Oita Prefecture is famous for Beppu Onsen and the “Hell Tour.” If you are unsure where to stay in Oita, one option you should definitely consider is Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel, a leading hot spring resort in Beppu. With pools, hot springs, and amusement facilities all in one place, you can fully enjoy your stay without ever leaving the hotel from check-in to check-out. In this article, we share a detailed review of a stay at “Sora-kan,” which opened in 2023, written by an employee of JTB, one of Japan’s major travel agencies. The review covers everything from the guest rooms and panoramic open-air baths to the buffet restaurant.
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What is Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel? Beppu’s Premier Hot Spring Resort
Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel is a leading hot spring resort in Beppu, located on a hilltop in Kankaiji Onsen, one of the eight famous hot springs of Beppu.
The hotel has a history of over 80 years and features three accommodation buildings: “Sora-kan,” “Hoshi-kan,” and “Niji-kan.” In addition, there is the “Suginoi Palace” complex, which includes a large panoramic open-air bath, hot spring pools, amusement facilities, and even a chapel. There is also “Aqua Beat,” a large indoor pool with water slides and a wave pool. The scale is like that of a theme park, and the facilities are so extensive that you can spend an entire day just inside the hotel.
The grounds are truly vast, and shuttle buses are essential for getting around both inside and outside the hotel. As of September 2026, some of the shuttle buses in operation are wrapped in collaboration with artists based in Oita.
There are several designs, and the latest is the “Ryugu Bus,” a collaboration between The Cabin Company, a picture book author and artist from Oita, and the Oita Prefectural Art Museum. The hotel is depicted as the Dragon Palace, and the shuttle bus as a sea turtle, with an ink painting-style design. Just riding the bus lets you enjoy Oita’s art.
Starting in August 2026, the hotel also began operating “Tuk Tuk” three-wheeled taxis, which are widely used in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia. Their retro and charming appearance is sure to lift your spirits just by taking a ride!
Access from Fukuoka and Oita Airports | Free Shuttle Bus from Beppu Station
Fukuoka - From Hakata Station, you can reach Beppu Station in about two hours without any transfers by taking the JR Limited Express "Sonic." There is also a route where you transfer to the "Sonic" at Kokura Station, which is a stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen.
From Oita Airport, you can take the "Airliner" airport express bus to Beppu Station in about 50 minutes.
There is a free shuttle bus running between Beppu Station and the hotel, and using this is the smoothest way to get there. The route is Beppu Station West Exit → Hoshikan → Suginoi Palace → Nijikan → Sorakan, in that order.
Sometimes you can ride on the aforementioned wrapped bus. When I actually used it, the vehicle was designed by Oita artist JUNPHANT. The colorful and adorable animal characters painted on the bus made the ride even more exciting.
The bus stop is located at the Hotel Fujiyoshi parking lot, right near the West Exit of Beppu Station. For detailed directions and the timetable, please check the official website.
Right next to the bus stop, there is the "Suginoi Hotel Beppu Station Information Desk," which is exclusively for hotel guests. It is a convenient waiting area for rainy days, hot weather, or when you want to wait indoors because it is cold.
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Three Buildings: Sorakan, Hoshikan, and Nijikan! Which One Is Recommended?
Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel has three unique accommodation buildings: "Sorakan," "Hoshikan," and "Nijikan." For those who are unsure which building to choose, here is a summary of the features of each one.
| Building | Features | Number of Rooms | Hot Springs | Recommended For |
| Sorakan | ・Flagship building opened in 2023 | 336 rooms | Sorayu Tanayuyu | ・Anniversary trips |
| Hoshikan | ・Newest building opening in 2025 | 300 rooms | Tanayu Some guests can also use Sorayu | ・For those who want to enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere |
| Niji Building | ・A casual building opened in 2021 | 155 rooms | Tana-yu | ・Great value for money |
Sora Building
The most iconic accommodation building at Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel, the “Sora Building,” is located at the highest point on the property.
From the lobby, you can enjoy an open view overlooking Beppu Bay and the city. You can choose guest rooms facing either the mountains or the sea, and there are also Junior Suites that can accommodate up to six people, making it ideal for families or group trips.In addition, the building features the panoramic open-air bath “Sorayu,” the buffet restaurant “TERRACE & DINING SORA,” and the café & bar “LOUNGE,” making it perfect for those seeking a luxurious hotel stay.
Hoshi Building
The newest building, “Hoshi Building,” opened in January 2025. With a “Japanese Modern” concept, the entrance lobby is decorated with bonsai and a calligraphy piece of the character “Hoshi” (star) by Oita-based calligrapher Fumio Mieno, creating a unique atmosphere.
