Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Koraku Beppu's Hidden Luxury Awaits!
Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Koraku Beppu - My Brain Dump After a Week of Pure Bliss (and a Whole Lot of Onsen)
Okay, alright, listen up. I just got back from Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Koraku Beppu. And let me tell you… My brain feels like it's still fizzing with onsen steam, and my socks are delightfully not smelling of damp concrete anymore. I’m going to be honest: normally I’m a "budget travel with a questionable backpack" kinda gal. But this… this was a splurge. And DAMN, was it worth it.
Accessibility: (Because, Real Talk, We Gotta Include Everyone)
Okay, so I didn't need it personally, but I spent a good chunk of time trying to be a respectful observer because I saw a guest using a wheelchair was having a whale of a time. Based on what I saw, Koraku Beppu seems dedicated to accessibility. They had elevators (YES!), ramps, and I definitely spotted accessible rooms. It really made me feel good knowing that someone with mobility challenges could also experience this slice of heaven.
Check-in - Smooth as Silk (and a Little Bit Embarrassing On My Part)
Look, navigating Japanese hotels can sometimes feel like trying to disassemble a nuclear reactor with chopsticks. But Koraku Beppu? Effortless. They have contactless check-in/out (thank the heavens!), which is great for avoiding awkward small talk, and a private check-in option, which I actually used because I managed to lose my passport mere minutes before arriving. Mortifying, but the staff were incredibly understanding and helped me sort it without batting an eye. Seriously, they were angels, offering soothing green tea and a calming presence. Made me feel like I was a VIP even while being a total mess.
The Rooms: My Own Little Sanctuary (With a Bathtub to Die For)
First of all, let me just say: Air conditioning in public areas (AND in my room, duh!). It’s a godsend in the Beppu heat. My room (non-smoking – hurrah!) was a haven. The bathtub? Forget it. It was bigger than my tiny Tokyo apartment. Bathtub! With Separate shower/bathtub! I spent hours in there, soaking in the complimentary tea and watching the on-demand movies. The blackout curtains were a LIFESAVER for sleep, and there was a window that opens so you could breathe in that crisp mountain air. I also loved the slippers and bathrobes – I'm now living in them back home, just FYI. The Internet access – Wi-Fi [free] in the room was a life-saver for planning my onsen hopping adventure.
High floor rooms give you an amazing view, and honestly, it's worth paying extra for. It's what makes this place tick. Forget about any other thing. The view. Seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food! (And That Breakfast…)
Okay, food. Let's talk about food. I'm a vegetarian – which, let's be honest, can be a challenge in some corners of Japan. But Koraku Beppu nailed it. The vegetarian restaurant was AMAZING. They offered alternative meal arrangements too. Seriously, I ate the best veggie tempura of my life!
And THE breakfast [buffet]… Oh. My. God. Don't even get me started. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you want it, they got it! Buffet in restaurant was a feast for the eyes and the belly. Think fluffy omelets, fresh fruit, beautiful pastries, and a whole selection of traditional Japanese dishes. The coffee shop was a must-visit for a mid-morning pick-me-up. The Poolside bar was dreamy. Happy hour meant I got a great deal on drinks and snacks.
The restaurants themselves are pretty amazing. There's Asian cuisine in the restaurant and International cuisine in the restaurant. Daily disinfection in common areas so I could truly relax and enjoy all the deliciousness. The bars and restaurants all had options for cashless payment service so you can go crazy. And for late-night munchies? Room service [24-hour]! I may or may not have ordered a soup in a restaurant at 3 am after a particularly amazing onsen session.
Also, important note: Individually-wrapped food options and a Safe dining setup made me feel super comfortable with how clean everything was.
The Onsen… The Onsen!! (My Spiritual Awakening)
Right, so I came to Beppu for the onsen. And Koraku Beppu did not disappoint.
Pool with view? Check. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Spa/sauna? Check. Steamroom? CHECK. Sauna? CH… Okay, you get the idea.
I lost count of how many times I soaked in the swimming pool or the several foot baths they have. Seriously. Ways to relax include everything from the body scrub to the massage. They even offer a spa! I emerged from the onsen feeling like a brand new human. Seriously – my skin felt like silk. I've been to onsen before, but their setup is just… special. The views from the outdoor baths are breathtaking, and you can just feel all your stress melting away into the hot spring water. This truly went above and beyond. This is the essence of this hotel.
