Hana Beppu: Uncover Beppu's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into Hana Beppu: Uncover Beppu's Hidden Gem! – and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Prepare for a review that's less "squeaky clean brochure" and more "honest travel companion." We're going to unravel this hotel, warts and all, and see if it truly deserves its "hidden gem" title. Be warned, I'm known for my… eccentric… approach to reviewing.
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Alright, First Impressions: Where to Begin?
Hana Beppu. Sounds pretty, doesn't it? And the images… pristine, zen-like. My first thought? "Okay, deep breaths… don't screw this up. This is Beppu, onsen central! And I'm here to find out if this place is actually worth it. After reading dozens of reviews, you can't just not have expectations."
Getting There & Accessibility - Sigh of Relief (Mostly)
Okay, first hurdle: getting there. Airport transfer? Check! That's always a win, especially after a long flight. They offer it, and I took it. Didn't want to deal with the train. (My Japanese is… let's say it's "enthusiastic"). They had a driver waiting, which was FANTASTIC. The car park, on-site, free of charge? YES! (I swear, it always adds to the stress when hotels nickel and dime you for parking!).
Now, accessibility. This is a HUGE deal for me, not just because I should care, but because I do. The front desk is 24-hour. Good start. Elevator? Thank goodness! (My knees are screaming at the thought of stairs after a flight). They boast "Facilities for disabled guests." Okay, that's promising. But… this is where the "mostly" comes in. While they have wheelchair access, I didn't see any specific details about the rooms themselves. This is SOMETHING they need to fix. More on this later, hopefully. Accessibility Score: 8/10 (Room specifics are missing, people!)
The Room: My Private Sanctuary? (Or Mildly Claustrophobic Box?!)
Let's get real here. The room is… nice. Air conditioning, check. Free WiFi (thank the gods of connectivity!), check. Blackout curtains, YES! (Because, jet lag). Plenty of toiletries and even a hairdryer (I'm a woman; it's essential.) A small desk, a chair… the usual suspects.
But here's the thing. The rooms aren't HUGE. They are the standard small to medium size. So if you're used to sprawling out like a Kardashian in a Beverly Hills mansion, you might experience a moment of, shall we say, intimacy with your luggage. I mean, the bed was comfy with those crisp clean sheets everyone raves about. So, it's a trade-off between coziness and utter space. You get more than the basics, but it isn't the largest, definitely not the largest. Room Score: 7/10
Internet & Connectivity - The Lifeblood of a Modern Traveler
Free WiFi in ALL rooms? Hallelujah! Because come on now, who doesn't need to instantly Google everything or post an Instagram story of their onsen experience? The WiFi was speedy and reliable, which is a HUGE win in my book. I also saw an Internet [LAN] connection, which is excellent if you need a hardwired connection for work (or, you know, streaming). Internet Score: 10/10 (Can’t be faulted.)
Dining and Drinking - The Quest for Culinary Bliss (and Caffeine!)
Okay, this is where things got interesting. I was promised an amazing experience of Japanese food.
- Restaurants: They have a few restaurant, the one restaurant has Asian cuisine, and international food.
- Breakfast: They have a breakfast Buffet. It's typical. Not mind-blowing, but it's got the essentials: eggs, bacon, pastries, and the all-important coffee to kick-start your day. More important is the Breakfast [buffet] which is included in the room rate (that's a win!).
- A la carte in restaurant: Okay, so at lunch and dinner, you can eat a la carte, and while expensive, the food is tasty and the experience of eating in a Japanese restaurant is unforgettable.
Then there's the Poolside Bar, and happy hour, which, honestly, after a long afternoon trying out the spa, is the best thing. Coffee/tea in restaurant is also a must, and good.
Food Score: 8/10 (Breakfast could be better. But other than that, it’s a solid selection).
Spa, Onsen and Relaxation - Pure Bliss (Mostly)
Okay, let’s get to the real reason we're all here: the onsen. Hana Beppu delivers on this front. The spa section is a dream. You have the:
- Sauna
- Steamroom
- Massage
- Foot bath
The thing I fell in love with the most was the Pool with a View. I spent two hours there, and it was the most enjoyable thing.