The water terrace is also a highlight. Depending on the angle, the surface of the water reflects the scenery of Beppu Bay, making the sky and sea appear as one.
In addition to Western-style rooms, Japanese-Western style rooms are also available, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
At the buffet restaurant "Japanese Dining Hoshi" on the top floor, you can enjoy not only sushi and sashimi but also "Warayaki" and "Robatayaki," where seafood and meat are seared over a blazing straw fire.
Nijikan
"Nijikan" features a casual and warm design. The guest rooms are inspired by Beppu's sea, mountains, and flowers, and some rooms come with lofts, providing a spacious environment for groups or families.
The building is centered around guest rooms, and access to the hot spring facilities and restaurants is mainly by shuttle bus or on foot. Among the three buildings, it offers relatively affordable rates, making it a recommended option for those seeking good value for money.
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[Accommodation Review] Checking Out the Guest Rooms at Chukan
This time, the author actually stayed in a guest room at Chukan. Here, we introduce the appeal of Chukan along with its facilities.
Chukan Standard Twin (Mountain Side)
The room I stayed in was a Standard Twin (Mountain Side). The atmosphere is calm and elegant, and the greenery of the mountains outside the window provides a natural sense of relaxation. Chukan guest rooms come in three theme colors inspired by nature.
- "Seikai," a deep blue inspired by Beppu Bay
- "Shinrin," a lush green reminiscent of Mount Tsurumi and the mountains surrounding Beppu
- "Yuunagi," capturing the tranquil dusk over gentle waves
The theme colors of this room are Seikai and Yuunagi. The blue-based curtains and lights, along with the warm indirect lighting, are distinctive features.
Traditional Japanese yukata, a change of clothes, and a bathing basket for carrying bath items are provided. The color of the bathing basket differs depending on the building: Sora Building has dark brown, Hoshi Building has navy blue, and Niji Building has white, making for a colorful selection.
In terms of amenities, the room is equipped with an LCD TV, refrigerator, SHARP humidifying air purifier, and an electric kettle.
It is also convenient that there are power outlets with USB ports located throughout the room, such as under the TV and next to the bed. There is also an HDMI input terminal, so you can connect a game console or PC and enjoy content on the TV screen.
What was especially impressive was the tablet device installed in every guest room of the Sora Building. Not only can you check the facility map, read explanations of each facility, and check congestion status, but you can also complete advance payment and checkout by credit card, allowing for a stress-free stay. The tablet supports both Japanese and English.
The wash basin is stocked with face wash, makeup remover, toner, moisturizer, toothbrush, and a hair dryer.
One unique feature is the water dispenser installed in every guest room. As part of Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel’s environmental initiatives, guests can always have access to clean water after bathing or while relaxing, and families with babies can also use it to prepare formula.
Sora Building Junior Suite (Ocean Side)
This time, we had the special opportunity to cover the Junior Suite (ocean side) guest room. The spacious room can accommodate up to six people, making it ideal for families or groups. The theme color is Aomi, and the room is unified in a cool blue tone, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
The room is equipped with two sinks and one vanity, making it convenient even for larger groups. For hair care, both a hair dryer and a straightening iron from ReFa are provided, allowing you to enjoy professional-level hair care even while traveling.
The bathroom is also fully equipped with a bathtub.
Panoramic Open-Air Bath “Sorayu” | Top Floor, Approx. 250m Above Sea Level with a Stunning View
The panoramic open-air bath “Sorayu” on the top floor is available exclusively to guests staying in the Sora Building and some rooms in the Hoshi Building. From a height of about 250 meters above sea level, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Beppu Bay and the cityscape of Beppu. At dusk, you can relax in the bath while watching the sky change from orange to purple.
Buffet Restaurant “TERRACE & DINING SORA”
“TERRACE & DINING SORA” is a buffet restaurant with a focus on Western cuisine, available exclusively to guests staying in the Sora Building.
At the live kitchen, where dishes are prepared right in front of you, you will find a wide variety of options including rotisserie garlic chicken and Peking duck, as well as freshly made sushi and sashimi.
The kids' menu includes mini burgers and donuts, so families with children can also enjoy their meal.
The drink selection is also extensive, offering not only customizable cocktails but also shochu, fruit liqueurs, and wine. There is even a draft beer server, so you can enjoy ice-cold beer.
The dessert corner is also not to be missed. The lineup is colorful and varied, featuring rich Mont Blanc chestnut cream cakes finished by the pastry chef right before your eyes, as well as Häagen-Dazs ice cream and macarons.