Things To Do (Besides Being Pampered Silly)
Okay, so things to do. I mean, I spent a lot of time relaxing. But, the hotel has a fitness center to work out with. There's a shrine on the grounds for a bit of cultural immersion. There are other things to do outside the hotel. They have a gift/souvenir shop and the convenience store is super handy. Beppu itself is a hotbed of geothermal activity, with tons of other onsen, interesting shops, and amazing food.
Cleanliness and Safety: Making Me Feel Safe (And Happy About It)
Look, I’m a bit paranoid, but I need to feel safe. And Koraku Beppu totally delivered on the safety front. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Plus, the staff were trained in safety protocol. They use Anti-viral cleaning products and offer professional-grade sanitizing services. Plus, hand sanitizer everywhere. They also have a first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call. I never felt like my health or safety was a concern. Everything was clean, and the whole vibe was chilled out and relaxing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
I was impressed with the extra little touches. They have a concierge who was helpful and friendly. There's daily housekeeping to keep your room spotless. You can access luggage storage, laundry service, and even dry cleaning! I took advantage of the ironing service because, let’s be honest, I’m a messy packer. The elevator made life super easy, and having a car park [free of charge] was a massive plus. They even offered bicycle parking!
For the Kids: Something for Everyone!
While I didn’t need it, I saw families around all the time. They have babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal options. The hotel seems very family/child friendly.
The Minor Quirks (Because Nothing is Perfect)
Okay, honestly, the only real "flaw" (and I'm being very nitpicky) was that I wished the hotel had pets allowed (though the world is better with them). But the terrace was an oasis of calm. The smoking area was well-hidden, which is good for non-smokers. The seminars and meetings seemed very professional.
Getting Around:
They offer both taxi service and airport transfer.
The Offer: Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Koraku Beppu – Your Escape to Paradise!
Are you ready to experience pure bliss? We're offering a special package combining a luxurious stay at Unbelievable Japan Hotel: Koraku Beppu with a personalized wellness retreat.
Here's what you get:
- Luxurious Accommodation: Choose from a range of stunning rooms, each with breathtaking views, private onsen access, and all the amenities you could dream of (including free Wi-Fi and a bathtub so incredible, you'll never want to leave).
- Daily Onsen Ritual: Immerse yourself in the healing waters of the hotel's legendary onsen, with multiple pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
- Culinary Journey: Savor delicious meals at the hotel's acclaimed restaurants, featuring both traditional Japanese cuisine and international favorites. Enjoy the included breakfast buffet and treat yourself to happy hour specials at the bar.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Explore the wonders of Beppu with access to nearby attractions.
- **Complimentary
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to navigate the steaming, sulfurous, and utterly captivating chaos that is Beppu, Japan. Specifically, the legendary Hotel Koraku. And lemme tell you, I'm already sweating (and not just from the onsen).
Day 1: Arrival! (And Minor Meltdown)
12:00 PM: Arrive at Oita Airport. Okay, okay, so I thought I was smart and pre-booked the airport bus to Beppu. Turns out, my brain was on vacation longer than my body. Spent the next hour chasing mythical "bus 6" (which only existed in the brochures) and ended up taking a taxi. Yeah, the one that cost more than my flight to get here. (Internal Monologue: "Well, this is a fantastic start. Just. Fantastic.")
1:30 PM: Arrive at Hotel Koraku. Oh. My. God. The sheer scale. It's like a mini-city. Checked in after a very long, slightly flustered conversation with a lovely but bewildered woman who asked me if I had "many luggage" (I did). My room? Pretty standard, nothing to write home about. But the view! Straight out to the misty mountains, promising hot springs and possibly, just possibly, a glimpse of inner peace. (Spoiler alert: I found neither… immediately.)
- Important Minor Category: Learn how to use the Japanese Toilet. My first attempt was a symphony of confused button-pressing. I'm still not entirely sure what all the options are, but hey, at least I didn't flood the place.
3:00 PM: Explore the hotel. Got gloriously lost. Found a gift shop. Bought a plushie of a… well, it looks like a slightly overweight, grumpy, but undeniably cute, onsen-loving monkey. He shall be named George.