I'd say the Couple's room offers intimate experiences and I've heard people talking about the Body scrub and Body wrap.
I was a bit disappointed I couldn't experience the Spa/sauna individually, but I did get to use my pool [outdoors, with a view] and my pool [indoors] almost every day. Spa/Relaxation Score: 9.5/10 (The pools are the best part.)
Things to Do: Beyond the Onsen…
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Elevator
- Daily housekeeping
There are some things to do around the hotel.
Honestly, Beppu is all about the onsen. But if you need more, you can arrange transport around the place.
Things to Do Score: 7/10 (Beppu itself is the thing. The hotel just provides a launching pad.)
Cleanliness and Safety - The New Norm
COVID-19 has changed everything, and Hana Beppu seems to be taking it seriously which is good.
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Doctor/nurse on call
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Hygiene certification
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Professional-grade sanitizing services
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safe dining setup
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
This all definitely made me feel more comfortable and safe. They also offer:
- Room sanitization opt-out available
This is really good. They provide really good services now!
Cleanliness and Safety Score: 9.5/10 (Really impressed!)
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Matter
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
So, they really have quite a lot to offer people. But honestly, the thing I appreciated was the Concierge. They really helped me with everything from booking trains to finding restaurants – they were amazing.
Services and Conveniences Score: 9/10 (Excellent!)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
- Babysitting service
- **Family
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Hana Beppu journey that's less "perfect postcard" and more "slightly-unhinged-but-deeply-charmed-by-onsen-and-ramen" kind of adventure. This itinerary? Consider it more of a suggestion. We'll see where the day (and the sulfur-laden air) takes us.
Hana Beppu Ramble: A Slightly Chaotic Itinerary
(Day 1: Touching Down and Tentative Plans - aka "Lost and Found (Mostly Lost)")
Morning (or whenever the heck you actually wake up after the red-eye): Land at Oita Airport (OIT). Okay, first obstacle: the airport signs are a blur of kanji. Thank goodness for Google Translate and the bewildered smiles of fellow tourists. Finding the bus to Beppu? A small victory. Feels like I'm already winning at life.
Mid-day (aka The Quest for the Hotel): Hotel Choya. Supposedly a short walk from Beppu Station, but "short" is relative when you're wrestling with a suitcase and the humidity. Briefly considered abandoning the whole thing and just setting up camp on a park bench. Found it eventually, feeling like I'd run a marathon. The room is… compact! But hey, a view of something green… probably a park. Definitely a win because of the relief of finally getting there, no matter if the room would be small.
Afternoon (or "Ramen, Glorious Ramen!" - because, priorities): Lunch at a random ramen place near the station. Okay, this place is amazing! The noodles are perfect, the broth is rich, and I swear, that chashu pork just melts in your mouth. Had to order a second bowl. No regrets. Only pure, unadulterated happiness. Note to self: find the ramen place again tomorrow. This is some of the best food I've ever had.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (The Onsen Initiation): Ok, deep breath. I'd heard it was a rite of passage, the onsen. I'd also heard it was naked. Public nudity is not exactly my comfort zone. Picked Hyotan Onsen, because the reviews said it's foreigner-friendly and has a variety of baths. First hurdle: figuring out the entrance. Second hurdle: removing all my clothes. It's a lot more awkward than I expected. Walking around starkers, feeling a bit mortified, but mostly trying to pretend I know what I'm doing. Finally, I hit the water -- and oh my god. The water is hot, so hot, and it felt weird, but my aching muscles surrendered immediately. The outdoor bath, staring up at the sky… It was pure blissful. The post-onsen glow is real, people. Real and amazing. I also got lost at the dressing room, and went into the woman's room instead of male's room. I turned around quick.
Evening: Stumbled back to the hotel, feeling like a noodle myself. Dinner? Probably something vaguely edible from the convenience store, because I'm too blissed out to function. Early bedtime. Onsen fatigue is a real thing.
