Located in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu—also known as the “Hot Spring Capital” of Japan—this destination boasts more than 2,000 hot spring sources and an astonishing 130,000 liters of spring water daily, making it a true paradise for onsen lovers. For this trip, we chose the Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei, situated by the scenic Beppu Bay, with convenient access and breathtaking sea views—a perfect place for a relaxing and rejuvenating hot spring retreat.
Booking URL for Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1896961&hid=298997
This was the final stop of our Kyushu trip, and we had specifically planned a visit to the famous hot spring town of Beppu. For convenience, we took a highway bus from the Hakata Tenjin Bus Terminal in Fukuoka to Beppu Kitahama Station, which took about two and a half hours. The ride wasn’t too long—in fact, it gave me a chance to zone out and enjoy the peaceful countryside scenery along the way.
While on the bus, I flipped through a travel guide to see what attractions Beppu had to offer, thinking about how to make the most of our short time in the hot spring capital. As we approached Beppu, wisps of steam began rising from the ground outside the window—like something out of a movie scene—and I instantly felt the excitement: “We’ve finally arrived in the land of onsen!”
Location – Easy Access on Foot, Great Transport and Surroundings
Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei is located in the Kitahama area of Beppu City, making it a prime choice for accommodation along Beppu Bay. Whether you’re arriving by car from Oita Airport or on foot from the city’s main stations, the hotel is very accessible. From Oita Airport, it takes about 40 minutes by car to reach the hotel.
We chose to travel from Fukuoka, taking a highway bus that brought us to Beppu Kitahama Station in around 2.5 hours. From there, it was only a 3-minute walk to the hotel—flat and easy, even with luggage. The short walk was lined with local shops, already giving us a taste of the laid-back charm of this hot spring town.
If you’re arriving by JR train, you can also walk from Beppu Station in about 15 minutes. Whether by train or bus, it’s a hassle-free journey—very friendly for independent travelers.
The area around the hotel is also well-equipped. Just a short walk away are local landmarks like Beppu Tower and a lively shopping street, with easy access to Don Quijote, convenience stores, supermarkets, and local restaurants. You won’t have to worry about where to eat, even at night.
Additionally, the local sightseeing bus terminal is nearby, making it super easy to tour Beppu’s major hot spring attractions and the famous “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour).
Hotel Overview – Seven-Story Building with a Japanese Garden
Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei is a seven-story building with a total of 40 guest rooms, offering a variety of room types including both Japanese-style and Western-style accommodations to suit different travelers. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM, which is typical for traditional Japanese inns.
Although the exterior shows some signs of age, the interior has been renovated and is very well maintained. It retains the elegant atmosphere of a classic Japanese ryokan. The moment you step into the first-floor lobby, you’re greeted by a refined, traditional Japanese ambiance. There’s even a small Japanese garden on-site—charming and peaceful—creating a soothing space to begin your stay.
While it’s not a trendy, modern hotel, the front desk staff were welcoming and courteous. Some employees can speak Chinese or English, making the stay more comfortable for international guests. Overall, the warm hospitality left a very pleasant first impression.
Oceanview Twin Room – Front-Row Relaxation Facing the Sea
For this stay, we booked the Oceanview Twin Room, which features Western-style beds. Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei also offers Japanese-style tatami rooms, so guests can choose based on their preference. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and fully equipped with everything we needed.
What I loved most was the large floor-to-ceiling window. With the curtains drawn open, we had a direct view of the calm ocean and sky over Beppu Bay. On a clear day, you can even see a beautiful sunrise and the vivid blue sea. Although it was rainy during our visit, quietly sipping tea by the window and watching the waves shimmer in the gentle rain was still incredibly relaxing and soothing.
The room was tidy and spacious, and both the mattress and pillows were just the right firmness, giving me a restful night’s sleep. As I’ve gotten older, sleep quality has become increasingly important to me—especially the comfort of the bed, which often shapes my entire impression of a hotel. Fortunately, my sleep at Mimatsu Oetei was excellent, and I woke up refreshed and ready for the day.
Amenities included air conditioning, a safe, a TV on a combined cabinet-desk unit, a mini fridge, tea set, hair dryer, electric kettle, and a small vanity mirror. The closet was also stocked with yukata robes, perfect for a stroll or a soak in the hot spring.
Though the bathroom wasn’t very large, it was designed with a separate wet and dry area, kept very clean with no unpleasant odors—giving a sense of comfort and cleanliness. There was even a small private indoor onsen tub, which is a convenient option for those who prefer not to leave the room.
That said, since we were in Beppu, the onsen capital, we definitely couldn’t miss the natural hot springs outside the room. So we headed up to the hotel’s rooftop open-air bath and also explored the famous “hell” hot spring areas in town to fully experience the magic of Beppu onsen.
