Facing the pristine ocean, Beppu boasts incredible marine scenery that truly complements its gorgeous onsen. Many of the city’s hot spring facilities take advantage of these magnificent seaside panoramas to further immerse their guests into blissful moments of relaxation. Here are four of the best facilities for enjoying the beauty of both Beppu’s onsen and sea at the same time!
Oedo Onsen Monogatari Beppu Seifu – A Lavish Buffet and Hot Springs by the Sea
Oedo Onsen Monogatari Beppu Seifu offers lovely onsen by the sea as well as an incredible variety of on-site amusements, transporting guests away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Guests can kick off their stay at Beppu Seifu by soaking in the large indoor communal bath on the third floor, where warm wood and suffused lighting create a comforting space to slowly unwind after a day spent exploring the city of Beppu. On the seventh floor, an even more awe-inspiring panorama awaits. There, the open-air hot spring faces the ocean, allowing guests to find peace in the hot water while taking in uninterrupted views of Beppu Bay. Spectacular sunsets and sunrises can also be witnessed from these baths!
Some examples of ways you can find extra bits of fun and joy at Beppu Seifu include visiting the souvenir shop, checking out the manga corner packed with popular Japanese comic series, relaxing at the “tatami” straw mat lounge next to it, and exploring the classic Japanese arcade equipped with all sorts of crane games and rhythm games.
Beppu Seifu takes particular pride in its grand buffet which showcases the best of Oita Prefecture’s regional delicacies, where Beppu is located. The menu covers everything from fresh sashimi to juicy sirloin steak and includes local staples such as “dango-jiru” (a savory soup with dumplings, chicken, and vegetables) and “yaseuma” (long and flat dumplings with sweet soybean flour). The ingredients are renowned for their premium quality and the dishes themselves are meticulously prepared to match the changing seasons, so guests often return even just to relish the hotel’s delectable buffet!
To add some entertainment value to the dining experience, the chefs even cook a selection of the dishes on the spot! The dining venue, which is located on the top floor of Beppu Seifu, is also a spectacle in itself. The tables are placed by the windows, allowing guests to eat while admiring either the gorgeous marine panorama on one side or the lovely Beppu cityscape on the other.
Amane Resort Seikai – An Onsen Resort Floating on the Surface of the Sea
Just a few steps away from the sea, Amane Resort Seikai is perfect for those in search of a place where they can bask in nature. Both the guest rooms and hot springs are so close to the ocean that visitors can truly appreciate the marvels of Beppu Bay while taking in the comfort of this luxurious accommodation. Every detail, from its architecture to its impeccable hospitality, is meant to enhance the sheer beauty of the surrounding scenery.
Sip on a welcome drink at the resort’s magnificent Terrace Bar Voyage which appears as if it’s floating on water, or head to the facility’s unique Shiosai no Yu, an onsen bath so close to the ocean that it’s nicknamed the “onsen at zero meters above sea level.” You can also enjoy a dry sauna, newly built in June 2023, and a large jacuzzi.
The whole resort truly feels as though it is one with the sea. Each guest room comes with its own private open-air onsen bath suspended over water, with sofas and daybeds by the window and terraces with outdoor armchairs overlooking the bay. Guests will easily fall asleep to the sound of the waves every night.
The resort’s dining spaces serve breakfast and dinner with a side of enthralling sights of the sea. In particular, Eitaro, Seikai’s restaurant specializing in seafood, provides guests with an unforgettable kaiseki course experience and gorgeous marine panoramas. Expect multiple sophisticated dishes and tasteful arrangements emphasizing the freshness of a variety of ingredients from Oita Prefecture, including delicate sashimi, flavorful tempura garnished with matcha salt, and masterfully cooked steak.
Beppu Seikaiso – Private Onsen With Splendid Marine Panoramas
*Please note that bathing in the onsen while wearing a bathing suit is not usually permitted.
Conveniently located near Beppu Station, the Beppu Kitama bus stop, and one of the city’s landmarksーthe Beppu TowerーSeikaiso is a great accommodation for those wanting to explore Beppu by day and unwind in charming hot springs by the sea afterwards. Beppu Bay is visible from the lounge, guest rooms, and even from the private dining rooms, ensuring spectacular views and relaxation!
Guests can enjoy various types of onsen, including four rooftop private baths, called Tenku Yubo, which are ideal to share with your loved ones while gazing at the gorgeous sea. The large communal indoor bath boasts equally beautiful sights of the bay which are further enhanced by the refined wooden and tile decor. Finally, by opting for a seaside room with a private semi-open air bath, you can rejuvenate yourself in Beppu’s luxurious hot springs as much as and whenever you want.
Another of Seikaiso’s highlights is the dinner. Guests can dine in the comfort of a private room at the inn’s restaurant, Tenku Kaien, where they can try a full kaiseki course presenting seasonal ingredients from Oita Prefecture. Some of the kaiseki courses even serve premium “wagyu” Bungo beef, mouthwatering plates of sashimi that include prized local fish, and some of Oita Prefecture’s specialties such as “toriten” fried chicken or “shiitake” mushrooms.
Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel – Panoramic Hot Spring Baths to Enjoy With Family and Friends
*Swimsuits are required when bathing at The Aqua Garden.
Standing amidst magnificent nature, Suginoi Hotel is tucked away in the hills of Beppu, conveniently connected to the city center through a free shuttle bus service and offering every comfort you might desire! The expansive resort comprises three public hot spring facilities, a convenience store, and even a coffee shop. An extensive number of amusements are also available, from game arcades and gift shops to karaoke and bowling!
Both of Suginoi Hotel’s main onsen facilities, Tanayu and The Aqua Garden, are renowned for their glorious panoramic views of the bay. The tranquil Tanayu is an onsen complex resembling traditional Japanese rice terraces, spreading out into 5 tiers of different baths. The Aqua Garden’s Observation Spa, which appears to be one with the sky and sea thanks to a trick of perspective, lets guests soak in the panorama with no barrier of any sort. As swimsuits are required when bathing at The Aqua Garden, the facility is great if you want to spend a cheerful day with family or friends.
Among Hotel Suginoi’s many accommodation options, the guest rooms at the Niji-kan are a must-see as they were thoughtfully designed to be fun and comfortable to all. There are even color-themed loft rooms which come with a spacious sofa bed!
Enjoy Marvelous Hot Springs and Sea Panoramas in Beppu
Be it the sea or hot springs, with these accommodations, you can enjoy all the water Beppu has to offer. Enriched by the blissful time spent in baths floating over the sea, your stay in Beppu will be one to remember!
