Ryokan Kiraku — Hotel in Beppu

I had difficulty selecting a lodging in Beppu because I know that it is quite a large onsen city. One thing I knew for sure was that I wanted a small cozy place that's traditional, as opposed to a hotel. When I narrowed down my choices to 4 places of the same range, I chose Ryokan Kiraku because it was the only one that provided shuttle service to and from JR Beppu station, and also because it had an option for rooms with private toilets and sinks.||I tried reaching the hotel through booking.com to let the hotel know that I will be arriving at around 12:30 PM - so the staff could pick me up, but I didn't hear back in a timely manner and nobody was at the JR station to pick me up. When I called, the man who picked up the phone said, "Sorry no shuttle bus. After 2 PM only", and I was a bit disappointed.||Assuming I would be picked up, I didn't study the route in details, and couldn't figure out how to get there. Fortunately there was a Tourist Info Center at the train station, so the lady advised me to take the bus and get off in Kannawa.||The bus ride was about 20 minutes. Since there were many ryokans in the area, and I didn't have a map of the ryokan with me, I stopped by Sukinoi Bus Terminal (opposite the Kannawa bus stop) to ask for directions. Either because the Google Map they had was inaccurate, or the lady misread the map, I ended up at the wrong property and had to call the ryokan again. Fortunately it was very close by - so the ryokan staff was able to walk to the bus stop and get me.||They said check in was 2:00 PM (and it was 1:30 PM already), so they didn't give me a room, but I was ok with it and went to get lunch nearby and then use wi-fi at the 7-eleven. Afterwards, the same man who picked me up allowed me to check in and explained the facilities and services (onsen time for male and female; dinner time, breakfast, etc.) The time slots were quite confusing, so I had to write them down.||What I really liked was that most (if not all) of the main jikoku's were really close and within walking distance. However, if you expect to see many restaurants and shops, you need to stay right in the centre of Beppu.||Even though I wrote down the onsen time slots, I still got confused. The man told me the indoor onsen was for women only from 3:00-6:30 PM, but when I went, I had the sign "Occupied" at the door, as it was being used as a private bath. Then after dinner I went to the one outdoor, which was supposed to be for women only, but also saw the "Occupied" sign and heard a few men and women in there!?! I ended up in a smaller bath next door, but the water temperature was so hot beyond what's bearable (around 51 degrees celcius). What I disliked about the outdoor onsen is that it is in the parking lot area, and this means you have to cross the road to go there, which can be so awkward in your yukata and in freezing temperature.||The kaiseiki dinner was mediocre and didn't feature steamed seafood from the bay as advertised. On the other hand, it came with fried chicken as the main course.||The room was clean, but smelled of cigarette smoke either from previous guests or other rooms. There was also no heated toilet seat or hot water, as the property is quite old.||This ryokan is family-run, and only the son can speak some English. It would help if they can provide some signs in English.||The good thing was that now they have wi-fi. (Previously they didn't) And on the way back, I got a ride to JR Beppu station. It was an ok stay, but I'm not sure if I can...

I had difficulty selecting a lodging in Beppu because I know that it is quite a large onsen city. One thing I knew for sure was that I wanted a small cozy place that's traditional, as opposed to a hotel. When I narrowed down my choices to 4 places of the same range, I chose Ryokan Kiraku because it was the only one that provided shuttle service to and from JR Beppu station, and also because it had an option for rooms with private toilets and sinks.||I tried reaching the hotel through booking.com to let the hotel know that I will be arriving at around 12:30 PM - so the staff could pick me up, but I didn't hear back in a timely manner and nobody was at the JR station to pick me up. When I called, the man who picked up the phone said, "Sorry no shuttle bus. After 2 PM only", and I was a bit disappointed.||Assuming I would be picked up, I didn't study the route in details, and couldn't figure out how to get there. Fortunately there was a Tourist Info Center at the train station, so the lady advised me to take the bus and get off in Kannawa.||The bus ride was about 20 minutes. Since there were many ryokans in the area, and I didn't have a map of the ryokan with me, I stopped by Sukinoi Bus Terminal (opposite the Kannawa bus stop) to ask for directions. Either because the Google Map they had was inaccurate, or the lady misread the map, I ended up at the wrong property and had to call the ryokan again. Fortunately it was very close by - so the ryokan staff was able to walk to the bus stop and get me.||They said check in was 2:00 PM (and it was 1:30 PM already), so they didn't give me a room, but I was ok with it and went to get lunch nearby and then use wi-fi at the 7-eleven. Afterwards, the same man who picked me up allowed me to check in and explained the facilities and services (onsen time for male and female; dinner time, breakfast, etc.) The time slots were quite confusing, so I had to write them down.||What I really liked was that most (if not all) of the main jikoku's were really close and within walking distance. However, if you expect to see many restaurants and shops, you need to stay right in the centre of Beppu.||Even though I wrote down the onsen time slots, I still got confused. The man told me the indoor onsen was for women only from 3:00-6:30 PM, but when I went, I had the sign "Occupied" at the door, as it was being used as a private bath. Then after dinner I went to the one outdoor, which was supposed to be for women only, but also saw the "Occupied" sign and heard a few men and women in there!?! I ended up in a smaller bath next door, but the water temperature was so hot beyond what's bearable (around 51 degrees celcius). What I disliked about the outdoor onsen is that it is in the parking lot area, and this means you have to cross the road to go there, which can be so awkward in your yukata and in freezing temperature.||The kaiseiki dinner was mediocre and didn't feature steamed seafood from the bay as advertised. On the other hand, it came with fried chicken as the main course.||The room was clean, but smelled of cigarette smoke either from previous guests or other rooms. There was also no heated toilet seat or hot water, as the property is quite old.||This ryokan is family-run, and only the son can speak some English. It would help if they can provide some signs in English.||The good thing was that now they have wi-fi. (Previously they didn't) And on the way back, I got a ride to JR Beppu station. It was an ok stay, but I'm not sure if I can...

We had an enjoyable stay at this ryokan. They happily stored our luggage when we arrived early. We reserved a Japanese room with a shared bathroom. The shared bathroom facilities were clean and in good condition. Wifi was strong and dependable.||||The facilities at the inn were well-maintained. We attempted the outdoor onsen (private by reservation) but my two children and I found it unbearably hot. We went down to the indoor onsen (available privately after 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.) which was more tolerable. Very spacious. Decent shower facilities there as well. We used it two evenings at 10 p.m., and I used it one morning at 5 a.m. Incredibly relaxing!||||Breakfast was massive - sooo many foods!! Our group of three ate in a private room our first morning, and in the small dining area our second morning. The dining area has drinking water and coffee, as well as a vending machine.||||We really appreciated the private shuttle to the station. The ryokan is also a 3- or so-minute walk to Kannawa bus station. That's the perfect point for heading out towards the two farthest jigoku. The other five are within walking distance. Also, a 7-11 is within a five-minute walk. The area is quite striking, with steam rising everywhere!||||We appreciated the kind, friendly service from the staff. If they were unable to answer a question, they would find someone who could. My son also noticed, "They are always running!" No one ever made us wait, and got back to us promptly.||||Very relaxing...