This place truly felt like a dream, with a tranquil river, waterfall, luscious greenery and the faint hum of animals and nature. Our stay in the air conditioned treehouse was exceptional, with futons that, while firmer, offered a uniquely comfortable rest. The seclusion of the spot made it feel like a private slice of paradise. The river and waterfall were so serene that I could spend hours simply relaxing on their sun loungers by the edge. There is also a cafe across the river that is run by a wife and husband duo that is only accessible by walking or driving on a path through a scenic rice paddy. It had sushi, pizza, noodles and more that was delicious and worth trying! The lodge also offers a range of riverside activites such as saunas, bike riding, a fire-pit for evening relaxation, and water rafting. The rafting and the peaceful moments floating in the river were core memories from my stay and a must try!

We were really looking forward to our stay in Bungo-Oita as a time to decompress from city traveling and connect to nature. Lodge Kiyokawa offered that and so much more - the available activities (bonfires, day trips to Mt. Aso, local waterfalls and gorges, kayaking on the river, to name a few) made us regret not staying longer, and the staff were really wonderful. We enjoyed our meals at the lodge but would have probably planned a little better by shopping for our own groceries if we stayed longer. Renting a car to get around the area is highly recommended. We will definitely work a stay at Lodge Kiyokawa into our plans the next time we're in Japan!

For those in our party with back issues, the beds and futon were VERY firm.

Location was stunning, with a beautiful riverside setting in a serene little valley. Treehouse accommodation was warm and cozy, and a very unique experience that I’d recommend to anyone looking to get out of the city and enjoy the countryside. Staff was helpful, and friendly and the BBQ beef experience was expensive but very high quality A5 Wagyu, and fresh local produce. Plus, the house made pickled radishes were a lovely addition to the meal.

Lots of extra activities on site to take part in, although the price point for some of them seems slightly steep. Not a bad thing necessarily, however if you’re planning on experiencing everything the lodge has to offer such as the saunas or bike rental, prepare to shell out some additional cash on top of your accommodation fees.

If you wanna enjoy a few days outside the city in a fantastic and beautifull place, this is 100% the place to be, you can do alot of activities, rafting, ebiking, sauna.... They also can pick you up from the station or bring you to the grocery store for free. And if you dont wanna do anything and just relax you can just sit by the river and listen to the nature, water and sometimes even the bonfire that is also fine. This all in combination with the super friendly staff. Have made this one of my best experience in Japan for sure.

This is a one of a kind experience in Japan, getting to go "glamping" in the countryside. Even the treehouses here have air conditioning. the womens' dorm is in a wood cabin that is gorgeous, and smells nice, like the different wood it was constructed of, a reminder that the river is only a few meters away. The property not only has bamboo and and other forests, but a mushroom growing area, fruit trees, and then all the normal things a river camp needs like bicycles, sauna tents, rafts/paddles( across the river to the waterfall ) , super soakers and other toys, and many different types of BBQs. and if they don't have something, the amazing staff will get it for you. I didn't come in a car, they picked me up at the train station, and they arranged 2 different, discounted price, tours for me, of the big waterfalls, and the cave. The kitchen here had everything I needed, and there is a restaurant here , too. There is local foodie culture , with a lovely farm market and regional artisanal products for sale. ( and, of course, the usual vending machine ) Multiple areas to sit and look at the river in shaded picnic areas, or from behind huge windows in the air conditioned lounge. Activities like outdoor movie night, and campfires, are scheduled for each day of the week. If you are headed to Beppu, I highly recommend you taking the hour detour for a visit out here, even if its just for the day, to do the "JOKI =sauna, river, repeat."

Great location, lovely staff speaking both English and Japanese. I initially booked the dorm but it was quite full and felt stuffy so I upgraded to the treehouse which was great. Super comfortable (although I was there alone so I doubled up the futon and duvets, I wonder if it would be a little less comfortable if used as single)

BBQ meals were great but I think I undercooked the chicken. Totally my fault, but if I fully cooked it, seemed a bit tough. Wagyu was super fatty so be warned if you’re eating it on your own, it’s a lot of fat!! ¥9000 for a solo person in the tree house would be a little steep I think, but they gave me an on-the-day discount since I was on my own.

A really cool place to stay! All the staff were friendly and very helpful. Very responsive to messages and questions. The shuttle service was amazing and convenient as someone who travels by public transportation. There is so much to do at the lodge. They have saunas, you can swim in the river; there are also inflatable rafts, bikes, bathing suits, and BBQ equipment available for renting. If you are ever passing between Kumamoto and Oita, you should stop by!

I loved my stay at Lodge Kiyokawa, a completely relaxing experience I was able to do things at my own pace, in a beautiful location right on a river and with the availability to walk and hike nearby or rent a bicycle and cycle to places nearby. I had two nights of dinner and I had the beef and have to say it was so delicious, I'd go so far as to say possibly the best I've had in my 5 weeks here! All in all I really enjoyed Lodge Kiyokawa, very friendly staff included, I would definitely return.

Awesome place right next to a beautiful river. The room is just big enough for 2 and has an ac. They have free activities each day and lots of fun options. The sauna is new and relaxing and the cold plunge water was great! The hosts speak perfect English and were very hospitable and kind. Definitely recommend for families, couples and friends. Don’t miss this place!

Weak WiFi

My stay at Lodge Kiyokawa in Kyushu was like stepping into a hidden slice of paradise; the treehouses felt like cozy nests high among the trees, with the river's gentle murmur as my lullaby. Alex and Masato, made sure every meal was a delight, and their suggestions for hiking and biking turned my trip into an unforgettable blend of relaxation and adventure.