Yusai Bekkan
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 107 reviews
Yusai Bekkan sits in the Kurokawa Onsen district of Minamioguni, set among wooded hills and the quiet lanes that characterise this part of Kumamoto Prefecture. Operating as a compact annex to a larger traditional ryokan, it presents timber-accented architecture, tatami-floored guest rooms and attentive, English-capable staff. Public areas are intentionally modest—a small lobby and reception with pathways leading toward the hot-spring facilities—so the atmosphere remains calm and suited to guests who prefer an authentic onsen stay without the scale of a large resort.
Bathing is central to the experience: guests can use natural hot springs on site and choose between communal bath areas and bookable private-bath options reserved for staying guests, meaning the property functions as a ryokan with onsen Kumamoto visitors seek while also offering the anonymity of a ryokan with private onsen Kumamoto when required. Water is drawn from local sources typical of Kurokawa, and the bathing facilities prioritise clean, wood-lined rooms and practical changing spaces rather than ornate presentation; reservation windows and simple rules ensure smooth circulation at peak times.
Dining emphasises local produce from the Aso region through a buffet-style approach that blends Japanese and Western dishes with seasonal specials, served in an informal dining room designed for efficient service. The annex’s location makes it a convenient base for exploring Aso Kuju National Park, nearby waterfalls and scenic drives through the Kuju highlands; reception staff can advise on short walks and local transfers. Overall, the property offers an unpretentious, reliable onsen experience well suited to couples, families and independent travellers looking for straightforward access to Kurokawa’s hot springs.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yusai Bekkan
Positive Reviews
Access to multiple onsens
Guests appreciated that the booking includes access to larger nearby onsens (the main Yusai hotel/sister property) as well as on-site foot/bamboo onsens, giving more bathing options than the annex alone.
Helpful and friendly staff
Many reviews praise reception and staff for being welcoming and helpful (arranging bus reservations, assisting with travel after check‑out, and providing good service despite occasional language limits).
Excellent location
The ryokan is conveniently located at the edge/entrance of the village, a short walk from the bus stop, nature trails and other onsens; rooms often have pleasant outlooks and proximity to streams.
Comfortable, traditional rooms
Guests liked the room style (washitsu/tatami or small sitting area and balcony), comfortable beds and spacious feel in many room types; the traditional atmosphere was a positive for those seeking an authentic stay.
Good value and handy amenities
Reviewers mentioned good value for price, free tea/coffee in the reception area (available long hours), complimentary instant noodles provided in rooms, yukata lending and basic room supplies, plus available parking.
Negative Reviews
No meals / limited dining options
Many guests noted that the annex does not provide dinner or meals and that the village has few open dining options; this caused inconvenience for visitors who could not reserve dinner or expected on-site dining.
Unpleasant room odors and some cleanliness issues
Several reviews reported smells in rooms (fishy, tatami/mildew or cigarette smoke) and occasional dust or carpet stains in corridors, which detracted from comfort for some guests.
Older or minimal facilities and small bathrooms
The property (especially the annex) was described as showing its age or being somewhat worn, with small or tiny in‑room toilets and limited shelving/storage in Japanese‑style rooms.
Limited accessibility and limited staff availability
There is no elevator and guests sometimes had to carry luggage up stairs; some reviews mention staff being unavailable after certain hours and limited help with luggage or services.
Onsen size/temperature and need to walk for better baths
The annex's own onsen was described as small or not very hot at times; reviewers recommended using the larger sister hotel's baths, which may require a short walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
The annex has about 15 rooms and room capacities vary by room type; most rooms accommodate 1–4 guests — check the specific room description when booking for exact maximum occupancy.
Annex guests may use the main Yusai hot-spring baths, which include multiple public baths and some private rental options; baths are generally available in the evening (often until around 24:00) and reopen in the morning (around 07:00–09:30), but exact hours can vary so confirm at check-in.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the nearest major airport is Kumamoto (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car), so most guests arrive by rental car, taxi or regional bus — contact the property in advance to ask about any ad-hoc pickup options.
Staff primarily speak Japanese and English support is limited; if you require English assistance, notify the property before arrival or prepare basic Japanese phrases.
Meals are served at the main Yusai in a buffet format, with dinner typically served around 18:00–20:30 and breakfast around 07:30–09:30; the buffet may not fully accommodate food-allergy requests, so plan accordingly.
Yes — the annex offers tatami-style rooms, yukata and communal onsen bathing, with access to the larger Yusai facilities for traditional ryokan service and atmosphere.
The ryokan is in the Kurokawa Onsen area with easy access to Aso Kuju National Park, Meotodaki (Meoto) Falls, Kuju Flower Park and local onsen-hopping within the Kurokawa village; many highlights are a short drive away.
Public buses serve the region but runs are limited, so taxis or a rental car are usually more practical; Kurokawa village has small shops and restaurants for basics, while larger supermarkets are located in nearby towns, so plan shopping before arrival for specific items.
Check-in typically begins at 15:00 with final check-in around 20:00, and check-out is by 10:00; confirm the exact times with the property when you book.
The main property offers some private/family bath options that annex guests can use or reserve, and pets are not permitted at the annex.