(Day 2: Hell Valley and the Hot Springs Hysteria)
Morning (aka "The Boiling Waters of Doom"): Head to the "Hells of Beppu." Jigoku Meguri! This is where things get a bit… surreal. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell). It looks like a giant, azure pool. The water's so hot it's steaming spectacularly, and its color is a vivid and mesmerizing color. I was honestly expecting something a bit… infernal. Definitely not this pretty. I bought a soft-boiled egg cooked in the hell's steam. It was quite weird, but good.
Mid-day (aka "I'm Officially a Tourist"): Another place, Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell). It's scary, but in a cool way, I suppose. It looks like a bubbling lake of blood. Definitely a must-see. The sulfur smell is pretty potent here. My nose is getting used to it, though. I still could not pronounce the names of any of the hot springs. They were all tricky.
Afternoon (aka "Steam, Sweat, and Surrender"): Back to the onsen, because, addiction. This time, I tried a different one, just to switch things up. I picked the Takegawara Onsen, and it was one of the public traditional bathhouses. The sand bath was an experience unlike any other. Buried in hot sand for what felt like an eternity, sweating buckets, thinking I was going to be cooked alive. But then…pure relaxation. It's a strange combination of torture and bliss. I felt so clean afterward.
Evening (aka "Ramen Redemption"): Ramen again! Yep, back to THAT place. Same order. Same ecstatic reaction. Did I mention the ramen is incredible? Worth the trip alone. No shame.
(Day 3: Serenity and Departure (Hopefully with Fewer Mishaps)
Morning: Visit Mount Takasaki, home to a massive community of wild monkeys. They're incredibly cute, but also shockingly assertive, so watch those bags (and your snacks!). Spent the morning being adorable.
Mid-day: Explore the local shops for souvenirs. Finding a decent matcha kit kat is proving harder than I thought. More ramen.
Afternoon: Walk around Beppu Park, a little bit sad that the journey is coming to an end. The perfect opportunity to sit at the very edge and just stare at the nature!
Evening: Depart from Oita Airport (OIT). Hopefully, with a bag full of (hopefully non-expired) Japanese snacks and a heart full of onsen bliss.
(Random Ramblings and Imperfections…)
- The public transport is a bit of a mystery, but everyone's so helpful.
- I've probably eaten ramen every day. Zero regrets.
- The hotel room is getting messier. Gotta embrace the chaos, I guess.
- I still can't quite master the art of chopsticks.
- The sulfur smell? It's growing on me. Or maybe I'm just becoming one with the onsen.
- I'm pretty sure I'm going to miss this place when I leave.
Final Thoughts:
Beppu is a beautiful, chaotic, and utterly charming place. The onsen, the food, the people… All of it is just… wonderful. Definitely plan to come back. And next time? Maybe I'll even try to learn a few more Japanese phrases! Maybe.
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Hana Beppu: Is it Worth the Hype? (Spoiler: Maybe... It's Complicated!)
So, Hana Beppu... What *is* it, anyway? Sounds fancy.
Okay, so picture this: Beppu, right? Famous for its onsen (hot springs), geysers, the whole shebang. Hana Beppu... well, it's *kind of* a hidden gem, but honestly, the "hidden" part is debatable. It's basically a collection of tiny, independent businesses nestled in a less-trafficked part of Beppu. Think artisan workshops, quirky cafes, and some seriously cool guesthouses. It's meant to be an escape from the tourist hordes. But honestly, the crowds can be found at the more popular spots in Beppu. But it is the hidden gem for some.
Can you get there easily? Because I'm clumsy and directions are my enemy.
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Transportation in Beppu is... an adventure. From Beppu Station, you can try the bus (pray for good signage!). Or, take a taxi--that's what I did after I completely biffed the bus instructions. And I swear, the driver just looked at me like, "Another one?" It's a bit out of the main drag, so expect a little walk. It's not *impossible* to get there, but don't expect smooth sailing. Bring your patience (and Google Maps, for the love of all things holy). Honestly, I got lost at least twice trying to navigate, and I'm usually pretty decent with directions. But the reward? Worth it... most of the time.