Rooftop Open-Air Bath × Cypress Indoor Tub – Soothing Sea Views and Skin-Loving Hot Springs All in One
The hot springs at Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei use freely flowing natural sodium bicarbonate spring water. This type of spring is known to promote blood circulation, while also providing moisturizing and beautifying effects for the skin. It’s gentle and soothing—an especially popular choice among female travelers.
There are two main bathing facilities in the hotel. On the third floor, you’ll find a serene indoor bath with a calming scent of Japanese cypress. It’s a quiet, elegant space—ideal for travelers seeking a moment of solitude and relaxation during their journey. But what captivated me most was the open-air bath located on the rooftop.
Though not particularly large, the rooftop bath offers an unbeatable panoramic ocean view. During the day, you can gaze out over the seamless horizon where sea meets sky; at night, you can look up at the stars while listening to the sound of waves crashing below. It’s an immersive experience that soothes both body and soul.
Whether indoors or outdoors, soaking in these baths was incredibly relaxing. We were lucky enough to have the baths entirely to ourselves during our visit—pure bliss!
Note: The outdoor shower area for the open-air bath is located outside, so if you’re visiting during winter, consider adjusting your bathing time based on your tolerance for cold to avoid catching a chill.
Excellent Dining – Renowned Kaiseki Meals at the Hotel
The Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei offers a popular “dinner and breakfast included” plan that’s well-loved by guests. Dinner features a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal served in-house, with carefully prepared dishes that blend the local flavors of Oita with fresh seafood. Many online reviewers praise the quality and presentation of the cuisine. Breakfast is a classic Japanese set meal—nutritious, balanced, and full of flavor—providing a sense of thoughtful hospitality right from the start of the day.
That said, whenever we travel, we always enjoy stepping out of the hotel to explore local eateries and izakayas—and this trip was no exception. Beppu’s city center offers a wide variety of dining options, from hell-steamed dishes and Bungo beef yakiniku to ramen shops and local sushi spots. For food lovers who enjoy a bit of culinary exploration, customizing your own meal itinerary adds even more fun to the journey.
Facilities & Services
Although Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei is a property with some history, the interior is very well maintained. The entire facility is clean, orderly, and infused with the warm, elegant charm characteristic of traditional Japanese inns.
The lobby offers a special yukata rental service, allowing guests to dress up in traditional attire for photos or a stroll around town. In the evenings, live piano performances add a touch of refinement to the atmosphere, making guests feel welcomed the moment they step inside.
The staff are courteous and welcoming, especially during check-in, where their patience and hospitality left a strong impression. Some staff members speak Chinese or English, which is a definite plus for international travelers.
There’s also an on-site souvenir shop that blends local character with convenience—perfect for picking up small gifts or keepsakes before checking out. Among the various Beppu-exclusive items, the most eye-catching is a hot spring facial mask designed around the theme of “hell onsen water.” The packaging is cute with a unique, playful design inspired by Beppu’s famous hot springs—great for personal use or as a quirky, practical gift. For travelers who love collecting local specialties, this little shop is well worth a visit!
Travel Tips – Close to the Hell Tour and Beppu Tower
Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei is conveniently located near many of Beppu’s most famous sightseeing spots. Just a short walk away is the main sightseeing bus terminal, making it easy to kick off your Beppu adventure. One of the most recommended routes is the “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour), which is about a 20-minute bus ride away. This classic itinerary combines various natural wonders with hot spring culture—an unmissable experience for first-time visitors to Beppu.
The hotel is also close to the port, providing great access for travelers looking to continue their journey by sea. From here, you can catch a ferry to Osaka, Saga, or even connect to the Shikoku region. For our own trip, we wrapped up our Kyushu travels by taking a ferry from Beppu Port to Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture—a perfect extension to the journey. The scenic coastal views from the boat added to the charm. For independent travelers who enjoy exploring multiple destinations, this is an ideal and efficient way to get around.
Overall Impression – Great Location × Oceanview Rooftop Onsen × Warm Japanese Hospitality = Excellent Value
Taking into account its location, sea views, onsen facilities, dining quality, and overall service, Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei offers one of the best value stays in the Beppu onsen area. While the building itself is older, the interiors are very well maintained—both the guest rooms and bath facilities are clean, comfortable, and feel well cared for.
What left the strongest impression was the rooftop open-air bath with ocean views, and the guest rooms facing the sea. This stay marked a perfect end to our Kyushu journey and left me thinking, “I’d love to come back again someday.”
The hotel’s transportation access is also excellent—whether you’re arriving by bus from Fukuoka or walking from JR Beppu Station, it’s easy to reach. With supermarkets, restaurants, and shopping streets nearby, the surrounding area is convenient and welcoming. For travelers who aren’t driving, this hotel is both a practical and comfortable choice.
Note: All information in this article is based on the time of writing, including pricing and tax details. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the hotel directly.
Hotel Information – Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei
Booking URL for Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1896961&hid=298997
Address: 3-14-17 Kitahama, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture 874-0920, Japan
Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Beppu Station; around 3 minutes on foot from Beppu Kitahama Bus Stop
Official Website: 官方網站連結