Overview
Asahiya welcomes you to Kannawa, one of Beppu’s eight hot spring villages. This historic area lies between Beppu Bay to the east and Mount Tsurumi to the west, where steam rises from the streets and different types of hot springs bubble from the earth. For over 700 years, Kannawa has served as a haven for long-term stays and healing soaks. Asahiya builds on this history, offering you a modern, private retreat that blends tradition with quiet sophistication.
The inn features only ten rooms, designed with simplicity, natural materials, and timeless charm. Your stay includes access to two distinct hot springs, each with unique mineral properties. Whether you’re here to rest, reflect, or enjoy the soothing rhythm of hot spring life, Asahiya offers you a private space where you can unwind in peace.
Accommodation
Ryokan Asahiya is spread across three separate buildings. Each space is thoughtfully designed to highlight natural textures, calm colors, and quiet details that help you relax from the moment you arrive.
Every room includes a small loft, a playful and cozy addition where you can sit by a skylight, write, or gaze up at the stars and rising steam. Light filters through soft linen curtains, and the scent of onsen water fills the air like gentle aromatherapy. Each room offers you warmth, privacy, and comfort.
Central Building: Check-in area, lobby, and the “Yamatsubaki” guest room on the second floor.
South Building: Houses three rooms with private open-air baths, including “Kaede.”
North Building: Offers four rooms with open-air baths on the second floor, including “Himeshara,” as well as a large public bath and a private family bath on the first floor.
All rooms are non-smoking. Check-in runs from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Free parking is available for ten cars.
Please note there is no elevator, and access to upper floors requires the use of stairs. The inn can recommend rooms with fewer steps if you have mobility concerns.
Dining
At Asahiya, meals are prepared with care using seasonal ingredients from Oita. You’ll start your day with a breakfast that’s both nourishing and gentle on the body. Expect dishes featuring local rice, fresh vegetables, and seafood from nearby waters. Each item is handmade with attention to flavor and presentation. The menu changes daily, ensuring variety even during longer stays.
For dinner or a late-night snack, you can enjoy small plates that pair well with sake or wine. These include items like smoked cheese, nuts, or bacon. The flavors are rich and satisfying, designed to help you wind down in the evening.
One of the highlights of your stay is the chance to try Jigoku Mushi—a traditional cooking method using steam from the hot springs. Asahiya provides a dedicated “hell-steamer” for guests who want to experience this for themselves.
- Available from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Self-service setup, explained by the staff
- Dishes and utensils are available; bring your own paperware if you prefer
- Please enjoy your steamed food in the shared area near the front desk, especially if cooking meats or seafood
Onsen and Wellness
Asahiya draws water from two separate natural sources. This is the inspiration behind the name Nisai no Yuyado—”Inn of Two Springs.” Each source brings different qualities and sensations to your bath, giving you a rich and varied onsen experience.
Public Baths (North Building, 1st Floor): Separate spaces for men and women, styled in red and blue to reflect Beppu’s famous hells. These baths offer a spacious, open atmosphere not found in the room baths. (Closed seasonally when water volume is limited.)
Private Family Bath: Also in the North Building, available by reservation during check-in. Priority goes to guests staying in rooms without private baths (such as those in the Central Building).
Room Baths: All rooms in the South and North Buildings include private open-air baths. Soak in natural hot spring water at your own pace, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the Kannawa night.
Spring Quality and Benefits
The spring is a sodium chloride type, gentle on the skin and known for its moisturizing properties. It contains high levels of metasilicic acid, a natural skin conditioner that helps smooth and hydrate. The warm, slightly salty water retains heat, making it ideal for relaxing long soaks.
- Joint and muscle pain
- Neuralgia and stiff shoulders
- Chronic skin and digestive issues
- Cold sensitivity and fatigue
Guests with Tattoos
Asahiya does not restrict access to private baths. If you have tattoos, you can freely enjoy your room’s onsen or the family bath. Just notify the front desk during check-in if you’d like to reserve a private time slot.
Facilities
- Lobby with cedar wood counter and welcome drinks
- Three-building layout for added privacy
- On-site parking (free for 10 vehicles)
- Public and private baths
- Jigoku Mushi steam cooker (for guests only)
- Lending service for televisions (two available upon request)
- All rooms feature Kyoto-style gauze bedding for a soft, breathable rest
Activities
Explore the historic Kannawa district, just steps from your room. Visit the famous hot spring hells, stroll among steam vents, or try local dishes at nearby restaurants. You can also spend a quiet evening watching the sky from your room’s loft, enjoying the scent of steam and cedar.
Seasonal events like the Yuami Matsuri bring local culture to life, and the staff can recommend additional sights or day trips around Beppu.
Additional Features
- Two natural hot spring sources
- All rooms have lofts and relaxing design features
- Option to experience Jigoku Mushi cooking
- Handcrafted meals and local drinks
- Private open-air baths in most rooms
- Public and family-use baths available
- Personalized service with only 10 rooms
- Best-rate guarantee for direct bookings
- Adults-only atmosphere for quiet, restful stays
