Tawaraya Ryokan Koto Shirasagikan
6,3/10 Good - Based on 3 reviews
Tawaraya Ryokan Koto Shirasagikan sits within the quiet Rokugasako Onsen area near Usuki, offering a measured blend of mountain seclusion and access to local cultural sites. The ryokan’s springs are part of Rokugasako’s mineral-rich thermal tradition, with tea-coloured, drinkable waters historically noted for therapeutic qualities; the setting favours guests seeking a calm, restorative stay in Ōita as a ryokan with onsen in Ōita. The property presents a compact, family-run atmosphere rather than large-hotel scale facilities, so the emphasis is on the onsen experience and proximity to Usuki’s stone Buddhas and castle-town attractions.
Accommodation follows a traditional ryokan format: tatami rooms with futon bedding and a mix of room configurations that include private bathrooms in some units alongside more economical rooms with shared facilities. On-site bathing facilities are listed as a hot spring bath and public bath, while a selection of rooms has private bathrooms (not private onsen) for those who prefer in-room amenities. Practical comforts include air conditioning, complimentary Wi‑Fi, continental-style breakfast service, and non-smoking rooms; on-site parking is available for guests arriving by car. These features make the property straightforward and functional for both short stays and onsen-focused visits.
Operational details are oriented toward an uncomplicated visit: standard check-in is in the late afternoon with an early-morning check-out, and the ryokan enforces a child policy that restricts stays to adults only, so travellers should confirm suitability before booking. Bathing hours are managed on a schedule that can vary on certain dates, and the onsen hamlet is reachable by car or taxi from local stations and the nearby expressway interchange, making day trips to Usuki’s sights straightforward. The overall offering suits travellers seeking a compact, traditional onsen stay with direct access to Ōita’s hot-spring coastline and cultural landmarks.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tawaraya Ryokan Koto Shirasagi…
Positive Reviews
Good meals
Reviewer specifically mentioned enjoying the meals provided during their stay despite other issues with the property.
Appreciated onsen
The onsen (hot spring) was enjoyed and seen as a positive experience even though the surrounding environment was degraded.
Friendly owner
The proprietor is described as very kind and welcoming, which guests noticed and appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Property in poor condition
The ryokan is described as dilapidated and showing clear signs of long-term neglect and disrepair.
Unclean and dusty
Guests reported cleanliness problems: the place was dirty, dusty, and not well maintained.
Disorganized and cluttered
The interior and facilities were described as messy and in disorder, contributing to an unpleasant environment.
Understaffed/overwhelmed management
Reviewers noted the owner appears to be handling the property alone and seemed overwhelmed by the amount of work, implying limited staff and reduced service quality.
Past glory but neglected upkeep
Comments suggest the ryokan likely once had better days but now lacks proper upkeep and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are arranged for small groups; most room types accommodate 2–4 guests using traditional futons. Check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
Yes — the ryokan uses its natural spring (flowing, non‑circulated) and operates seasonally; morning bathing is generally 06:30–09:00 and evening bathing is roughly 16:00–22:30 in warmer months and 16:00–21:30 in cooler months. Hours can vary, so confirm on arrival.
There is no regular airport or station shuttle listed; most guests arrive by car or taxi. The property offers free on‑site parking.
The ryokan is in Usuki (roughly 74 km from Oita Airport, about 26 km from Oita Station and 38 km from Beppu); travel by rental car or taxi is the simplest option. Public transport links in the immediate onsen area are limited, so check local timetables if you plan to use buses.
Staff are primarily Japanese; English ability is limited and communication by phone or in person is usually easiest in Japanese. If you need English support, mention this when you contact the ryokan and they will advise.
Meals are traditional Japanese set menus served at the ryokan with set times (dinner around 18:00 and breakfast around 07:30). If you have dietary restrictions, notify the ryokan in advance so they can advise availability.
Pets are not allowed at the property. The facility offers shared onsen bathing; private‑use baths are not routinely listed, so contact the ryokan in advance if you wish to request exclusive use.
The ryokan sits in a quiet onsen area with limited immediate shops; for supermarkets or a wider choice of stores you will likely need a short drive into central Usuki. Plan to bring any specific supplies you need for a rural stay.
Nearby highlights include the Usuki Stone Buddhas and local coastal sights, and the broader Oita/Beppu area is reachable for day trips. The ryokan’s onsen area and local historic sites are convenient to visit from the property.
Check‑in begins at 16:00 (check‑in windows may be limited, so advise the ryokan if you expect a late arrival) and check‑out is by 09:30. Photo ID may be requested at arrival and the ryokan asks guests to notify them if plans change.