Hozanso — Hotel in Beppu

ONSEN review: entrance ¥400 for the public onsen, ¥1300 for the private for 2 people 1 hour. Shampoos provided, you need to bring your own towel. Beppu onsen stamp at the reception. Operating hours for non guests 10:00 - 15:00.

I used the private onsen for 2 people. There are more onsen facilities like an outdoor private onsen for 2-3 people and private bedrock bath with different prices.

Private onsen was on the opposite building of the reception. You will be given a key to unlock it which you need to return after you finish. Retro traditional style with no changing room, as soon as you enter you are in the bathing area. A small piece of wood on the floor and two baskets for your clothes is the changing place. You will also be given a basket with a hair-dryer to use later and a towel to place on the wooden box for your feet.

There is a shower head with a stool next to the tub to wash up yourself or you use the water straight from the onsen. Be careful not to splash water at the changing corner. The floor is made of big stone tiles, the walls are mostly made of wood. The tub is small size, square shape, made of wood. The water is transparent and gives a nice feeling on your skin. Measured the water temperature flowing in and it was 90.2°C, of course you can add cold water to cool down the tub. Even though the whole area is small there is a big window which allows plenty of natural light. The facilities were well maintained, clean and had a nice retro feeling.

If you want to use the hair-dryer you use the plug in the common area for the other onsen, on your way to the reception to return the key, don't forget to lock again before you go. The reception staff was very friendly and there are two cute cats going around!

Alkaline spring, source temperature 97.9°C, pH 9, metasilicic acid 274mg, gensen...

This was my first onsen experience and I have to say that it was really great! The water was so hot that it took time for me to fully submerge in the hot spring. Better to have scalding hot shower first to get used to the temperature.||||The people in Hozanso were also very nice to us and try hard to communicate using English/Korean since we hardly know any Japanese.||||The traditional Japanese breakfast included in the room we paid for was good. Nothing exceptional but I guess it's the experience that counts.||||The room we stayed in was also nice and clean. The futon was surprisingly soft. It was my first time sleeping on a futon and I thought it would still feel like sleeping on the floor.||||Overall, I had a wonderful experience and would stay here again if I go...

Extra charge for bath or shower (¥250/person, cash only), and there’s no shower facilities but only toilet inside the room. Charging ¥500 for 1 yrd to 2 yrd child with no service for them, neither extra bed nor shower facilities. Hot spring water is not clean makes my skin alleric with rash appear. The temperature is too hot for 1yrd child too. Recommended only for backpackers, but the price is unreasonably high. The receptionist is not friendly at all, neglecting your questions sometimes. For travelers with family, with children especially, it’s not convenient that no warm waters for them to wash their hands in the room. The actual environmental is different with the photos on the website. Old facilities with high price is not acceptable. If I can score...