suggesting heating/temperature comfort can be an issue at times.
Location / town has limited nightlife
While conveniently close to Beppu Tower and the station, a few guests noted the hotel is slightly removed from the central lively areas and that the town itself lacks a seaside resort atmosphere.
Limited bedside lighting / slower Wi‑Fi
One review pointed out the lack of individual bedside lights or night tables for reading, and mentioned the Wi‑Fi could be a bit slow—small practical inconveniences for some guests.
Bed configuration not ideal for some couples
Several double rooms are arranged with two single beds rather than a joined double bed, which some couples found less comfortable for a shared stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from twin and Japanese–Western rooms to traditional Japanese rooms with futons; many sea‑view Japanese rooms sleep up to four people. Contact the hotel for exact room configurations for larger groups.
Yes — the hotel offers public hot spring baths, a rooftop open‑air bath and sauna (Asahi no Yu on the 7th floor), plus private onsen that can be reserved for exclusive use.
Public onsen often restrict visible tattoos; guests with tattoos can use private onsen options to enjoy the hot spring experience privately.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the hotel is about a 10‑minute walk from Beppu Station, and taxis or local trains/buses are the usual ways to reach the property from the airport or city.
Japanese is the primary language, and staff provide basic English assistance; some hotel information is available in English to help international guests.
Guests can stay in tatami rooms with futon bedding, choose a yukata during their stay, and enjoy a Japanese breakfast; note that meals at the property require a meal‑inclusive plan booked in advance.
The hotel is close to Beppu highlights such as Takegawara sand baths (about a 5‑minute walk), the Beppu ‘hells’ (jigoku) area, and Umitamago Aquarium (roughly a 15‑minute drive).
Very easy — Beppu Station is within walking distance for regional trains, and local buses and taxis serve major sights; on‑site parking is available for guests with cars.
Check‑in typically begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the hotel requests that you inform them of your expected arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the property. Convenience stores and shops around Beppu Station are within a short walk for basic supplies and snacks.