4:00 PM: Onsen Time! (The Real Deal - Maybe). Okay, so the onsen. This is why I'm here. Spent an eternity debating if I was ready. The idea of stripping down in front of strangers felt… terrifying. But I took a deep breath, channeled my inner zen master, and… did it. The water! Glorious. So hot. So sulfuric. So incredibly awkward as I fumbled with my washcloth and tried not to make eye contact with anyone. I felt like a boiled lobster, but a slightly happy, less-claws-y lobster. The outdoor onsen was a dream, but I was a little too focused on not slipping on the rocks to fully enjoy it. Left feeling cleansed, slightly pruney, and a whole lot more relaxed.
- Anecdote: Saw a tiny, ancient Japanese woman with a smile that could melt glaciers and a physique that could shame a gymnast. She made the whole thing look effortless. I, on the other hand, looked like a lost tourist trying to navigate a foreign swamp.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone seemed so… graceful in the onsen. I suspect they’ve been doing this since birth.
6:30 PM: Dinner at the Panoramic Restaurant (buffet style). Food was great! Wide, wide variety, but I, of course, went straight for the sushi. I'm not sure if it was authentic, BUT it was delicious. Then I overate. Regretted it. Walked around the hotel trying to digest. Saw George the Monkey. Felt a little less alone.
9:00 PM: Attempted to find the karaoke bar. Failed. Got hopelessly lost again. Decided to call it a night. (Maybe karaoke tomorrow… maybe). Feeling full, tired, and strangely… content.
Day 2: The Boiling Hells (And Existential Dread)
8:00 AM: Breakfast! Back to the buffet, which I'm starting to see as a life-affirming experience. (Maybe).
- Imperfection: Accidentally spilled tea all over myself. The lovely waitress, bless her soul, just smiled and gave me a fresh napkin and a knowing glance.
9:00 AM: The Hells of Beppu – Oh boy, the Hells. These geothermal wonders are stunning… and stinky. Seriously, sulfur is no joke. First stop: Sea Hell. Beautiful, azure water, but… the smell. Ugh. Next: Blood Pond Hell. Red water, making me question everything. Felt a strange mix of awe and nausea. Tried to take artsy photos (failed).
- Stream of Consciousness: Looking at these boiling, colorful pools… they're mesmerizing, but also remind me of the fragility of life. We're all just simmering, waiting to erupt. (That might be the sulfur talking).
11:30 AM: Tried the foot bath at Umi Jigoku. Finally some RELIEF! The water was warm and soothing, and I could actually appreciate the scenery without feeling like I was breathing in rotten eggs.
- Opinionated Language: Don't skip the foot baths! It’s the perfect way to give your tired feet a well-deserved break during all the sightseeing.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Local soba noodles. Incredible. Comfort food at its finest. My soul felt soothed.
2:00 PM: Doubling Down on Onsen (Part 2) - Back to the Hotel Koraku Onsen. Okay, I was ready to face the naked terror. This time, easier. I figured out the process. I actually ENJOYED it. I even managed a tiny (by tiny, I mean like, 3 seconds) conversation with a Japanese woman in the water. (I think she was telling me I looked relaxed? Maybe she was just being polite). Found inner peace for like… 20 minutes. The outside onsen was like a dream.
4:00 PM: Gift shop! Found another plushie. This one is a smiling frog. Named him Kermit.
5:00 PM: Relaxing time in the room. Writing in my journal. Feeling like a slightly less bewildered tourist.
6:30 PM: Dinner. This time… trying to control myself with the buffet. It's a losing battle. I'll keep you updated!
9:00 PM: Still considering Karaoke.
10:00 PM: Karaoke: Maybe next time.
Day 3: Departure (And Lingering Sulfur)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Regret the buffet choices. But who can truly resist?
- 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Bought a ridiculous amount of local snacks.
- 10:00 AM: Final onsen dip. Feeling strangely sentimental. I'm going to miss this. Even The sulfur!
- 11:00 AM: Checked out (The process went smoothly this time!), and said goodbye to the very friendly staff, who I'm sure are used to dealing with lost, slightly smelly tourists.
- 12:00 PM: Bus to Oita Airport (This time, the right bus!).
