Hozanso Beppu
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Hozanso Beppu is a small, traditional ryokan set in the Kannawa/Kamioka hot-spring district of Beppu, presented as a welcoming, low-rise property with tatami-floored guest rooms and a mix of main- and annex-style accommodation. The house style emphasizes a relaxed, homely atmosphere, with Japanese-style breakfast and multi-course dinner options focused on local ingredients, including an on-site steam-cooking experience. As a ryokan with private onsen, some main-building rooms include their own open-air baths, while other accommodation types offer private indoor facilities for a quiet, intimate stay.
The water here is promoted locally as a “bijinyu” (beauty) spring—silky, mineral-rich waters that are supplied by the property’s natural source and offered both in public bathing areas and in multiple bookable private baths. Facilities include room-attached rotenburo on selected rooms, two open-air family baths, indoor private baths and a small selection of private ganbanyoku-style spaces with inner baths; some of these are free to use while others require reservation or a supplemental fee. The ryokan with onsen offering spans communal and fully private options, allowing guests to choose privacy or a more communal onsen experience.
Practical amenities reflect a service-oriented ryokan: staff assistance in English on some materials, free on-site parking, non-smoking policies and complimentary Wi‑Fi in public areas; the property is positioned for easy access to Kannawa’s thermal attractions and several “hells” sightseeing spots around Beppu. Rooms range from modest annex units with shared facilities to larger family-style rooms with private bathrooms, so the accommodation suits solo travellers, couples and small groups seeking a regional onsen stay in Ōita prefecture. Guests note attentive service and a straightforward, traditional onsen ryokan experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hozanso Beppu
Positive Reviews
Private onsen attached to rooms
Many guests praised having a private open-air onsen/bath directly connected to their room — clean, spacious and offering relaxing views; guests enjoyed being able to bathe whenever they wanted and found the water quality excellent.
Excellent meals and local ingredients
Breakfast and dinner received frequent compliments: breakfast described as delicious and varied, meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, and several guests called the dinner outstanding; the property also provides a 'jigoku steamer' for guests to cook fresh seafood.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff are repeatedly described as warm, helpful and welcoming; guests appreciated personalized service, explanations about meals/onsen use, and extra assistance (for example helping on departure or providing towels for sightseeing).
Good value and comfortable rooms
Many reviewers noted good value for money, roomy traditional-style rooms with a nostalgic, homey atmosphere, tidy bedding and comfortable tatami/futon arrangements; some highlighted roomy private baths and clean common baths.
Relaxing hot spring experience
Guests highlighted the onsen experience overall — hot springs and public baths were appreciated (often available for private use), water described as smooth/silky, and the timbered bath areas felt pleasant and well maintained.
Negative Reviews
Facilities feel dated
Multiple guests noted the property and some rooms/annex areas are somewhat old and could use updating; the overall style is traditional but some found parts worn or in need of refurbishment.
Noise and privacy issues
Thin walls, lobby music/noise and proximity to a main road affected privacy for some guests; a few private baths faced windows of neighboring buildings or had thin partitions that did not block sound well, causing privacy concerns.
Accessibility and annex inconveniences
The annex lacks an elevator and some areas (separate building, stairs) can be difficult for guests with limited mobility; one guest reported the annex felt dark and intimidating.
Insects, smoking smell and occasional odors
Some guests encountered mosquitoes, ants or minor insect presence around outdoor baths; one review mentioned cigarette smoke from a nearby smoking spot reaching the open-air baths, and another noted slight off-odors in a meal item.
Limited English and location/parking clarity
A few guests mentioned limited non-Japanese language support (English), which could make communication harder at times; others found the parking or exact location a bit confusing and the immediate roadside location somewhat noisy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary; some rooms sleep up to four guests on futon bedding. Cribs and extra beds are not available.
Hozanso has a large public bath, guest rooms with private open-air baths, two private open-air baths, two private indoor baths and two private ganbanyoku (rock-slab) units, all fed by natural source water. Note that day-use (drop-in) bathing has been discontinued.
Yes, private baths can be reserved; the ganbanyoku (private rock-bed) requires a fee and advance reservation, so request it when booking or at check-in.
There is no listed airport shuttle; Oita Airport is about 37 km away, so common options are taxi, rental car, or public transport to Beppu followed by a local taxi. The ryokan provides free parking for up to 15 cars.
The property provides English pamphlets and pre-arrival guidance on its website, and staff can offer basic English assistance. A phone contact is listed for enquiries during business hours.
Pets are not permitted on the property. Private baths and select rooms with private baths can be reserved; contact the ryokan directly for special requests about exclusive or group use.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 21:00 and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00. Guests who wish to have dinner should plan to arrive by 18:00 so dinner service can be provided.
Dinner is offered as traditional Japanese onsen-style cuisine and some plans include a local jigokumushi (hell-steamed) experience. Meal options and timing vary by plan, so confirm your selection when booking.
Tattoos may be restricted in communal baths and guests with visible tattoos can be refused entry to public bathing areas. Booking a private bath is recommended for guests with tattoos.
The ryokan is in the Kannawa hot-spring area, convenient for Beppu’s Jigoku Meguri (hot-spring 'hells') and other hot-spring attractions; Beppu Station is about 5.6 km away. Convenience stores and local shops are nearby—please ask the front desk for directions and recommendations.