Overview

Step into the timeless charm of Yamada Bessou, a 95-year-old villa in the center of Beppu. This traditional ryokan invites you to slow down and enjoy moments of quiet. As you walk through the wooden halls and listen to the sounds of flowing hot springs, you’ll feel a deep connection to the Showa era. Yamada Bessou offers you a warm, personal experience where you can unwind and reconnect with yourself.

Accommodation

Yamada Bessou originally served as a private residence and still keeps that cozy feeling. The two-story main building includes two spacious Japanese-style rooms. The room on the upper floor, “Myoban,” combines 11 and 15 square meters of traditional space. The lower-floor room, “Kankaiji-Temple,” offers 22 square meters for you to relax and gaze at the courtyard through large windows. Natural light fills the rooms, creating a soft, peaceful atmosphere that lets you forget the rush of everyday life.

Dining

Start your morning with a carefully prepared breakfast made from seasonal ingredients grown around Oita. The service manager visits local farms to select each item with care. You’ll enjoy grilled fish, fluffy rolled omelets, miso soup, fresh rice from Anshinji, and small seasonal dishes. The breakfast comes with drinks like green tea, English tea, coffee, or vegetable juice. The ryokan serves meals on Onta ware, traditional pottery from Hita City. If you’re vegetarian, let them know in advance—they will gladly accommodate you.

Onsen and Wellness

Yamada Bessou lets you enjoy natural Beppu Onsen water in a relaxed, traditional setting. You can bathe in separate men’s and women’s indoor baths, open 24 hours a day. These baths, full of old-world charm, feature tile floors and walls that have been passed down through generations.

You can also reserve a private open-air bath. This simple outdoor bath is especially popular in winter. Soak in the warm water while the seasonal wind brushes your skin, and reset your mind and body. Each private session lasts 30 or 50 minutes. Reservations are required and available in the order of check-in.

The hot springs here flow naturally, without artificial additives. The mineral-rich water contains sodium bicarbonate and chloride, which help relieve joint stiffness and muscle fatigue.

Guests with Tattoos

You can use the private open-air bath even if you have tattoos. Just be sure to book in advance.

Facilities

Yamada Bessou includes a range of spaces that enhance your stay.

The drawing room, with its Showa-era Western design, creates a nostalgic mood. You’re welcome to sit, relax, and enjoy the quiet.

The hall, where you eat breakfast, is open and spacious, allowing you to dine comfortably with space around you.

The renovated warehouse, known as “KURA,” serves as a co-working and resting area. It fits up to three people and includes a loft with a sofa and a projector—ideal for telework, small meetings, or taking a break during sightseeing in Beppu. You can book it for up to 10 hours.

Activities

While Yamada Bessou focuses on quiet stays, it offers small touches of fun. For example, if your last name is “Yamada,” you get 10% off your stay. Just show an ID with your name at check-in. This offer only applies to direct bookings through the official website and can’t be combined with other discounts.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the ryokan.

Reservations are currently available from August 2025 onward, as the ryokan will close for repairs during June and July.