Shunkouen
10/10 Exceptional - Based on 1 reviews
Shunkouen is a small traditional ryokan tucked into the historic streets of Usuki in Ōita Prefecture, situated on the site of an Edo‑period samurai residence. The property combines a compact guesthouse—roughly five rooms in a mix of Japanese tatami suites and western twin bedrooms—with a restaurant and a landscaped garden attributed to Kobori Enshū and recognised locally as a cultural asset. As a ryokan with onsen in Usuki it emphasises intimate hospitality and seasonal, cuisine-led stays rather than resort-scale facilities.
Rooms are furnished simply but carefully: tatami floors, futons or twin beds, air conditioning, an electric kettle and a flat-screen television. Bathing facilities include hot-spring baths (onsen) for communal use, marking it as a ryokan with onsen in Ōita; selected room types share bathing areas rather than providing private ensuites. Free Wi‑Fi and complimentary on-site parking are offered, and check‑in is focused into a mid‑afternoon window to preserve a relaxed service rhythm. Staff can assist with local sightseeing. Bathing times may be scheduled to maintain privacy.
The adjoining restaurant is known for local seafood, notably Usuki fugu preparations, and guests typically dine in private rooms that open onto the garden; breakfast is served in an Asian style. The ryokan maintains a non-smoking policy, does not accept children and operates with a small, reservation-driven capacity, so booking ahead for evening meals and preferred room types is advised. Its location places the town’s stone Buddhas, preserved samurai streets and museums within easy walking or short driving distance.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shunkouen
Positive Reviews
Charming traditional ryokan with comfortable rooms
A beautiful traditional ryokan offering cozy, clean western-style rooms in this stay; complimentary water and tea were provided.
Yukata provided for dining and bathing
Guests received yukata to wear both for meals and for using the baths, enhancing the authentic experience.
Two beautiful outdoor onsens with flexible use
There are two lovely onsen baths with outdoor views; baths could be used by arrangement, allowing for private or scheduled use.
Exceptional dining including multi-course and fugu menu
Dinner was outstanding, featuring a traditional multi-course kaiseki and on another night a fugu (pufferfish) menu; breakfasts consisted of traditional fish dishes.
Attentive, English-speaking staff
Staff spoke very good English and were consistently courteous and friendly, contributing to a highly recommended stay.
Negative Reviews
Aucun point négatif trouvé.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin rooms for 2 guests, a quadruple Japanese-style room for 4, and a larger Japanese-style room listed with up to 5 futons; children and extra beds are not permitted.
Yes — the property offers onsen bathing facilities and communal baths; guest reports note at least one bath with an outdoor view.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; the nearest airport (Oita) is about 77 km away, so contact the property in advance if you need to arrange a private transfer or taxi.
Shunkouen is roughly 28 km from Ōita Station and about 41 km from Beppu; most guests travel by car or use regional trains and a final taxi transfer to reach the ryokan.
The property’s primary language is Japanese, and listings indicate some English support is available; confirm language needs when you book or by contacting the property.
The ryokan operates an on-site restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine, with a local specialty in fugu (blowfish) dishes and an Asian-style breakfast offered to guests.
Usuki Stone Buddhas are about 6 km away and the town centre is under 2 km from the ryokan; Ōita and Beppu are within comfortable day-trip distance by car or train.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 (check-in is strictly until 18:00) and check-out is by 10:00; late arrivals must be notified to the property in advance.
Pets are not allowed at the property; private onsen use is not listed as standard — contact the ryokan directly to request information about private-bath options or room types with en-suite baths.
The ryokan provides free private parking on site, and the town centre (about 1.9 km away) has shops and supermarkets; the property also has an on-site restaurant for meals.