Overview

Ryotei Matsubaya sits on a peaceful hillside in the Kankaiji Onsen area of Beppu. From here, you can take in sweeping views of Beppu Bay, the steam-filled city below, and the surrounding hot spring villages. This ryokan offers two distinct stays: the pure Japanese atmosphere of Oka no Sou and the fresh, modern design of Tsuki no Sou. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or even get some work done, Matsubaya blends tradition and flexibility, creating a unique travel experience in one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns.

Accommodation

Your stay begins with a choice between two buildings: Oka no Sou and Tsuki no Sou. Each one offers a different style but shares the same attention to comfort and detail.

Oka no Sou embraces a warm, natural aesthetic, using wood and simple design to create a relaxed atmosphere. This building features ten rooms in a classic Japanese style, including both tatami and Western-style bedding. It’s a quiet, homey space that helps you slow down and enjoy your time.

Tsuki no Sou offers a more contemporary take. Here, you can choose from eight rooms spread across three room types: “Stylish Modern,” “Maisonette,” and “Japanese Modern.” These spaces blend Japanese elements with clean design, giving you a light, open feeling with touches of luxury.

Both areas offer non-smoking rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout. Whether you prefer the warmth of wood or the sleek feel of modern lines, Matsubaya has a room that fits your style.

Dining

Your stay includes meals prepared with local ingredients from Oita’s sea and mountains. At Sakura, the restaurant for Oka no Sou, you’ll sit beneath an open ceiling in a calm, Japanese-style dining space. The chefs craft kaiseki cuisine that changes with the seasons, showcasing local produce, seafood, and traditional techniques. It’s a meal that engages your senses—visually elegant, nutritionally balanced, and rich in flavor.

If you stay in Tsuki no Sou, your meals are served at Komachi, which features private rooms designed for both tables and tatami seating. This space lets you enjoy your meal in comfort and privacy, no matter your group size.

Seasonal dishes might include Beppu Bay’s “Castle Reisen” flounder in spring, Ise prawn kaiseki in summer, Japanese black beef with matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and a full fugu (pufferfish) course in winter. The ryokan also offers a signature “Yakushi-Yukemuri” hot spring hot pot, made with their drinkable spring water, which adds a gentle flavor to the broth.

Onsen and Wellness

Matsubaya invites you to explore five distinct hot spring baths, each with its own design and mood. These baths use water from Beppu’s clearest natural spring, rich in minerals and gentle on the skin—and even suitable for drinking.

Yakushi no Yu: A private open-air bath carved from stone, featuring pine patterns and offering views of nature.

Pure Hot Water: A half-open-air Asian-style bath designed to ease stress. (Note: This bath is under renovation until late April 2024.)

Rabbit Hot Water: A charming indoor family bath lit by moonlight, where you can imagine rabbits playing on the moon.

Couple’s Bath – Meoto no Yu: A private outdoor bath with pottery tubs shaped like a pair of teacups, complete with a playful frog design.

Tsuki Akari no Yu: A large public bath in Tsuki no Sou, featuring both indoor and outdoor areas, perfect for long soaks in a calm atmosphere.

The water helps with joint pain, muscle stiffness, cold sensitivity, and more. Matsubaya’s location—200 meters above sea level—lets you enjoy stunning views while you bathe.

Guests with Tattoos

If you have tattoos, you can still enjoy all of Matsubaya’s private baths. These spaces offer full privacy and comfort, allowing you to relax without restrictions.

Facilities

Both Oka no Sou and Tsuki no Sou include special lounge spaces just for you.

At Oka no Sou, you can visit Yoitake Café & Bar, where you’ll find coffee, soft drinks, Oita shochu, beer, and snacks—free of charge. Choose between comfortable counter seats facing the garden or a spot on the terrace.

Tsuki no Sou includes the Asahi Lounge, the first club-style lounge offered by a Beppu inn. As the lights dim in the evening, enjoy a stylish space with complimentary coffee, soft drinks, beer, whiskey, wine, and snacks.

Wi-Fi is available in every room and public space. You’ll also find a souvenir shop, Hoshimidai, where you can pick up local gifts and snacks.

Activities

At Matsubaya, you can enjoy more than just rest. The location gives you access to Beppu’s famous hot spring culture. Try all five types of baths, explore the streets of Kankaiji, or enjoy a seasonal kaiseki dinner that tells a story through flavor.

The staff can help you arrange meals for special events, including birthdays, anniversaries, and memorial services. You can request cakes or flower arrangements in advance. For milestone celebrations like a 60th birthday, you can even borrow traditional red robes and hats at no extra cost.

Additional Features

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the ryokan
• Five unique hot spring baths from a natural spring
• Drinkable hot spring water
• Seasonal kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients
• Private lounges for both buildings with free drinks and snacks
• Non-smoking rooms throughout
• Separate dining spaces for each accommodation type
• Souvenir shop on-site
• Support for celebrations and memorial events