Suginoi Hotel, Beppu: My Stay at This Famous Japanese Onsen

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering about the best onsen experience? Let me give you the lowdown on the Suginoi Hotel in Beppu.

• ✔️ Is the Suginoi Hotel worth the hype?
• ✔️ What’s the best time to visit?
• ✔️ What are the standout features?

Absolutely! The Suginoi Hotel is fantastic, especially the Sorakan wing. The views from the onsen are unreal, the food is top-notch, and it’s a super relaxing experience.

What Makes the Suginoi Hotel Special?

The Suginoi Hotel in Beppu is a massive resort, and it’s famous for a reason. It’s got everything you could want for a relaxing holiday: amazing onsen, great food, and stunning views.

Getting There: A Smooth Start

I started my trip by flying into Oita Airport. The first thing that caught my eye was the hovercraft – zipping across the water looked pretty cool. It only runs a few times a day, but if the timing works, it’s a unique experience. I grabbed a rental car from Times Car Rental, which was super convenient as it was within walking distance of the airport.

The drive to the Suginoi Hotel was about 42km, a quick 40-minute trip on the highway.

Checking In & The Sorakan Wing

I booked a room in the Sorakan wing, which is the newest section of the hotel. Check-in was at 3 pm, so I dropped off my bags and took care of the paperwork early. From the lobby to the rooms, everything has a fresh, modern feel.

The room itself was spacious. I could easily fit two large suitcases without feeling cramped. The whole place had a premium feel, making the stay even more enjoyable.

Dinner & Drinks: Shida Palace Buffet

After a relaxing soak in the onsen, I headed to the Shida Palace buffet for dinner. It was a busy night, with lots of people, but that’s part of the experience.

The best part? Unlimited drinks! If you like your drinks, you’re in for a treat. I grabbed a bit of everything and the vibe felt like a lively izakaya. It really felt like I was in Beppu!

Yakiniku at Ariran Riku

On my second night, I opted for a quieter experience and booked a table at Ariran Riku, the yakiniku restaurant within the hotel. It was great to escape the busy buffet atmosphere and enjoy a private dining experience.

There’s an extra cost per person, but the quality of the meat was incredible. The beef was perfectly marbled and melted in my mouth. It was some of the best meat I’ve ever had.

Breakfast at Terrace

On the final morning, I made sure to get to the Terrace restaurant right at 7 am. I’d heard it gets busy after 7:30, and it was a good call. The food was delicious, with a great variety of options. The best part was eating while looking at the scenery outside. It was a relaxing way to start the day.

From the facilities to the service, the hotel staff were fantastic. I had a really pleasant stay.

Wrapping Up

After returning the rental car, I had a foot bath at the airport to relax before my flight. The flight back was nice and smooth. I got a great view of the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant and the Hoshu Ohashi Bridge from the plane, which was a nice way to end the trip.

The flight was short, but the memories of Beppu will last a long time. It was a fantastic way to kick off the year! If you’re looking for an onsen hotel to take your folks to, the Sorakan wing is a great choice. If you want to know how to book, let me know.