Yamada Bessou くつろぎの温泉宿 山田別荘
9,7/10 Exceptional - Based on 399 reviews
Yamada Bessou (くつろぎの温泉宿 山田別荘) is a compact, characterful ryokan in Beppu that occupies a century-old wooden villa preserved with Showa-era details. The house-like layout centers on a retro parlor and sunlit corridors where original woodwork, wavily textured glass and period furnishings create a quietly nostalgic setting. Guest rooms pair tatami floors and futon bedding with large windows or modest garden views; small modern conveniences are blended discreetly so the atmosphere remains intimate and low-key rather than hotel-like.
The property operates its own hot-spring facilities drawn from two on-site sources, including a bicarbonate-rich spring, and offers both a communal indoor bath available for regular use and reservable private baths. This makes it a practical choice as a ryokan with private onsen in Ōita for visitors who value the option of solitary soaking. Morning day-use plans, a seasonal Japanese breakfast served in a shared dining room, and the possibility of booking the outdoor bath for exclusive use are arranged on-site to suit staggered arrival times and quieter stays.
Logistically the ryokan sits within easy reach of central Beppu and is often used as a base for exploring the onsen neighborhoods; limited on-site parking and an emphasis on calm service reflect the small scale of the operation. The staff maintain a personable, hands-on hospitality style that foregrounds local ingredients at breakfast and attentive support for reserving baths and arranging brief massage or local-guide suggestions. Overall it suits travellers seeking an authentic, retro ryokan with onsen in Beppu, Ōita, where the experience is rooted in place and tradition rather than in contemporary luxury trappings.
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Review summary for: Yamada Bessou くつろぎの温泉宿 山田別荘
Positive Reviews
Authentic, charming traditional house
Multiple reviewers praised the ryokan's historic, traditional architecture and charm — a well-preserved, family-run house with atmosphere and character that creates an authentic Japanese experience.
Warm, attentive staff and hospitality
Guests repeatedly highlighted exceptionally friendly, helpful and professional staff (several named staff praised) who provided a welcoming, attentive service that enhanced the stay.
Excellent onsens, including private/outdoor baths
The onsen facilities — especially the private and the outdoor rotenburo — were frequently described as beautiful, relaxing and a highlight of the stay; some guests appreciated the ability to reserve the private onsen.
Comfortable, clean rooms with pleasant views
Reviewers noted spacious, nicely presented rooms (many with garden views or a small veranda), and consistent comments about cleanliness and overall comfort.
Delicious traditional Japanese breakfast and great location
Many guests enjoyed the plentiful, high-quality Japanese breakfast. The ryokan's central location close to Beppu station and nearby restaurants was also seen as very convenient.
Negative Reviews
No dinner service available
Some guests regretted that the ryokan does not offer dinner on site, which was inconvenient for those expecting full ryokan meal service.
Poor sound insulation / noise from other guests
Several reviewers reported thin walls and limited acoustic insulation (traditional construction), leading to noise issues from other guests and doors that could be disruptive at night.
Shared bathrooms and limited in-room facilities
A number of guests noted that baths and toilets are communal and rooms have only a small sink, which may be surprising or less convenient for visitors used to en‑suite facilities.
Early/restrictive breakfast times and limited menu variety
Some visitors found breakfast scheduling restrictive (choices like 8:00 or 8:30 only) and noted that the offering is exclusively traditional Japanese, which may not suit all guests.
Some facilities feel aged
A few reviewers mentioned that certain equipment or areas show age and could feel slightly worn, though many felt this also contributed to the ryokan's charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 10 Japanese-style rooms (6–12 tatami sizes) with futon bedding and private or shared toilets depending on room type.
Children are generally not accepted; the property enforces a minimum check-in age of 18.
Yes — there are indoor public baths and an outdoor hot-spring bath; the indoor baths are available to staying guests 24 hours and the outdoor bath is offered as a reserved private bath.
The outdoor bath is bookable in 30-minute slots; request a reservation when booking or at check-in to secure your preferred time.
There is no shuttle service; JR Beppu Station is about an 8-minute walk away, and Oita Airport is roughly a 45-minute drive by car or taxi.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00; please inform the property in advance if you expect to arrive late, as arrivals after 23:00 are generally not accepted.
Staff offer some English support and can assist with local directions, onsen reservations and basic arrangements; please notify them in advance for special requests.
The ryokan serves a Japanese breakfast using seasonal local ingredients and can accommodate vegetarian requests with prior notice; dinner is not provided on-site but there are many restaurants near Beppu Station.
Pets are not permitted and the property does not host parties or similar events; whole-rentals are not offered as a standard option.
Free on-site parking is available (limited spaces), and convenience stores, restaurants and shops around JR Beppu Station are within a short walk.