An Unforgettable Stay – Truly the Best Ryokan Experience in Kyushu My trip to Beppu wouldn’t have been complete without staying at SEKIYA RESORT Bettei Haruki — it was absolutely perfect. Having experienced many onsen stays across Japan — from Kanto, Yokohama, Izu to Kansai — I can confidently say that the service, environment, and value for money here were truly outstanding. From the moment we arrived, the host (possibly the owner) warmly helped us with our luggage and made us feel completely at home. While waiting to check in, we were shown an easy-to-understand instruction video that was filmed on-site — a thoughtful and practical touch. Throughout the stay, the host was incredibly attentive, confirming our meal preferences and dinner times with great care. It genuinely felt like we were being welcomed into someone's home. A special highlight — as it was summer, we were greeted with unlimited Ramune soda as a welcome drink, which was not only refreshing but also incredibly heartwarming. After settling in, we enjoyed the private outdoor onsen just outside our room. Because the ryokan only has a limited number of rooms, we had plenty of privacy and time to enjoy the tranquil garden view — which was absolutely beautiful. Dinner was the true showstopper. I’ve had kaiseki meals at many ryokans before, and often found them lacking in quantity or taste — but not here. This was Michelin-level dining, from the appetizers to dessert. The shabu-shabu was unforgettable, featuring high-quality, locally sourced Kyushu beef that was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I genuinely believe this was the best kaiseki meal I’ve ever had — and I’ve tried many. To make it even more special, the host personally served each course in our room, with perfect pacing and care. I would honestly return to Beppu just for this dinner. On the day of check-out, the host saw us off at the door with such warmth — we truly didn’t want to leave. We kept talking about how incredible

We booked Haruki for a birthday celebration, and it was an excellent choice. The whole family loved it, especially the private family onsen, which made it extra special. The zen garden was very calming. The cherry blossoms were beautiful. It was located right next to the river lined with cherry blossom trees, which was heavenly to stroll through. The staff was truly lovely, always service with a smile, attentive, and loads of great local recommendations. The ryokan was full when we stayed, but we never bumped into any other guests and had access to a private onsen (there are 3) when we wanted. It felt very private and peaceful. The room was good size. Recommend the delicious breakfast option for the experience. It was good value for the service, quality, and facilities.

It was perfect!

What an amazing 1st Ryokan experience! I'm so glad we booked Bettei Haruki after hours of research for a small, traditional Japanese Ryokan with an in-room onsen/hot springs bath, tatami floors, comfortable futons and in-room kaseiki dinner and teishoku breakfast. The room was just what I was looking for and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The staff were amazing and the food was perfection! Our meals were generous with a great variety of dishes showcasing local ingredients. We booked the Nazuna which had a nice little patio and the hot springs bath was just the right size for Hubby and I. One of the most memorable stays we've had!

The ryokan is far from the main area of Beppu and the Hells, which we didn't mind as we enjoyed the walks. With dinner and breakfast included, we didn't really need to worry about food so it was perfect for us!

Just arrived home from a two week vacation in Japan and the first thing I had to do was write about Bettei Haruki and its incredible staff, especially Yoshida san. Location is great, you won’t need anything else except to enjoy the peaceful property, relaxing onsen/ private onsens, and delicious food. Staff and service outstanding. We came early in the morning and were warmly greeted by Yen san and Ono san, who took care of our luggage while we took a taxi to the Hells of Beppu which are incredibly old hot springs which are distinguished by their bright blue and murky red/ brown colors. Later at check in we were greeted and taken care of by Yoshida san, who showed immense dedication into making sure we had the perfect stay. He succeeded, as we had an amazing experience from start to finish. We were able to relax in the onsens before dinner which was so incredible tasty our jaws dropped when we saw our intricate meals designed with incredible detail. Yoshida san explained all the dishes to us and we were surprised with how well the meal flowed. To me it was the best food out of our whole trip, and we had already had many kaiseki meals. The story it told really set it apart. Exceptional quality. Kind Yoshida san answered all the questions my dad (a retired sushi chef) and our family had about the food and the property. In the morning, Ireto san took great care of us for our breakfast which was also very good and not too heavy. Yoshida san even wrote us a little letter expressing his gratitude and we were so touched. Thank you so much Yoshida san and all the staff of Bettei Haruki!! We will never forget such outstanding food and exceptional service.

During our stay at Bettei Haruki, we were delighted by its prime location, just a short walk from some of Beppu’s most beautiful onsens. The ryokan itself offers private onsen facilities, providing a serene and intimate bathing experience. The highlight of our visit was the exquisite dinner—each dish was a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the finest local ingredients. The warm hospitality of our hosts, Riyota and Mori, made us feel truly welcome and added a personal touch to our stay. For those seeking a blend of traditional charm, exceptional cuisine, and genuine hospitality, Bettei Haruki is an outstanding choice.

Staff are friendly and helpful. Spacious room with toilet inside the room. We are free to use 3 private bathroom outside the room with hot spring. We took the dinner which was good. We particularly like the sashimi and Wagubeef. Very fresh and delicious. 7-eleven is just within a couple of minutes walking distance. We enjoy our stay.

We went in the summer. When my son went to use the bathroom outside in the evening, he got 3 mosquito bites.

Staff using translator app to communicate with me is very considerate. We had some very nice casual chat even though I know only very limited amount of japanese. The Kabosu and plum wine for dinner was so good i ordered an extra glass of it even though it wasnt on the drink menu lol The design of the onsen area is very esthetic too. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you are looking for more traditional japanese style hotel stay experience.

We loved everything about this ryokan! The room, the onsen, the food, and the service were all excellent. We felt as if we were staying in a 5-star hotel with very attentive and considerate hospitality. The generous and delicious kaiseki dinners and the abundant teishoku breakfasts were a highlight. This is truly a place where you can eat well and completely relax.

The food was amazing. First time experience with Kaiseki menu and everything was exceptional down to the appetiser drinks. Loved that the menu showcased a lot of regional specialties to Kyushu, especially Oita prefecture. The location next to a stream was very peaceful. We enjoyed sitting and listening to the river. In room onset was great though the water from the hot spring is very very very hot (good thing they warn you in the introduction video) and loved the little touches such as females being able to pick their own Yukata pattern. Futons were very comfortable and plenty of tea and coffee available in room. A special thanks to our Ryokan host, Ryota, who tried his best to convey everything to us in English (and did so very well) and extended every hospitality possible to in an impeccable manner. We would 100% return.

Almost nothing! Maybe the cleanliness of the outdoor chairs but that is nitpicking!

Staff were very helpful in particular Ryota who helped us with many requests including travel arrangements. The room was comfortable and spacious enabling us to relax easily. The food was a real treat.

The checkout process was appalling as there was the initial advice that my credit card (used to secure the Booking) was unable to be used to pay for the stay. It took around twenty minutes for this process to be finally resolved and we nearly missed our travel connection because of the delay.