Among the desserts, one you should definitely try is the Suginoi Pudding topped with Suginoi Soft Serve. This original recipe was created by pastry chef Kazuo Suzuki, who has appeared many times on the popular Japanese TV show "Job Tune" in the segment where top pastry chefs judge sweets. The smooth pudding pairs perfectly with the rich, milky soft serve. Despite its appearance, it is not overly sweet and has a clean aftertaste, making it easy to enjoy.
The soft serve is self-serve from a machine, so be sure to give it a try and see how well you can swirl it!
The breakfast buffet features a colorful array of dishes, including bread, omelets, and fruit, offering a wide variety to choose from. At the terrace seating area, which is characterized by its large windows, you can enjoy your meal while taking in the scenic views of Beppu.
Garden “Soranowa” | A Stunning Photo Spot Overlooking Beppu Bay
The garden “Soranowa,” located next to the Chukan building, is another spot you won’t want to miss. There are unique objects inspired by Oita specialties such as kabosu citrus and shiitake mushrooms, as well as the butterfly “Chestnut Tiger,” which uses Oita’s Himeshima as a resting place. This makes it a popular photo spot.
There is also a monument with the word “SUGINOI,” so be sure to take a commemorative photo.
A dome-shaped trampoline for children is also installed, so families can relax and enjoy the scenery together. It’s the perfect spot to spend time before check-in or after check-out.
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Extensive Facilities: Hot Springs, Pools, Bowling Alley, and More!
Not only the accommodation buildings but also the amusement facilities on the premises are a major attraction of Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel. Most of the facilities introduced here are located in the “Suginoi Palace,” and since all guests can use them regardless of which building they stay in, you can enjoy everything the hotel has to offer.
Grand Open-Air Bath Tanayu
The grand open-air bath “Tanayu” features a unique structure with five tiered baths arranged like terraced rice fields, offering panoramic views of Beppu Bay and the city’s nightscape. Highlights include the “Taruyu” and “Masuyu” baths, which come in various shapes, and the unique “Oto no Yu,” where you can enjoy sound and light performances. In the Löyly sauna, you can experience a luxurious sauna time with aromatic water and light effects. After the sauna, refresh your body and mind in the cool-down and relaxation area, where you can enjoy a cold bath while feeling the fresh air.
Outdoor Hot Spring Pool Aqua Garden
This outdoor hot spring pool can be enjoyed in swimwear. There are a variety of baths, including jet massage, walking baths, and waterfall baths, so both children and adults can have fun. When I visited, tropical music was playing, creating a resort pool atmosphere, and the area was always lively with many people.
In the shallow area, colorful balls float on the water, so even babies and small children can play safely.
At night, you can enjoy the fountain show "AQUA DREAMS Yunomachi Yumeya," a spectacular display of water, light, and sound, all while soaking in the hot spring.
Aquabeat (Limited-Time Operation)
The large indoor leisure pool "Aquabeat," open only during the summer season, is so impressive in scale that you would never guess it is attached to a hotel.
In addition to the lazy river "Aqua Beach" and water slides, there is the thrilling "Super Roulette," where you spin at high speed before plunging into a pool 170 cm deep, as well as a shallow kids' pool. Since it is only open during the summer season (scheduled to operate until November 1, 2026), be sure to check the schedule before your visit.
SUGINOI BOWL & PARK
Located on the third floor of Suginoi Palace, "SUGINOI BOWL & PARK" features an 18-lane bowling alley, as well as table tennis, billiards, darts, digital shooting games, and six karaoke rooms, offering a wide variety of entertainment options.
There is also an official Bandai "Gashapon®" specialty store nearby, where you can find a wide selection of capsule toys.
Hoshizora Komichi SHOP & GAME
On the first floor of Suginoi Palace, "Hoshizora Komichi SHOP & GAME" features a shop with about 2,000 souvenir items and an adjoining game corner. With such a wide selection, it is a must-visit for anyone looking for Oita souvenirs.
The game corner is filled with crane games, prize games, and sports games, making it a place where both adults and children can have a great time.
Each building at Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel—Sora-kan, Hoshi-kan, and Niji-kan—offers its own unique charm, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your travel style. This flexibility is one of the hotel's main attractions. Rooms tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to book early once you have decided on your stay.
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Beppu Onsen Suginoi Hotel
- Address: 1 Kankaiji, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by free shuttle bus from Beppu Station
- Check-in: From 15:00 Check-out: 11:00
- Official website: https://suginoi.orixhotelsandresorts.com/
- Reservations: Here
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