Overview

When you arrive at Biyunoyado Ryochikubettei, you immediately feel lifted above Beppu, perched on the hillside of Kankaiji Onsen, with sweeping views over Beppu Bay and the cityscape. Your entire stay feels like a retreat into calm: the open lobby gives you a panoramic outlook, and the gentle steam of the onsen adds a peaceful, restorative ambiance. You come here not just to sleep, but to slow down, soak in mineral-rich waters, and savor the seasonal flavors of Oita. The architecture brings together traditional Japanese elegance and a comfortable, welcoming feel — a perfect balance between a refined escape and a place to simply be.

Accommodation Information

You can choose from a selection of room types, each designed to help you unwind in comfort. There are Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, Western-style rooms with beds, and combined Japanese-Western (wa-yo) rooms, so you pick the space that fits how you travel. The rooms offer air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and thoughtful touches like a writing desk, safe, and slippers, giving you all the essentials for a relaxing stay.

Many rooms are arranged so that you can take in the hillside view or glimpse the bay, depending on your orientation. The ryokan’s layout encourages a gentle pace: after checking in, you might explore the quiet corridors, pause in a sitting area, or step out to a balcony to breathe in the fresh air. Check-in is mindful and unhurried, setting the tone for the rest of your time there.

Dining

You’ll enjoy carefully crafted meals that highlight the rich bounty of Oita Prefecture. At dinner, experience a traditional kaiseki-style menu made by the ryokan’s chef, with seasonal mountain and seafood ingredients drawn from nearby waters. Options include a classic “Bamboo” course, a succulent sukiyaki course featuring Oita beef, and a special premium course for when you want something extra memorable.

If you’re traveling with others, especially children, you’ll appreciate that you can request your dinner to be served in your room, so you can savor each course without leaving your private space.

In the morning, wake up to a generous buffet breakfast in a serene dining room. The breakfast spread leans into local flavors — traditional Japanese fare accented by Oita produce — and afterward, you can head to the lobby to enjoy coffee, cakes, or fresh fruit while gazing out at the hillside view.

Tattoos

If you have tattoos, you can enjoy the onsen experience here, especially because the property offers private or family-style bath options in addition to public baths. The onsen draws water from its own source, and every bath is “gen-sen kake-nashi” (flowing directly from the spring), so the quality and feel of the water are very natural.

Because you’re not forced into large, crowded communal baths, having tattoos is much less likely to be a problem here than in many public onsens — you can soak without worrying about other people’s gaze or strict restrictions. (That said, if you want to double check their policy before booking, it’s a good idea to ask.)

Facilities

You have access to a range of facilities that make your stay both relaxing and engaging:

• Onsen & Baths: There are multiple bathing areas, including a large public bath, open-air (rotenburo) baths, and family/private baths — all sourced from the natural Kankaiji hot spring.
• Rock-bed Bath (Ganbanyoku): There’s a women-only “ganbanyoku” (stone/rock-bed) area where you can lie down, sweat gently, and detox in a soothing, warm environment.
• Lounge Areas: After bathing, you can rest in the “yuwagari-dokoro” (post-bath relaxation area) or the lobby café. At the café, you’ll find free soft drinks, a selection of local sake for tasting, and even ice cream in summer.
• Foot Bath (Ashiyu): Right next to the entrance there’s a foot bath where you can enjoy warm water while taking in views of Beppu Bay.
• Shuttle / Transport: You can use a shuttle service between JR Beppu Station and the ryokan (reservation required), which makes arriving and leaving easy.
• Free Parking: If you’re arriving by car, there is a parking area available.

Activities & Additional Features

You can design your stay here to be as restful or as active as you like:

• Take long, peaceful soaks in any of the onsen — letting the gentle hillside steam calm your mind.
• Relax in the rock-bed (ganbanyoku) and allow your body to de-stress in a therapeutic, warm stone environment.
• Unwind in the lounge with a book or a drink, gazing out at the bay or the city lights at night.
• At the foot bath, enjoy casual conversation while your feet dip into soothing hot spring water.
• Use the shuttle to explore Beppu’s famous “hells” (Jigoku), local hot spring attractions, or the waterfront. The location gives you a great launching point for sightseeing.
• For families, there is a kid-friendly room and multi-generational support, so you can spend quality time across generations.
• In the evening, treat yourself to a relaxed drink in the premium lounge area (access depends on room or may be bookable), where you can enjoy both the night view and a refined drink.