Is it REALLY different than the regular Beppu experience? Like, does it FEEL different?
Okay, here's the thing. Hana Beppu *tries* to be different. It *wants* to be this quiet, artisanal haven. And...sometimes, it succeeds. The atmosphere is certainly more relaxed, less chaotic than the super-touristy zones. It’s geared towards people who are in between, say, the Jigoku Meguri and the spa resort. I found myself wandering around, genuinely breathing in the air (which smelled delightfully of onsen, by the way), and feeling like I was actually *seeing* something real, not just another Instagram photo op. I ended up at a small pottery shop, and the owner, a kind-faced woman with hands stained from glazing, showed me her works. We talked for ages, and I felt a deep connection, something you rarely find in a super-touristy spot. However, the area's smallness means the feeling of being an "outsider" can creep up on you. The novelty doesn't last forever.
Okay, spill the tea. What are some things to *do* there? Aside from wandering aimlessly, which I'm already good at.
Alright, alright, let's get to the goods. First, the food! There are some AMAZING little cafes hidden away. I had the BEST matcha latte of my life (seriously, it’s a core memory now). Some places sell absolutely gorgeous, handcrafted desserts. Then there are the workshops! I signed up for a pottery class that was, well, it was an experience. I ended up with a wonky bowl that looks like it's been through a war. But honestly? I *love* it. Perfect imperfections, you know? And, of course, there are guesthouses, many of which are renovated traditional Japanese houses. You can just picture yourself a little more Zen. But beware! Reservations are a must. Oh! And don't forget the smaller onsen. A lot of the more local experience can be found here.
Let's talk food. Any must-try dishes or places? Because I live to eat.
Where do I start?! Okay, so, the matcha latte at [Name of Cafe, redacted] is non-negotiable. Seriously. Go. Now. Then, there's this tiny ramen shop hidden on a side street that I stumbled upon by accident. The broth was unbelievably rich, the noodles perfectly chewy. I literally inhaled it. And I'm not even a huge ramen person! Okay, okay, fine, I'll give you a warning. Some places might be closed at random hours. Check before you go. But the food scene is top-notch.
Okay, the pottery class. Dish the dirt. Was it as idyllic as it sounds?
Ugh. The pottery class. So, picture this: I envision myself a natural artist, a gentle sculptor of clay. The reality? I am a clumsy, clay-slinging disaster! The instructor, bless her heart, was patient. But I made a bowl shaped like a deflated balloon with one lopsided side. I was sweating, covered in clay, and nearly cried when I accidentally dropped it. Twice. In my defense, the clay was really heavy! But when I eventually picked up my "masterpiece," i found myself grinning. Then I dropped again. Even with the imperfection, I love it. It's a constant reminder of the messy, beautiful art of trying. And the fact that it's a little ridiculous.
So, does Hana Beppu live up to the hype? Is it worth the trip?
Okay, here's the brutally honest truth. Hana Beppu is not some magical, perfect place. It has its flaws. It can feel a little contrived at times. The "hidden gem" label is a little suspect these days because of all the exposure. But... there's a *vibe* there, a slower pace, a chance to connect with something a little more authentic. You *might* have a terrible experience. You *might* get lost. You *might* end up with a bowl that looks like an accident. But you also might discover something beautiful, something unexpected, something that stays with you long after you've left. So, is it worth it? I'd say... maybe. Go with low expectations, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the beautifully imperfect. And for the love of all that is holy, learn some basic Japanese phrases!.
Any other tips or things I need to know before going?
* **Check opening hours:** Seriously. Many places have irregular hours or are closed. Don't make my mistake! * **Cash is King:** Not everywhere takes cards. Be prepared. * **Learn some basic Japanese:** It helps WAY more than you think. Even just "hello" and "thank you" go a long way. * **Embrace the Mess:** Things won't always go as planned. That's part of the adventure! * **Take your time:** Don't rush. Wander. Get lost (it might be the best part!). * **Be respectful:** Remember, you're in someone's home. Be considerate of the locals. * **Don't goPersonalized Stays
