SEKIYA RESORT Bettei Haruki
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 214 reviews
SEKIYA RESORT Bettei Haruki is a small, adult-only inn in Beppu that combines contemporary design with traditional Japanese hospitality. The property comprises six individually styled guest rooms conceived by architect Kei Matsuba, each arranged to frame a quiet garden and seasonal views. Emphasis is placed on privacy and calm: most accommodations include their own mineral hot spring bath, and common areas are kept intimate to preserve a restful atmosphere. This ryokan with private onsen in Beppu presents a restrained, room-focused experience rather than large, public bathing facilities.
Guest rooms range from classic tatami suites to configurations with semi open-air bathing, and many are furnished to encourage leisurely stays—low tables for in-room dining, soft lighting and thoughtful woodwork. Meals follow a multi-course kaiseki approach that highlights local Ōita ingredients, often featuring regionally sourced seafood and beef; staff arrange in-room service to allow private dining. A small lounge adjoining the bathing area offers a place to cool down and enjoy teas or infused water after a soak, reinforcing the sense of a personal retreat.
Practical amenities support a relaxed visit: complimentary Wi‑Fi, on-site parking, and assistance with local sightseeing are available. The ryokan sits within reach of Beppu’s geothermal attractions and makes a convenient base for exploring the hot-spring culture of the wider area. For travelers seeking a contained, quietly appointed ryokan with onsen in Ōita Prefecture, the property focuses on private soaking, seasonal cuisine and an intimate scale that privileges uninterrupted rest.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: SEKIYA RESORT Bettei Haruki
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive staff
Many reviewers highlighted warm, professional and highly attentive service — staff were welcoming, helped with luggage, used translator apps when needed, accommodated dietary needs and paid attention to small details throughout the stay.
Outstanding kaiseki dinners and hearty breakfasts
Meals were repeatedly praised as delicious, generous and beautifully presented (some described them as Michelin-level). Guests enjoyed varied kaiseki courses, fresh sashimi, local beef dishes and abundant teishoku breakfasts served with careful timing.
Private onsen and in-room baths
Guests loved the private hot-spring baths — both in-room and separate private baths — calling them relaxing, well designed and a major highlight that added to privacy and tranquility.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Visitors appreciated the traditional elements (tatami floors, futons, kimonos available, in-room kaiseki) and felt the stay provided a genuine, home-like ryokan atmosphere for immersion in Japanese culture.
Clean, comfortable rooms and thoughtful touches
Rooms were described as clean and comfortable with pleasant extras (welcome drinks, thoughtful presentation). Reviewers noted spaciousness in several rooms and considerate gestures from staff that enhanced the stay.
Negative Reviews
Price and perceived value
Multiple guests felt the room rates were high for the location and experience, noting that the stay could feel expensive even when meals were included and that no compensation was offered in one complaint.
Location and transport limitations
Some reviewers mentioned the ryokan is a distance from Beppu’s main tourist areas and that there is limited public transport or shuttle service, making access less convenient for guests without a car.
Limited outdoor space, parking and garden upkeep
A few guests found the property had little green space or that garden areas looked tired/poorly maintained. Others noted limited car-parking spaces or a location near a busy road rather than a secluded setting.
Room/bath size and layout expectations
Several comments referenced small baths in some rooms and that certain rooms could feel less spacious. One guest was surprised to find futons rather than twin beds due to a booking description mismatch.
Operational and communication issues
Some operational concerns were raised: relatively rigid dinner time slots, an instance of housekeeping not being done as requested, occasional booking translation errors about room type, and insect bites reported in outdoor bathroom areas during summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has six guest rooms and most rooms are designed for two adults; contact the property for exact occupancy per room.
Yes — most guest rooms feature a private open‑air onsen supplied with 100% natural hot spring water, available for private use.
There is no regular airport shuttle; Oita Airport is roughly 35–40 km away, so a taxi or private transfer is recommended and the ryokan can assist with arranging transport on request.
The ryokan is about a 10–15 minute drive from Beppu Station; taxis are the most convenient option and the property provides a few free parking spaces for guests arriving by car.
Standard check‑in begins at 15:00 and check‑out is by 11:00; please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
The property is adult‑focused and does not accept young children; please confirm precise age restrictions when booking.
The ryokan offers multi‑course kaiseki meals featuring local Oita ingredients, typically served in‑room or as part of set plans; notify the ryokan in advance for dietary requests.
Private in‑room baths are available for guests, but whole‑property privatization is not a standard offering; contact the property directly to discuss special requests.
Pets are not allowed at the ryokan; convenience stores and local shops are a short walk or drive away in Beppu city.
The ryokan is close to Beppu’s hot spring attractions (the ‘Hells’), the Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center and other onsen sites; regional buses and taxis connect you to local sights.