- Emotional Reaction: Leaving Beppu. A little sad. A little relieved. A whole lot more relaxed than when I arrived. And I think George and Kermit are going to have a grand time on my shelf (in Japan, I think).
Overall Assessment: Hotel Koraku: Massive. Slightly overwhelming. But also charming, relaxing, and a perfect base for exploring the wonders of Beppu. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Just be prepared to get lost, embrace your inner awkwardness, and maybe, just maybe, learn how to use the Japanese toilet before you arrive. (And buy a plushie. You'll thank me later.)
Escape to Paradise: Simmba Resort Kansariya, India Awaits!
Uh, Okay, So About This "Koraku Beppu" Place... (Yeah, I'm Still Processing It)
Is this Koraku Beppu place actually *worth* the hype? Because let's be real, Instagram lies, right?
Okay, buckle up. "Hype"? Yeah, it's got hype like a freaking geyser (pun intended, because Beppu). Thing is, it *mostly* delivers. BUT, and this is a big but, it's not perfect. Like, the pictures? Stunning. The real life? Stunning... but also, *slightly* less Photoshopped. My room? Glorious, but getting to it involved a tiny little elevator that felt like it was straight out of a Wes Anderson film (minus the charm, tbh, it was a bit cramped). So, yeah. Worth it? Leaning towards yes. Just... prepare for the reality part to be, y'know, *real*. You're not going to get a five-star experience in the way you think you'd expect. This is more like a five-star experience experienced in a slightly... quirky Japanese way. I'm still wrestling with that. Especially when considering the price.
What's the *actual* best part about staying at Koraku Beppu? Don't give me some generic "amazing service" B.S.
Okay, so the *actual* best part? Hands down, the onsen experiences. Specifically, THE PRIVATE ONZEN. Forget your Instagram likes, your perfect poses – you will be transformed. Imagine this: You, post-flight, a bit of a hot mess, aching muscles from lugging around your suitcase for the last three days. Then, BAM. You're in a private onsen. Hot spring water. Steam rising. The sounds of nature. (Okay, and maybe the faint hum of the hotel's ventilation system, but you'll get over it.) It's pure, unadulterated bliss. I ended up staying in that private bath for like... two hours, until my skin started to prune. My partner? He fell asleep in the onsen and almost drowned himself. He's fine, but the staff was very concerned. Good times. Seriously, it's the kind of experience that makes you briefly forget all your life problems. Until checkout, then you remember.
The food. Spill the tea. Is it as good as it looks in the photos? Because, dang, the photos...
Alright, the food. Ugh, the food. So, the photos... yes, they are breathtaking. Like, Michelin star-worthy presentation. The actual food? Mostly spectacular. I mean, it's Japanese cuisine, so, duh, it's going to be good. But there's always a "but", right? One of the dishes, I think it was grilled fish, had like, the tiniest little fish bone. And I mean, barely visible. I nearly choked on it, okay? Nearly. Ruined the entire experience for a solid five minutes. The rest of my meal was a blur of "are my airway clear?" after that. BUT! Then the waitress brought out the dessert and it was art. And delicious. So, the food is good, but just... eat slowly and with caution. And be prepared to be amazed and then, potentially, question the structural integrity of your throat. You'll probably *love* the experience, but remember to take a breath, you'll probably need it.
What's the deal with location? Is it actually *convenient*? Or just pretty?
Okay, the location… it’s kinda… uh, complicated. It's scenic, beautiful, near the sea with a beautiful view of the city, absolutely. The scenery is incredible. You will be able to see hot springs steaming from the city, which is simply mesmerising. But it's not *perfectly* convenient. You're not exactly steps away from the train station. You'll likely need to take a taxi. And the streets, well, they're narrow and winding. It adds to the charm, of course. Until you're lugging your suitcase uphill in the humid Kyushu heat. If you don't mind a bit of a schlep, or if you're the type who's comfortable with calling for a taxi, then you are going to be fine. If you hate waiting, prepare and prepare for a long wait.
Do I need to speak Japanese? Because my vocabulary is limited.
This is the big stress for some people. Honestly? You can *mostly* get by with basic English. But honestly, download and use Google translate. The staff is very accommodating, and some speak *some* English which is great. But, yeah, some. You know? This is Japan. So, a little bit of Japanese, even just "hello" and "thank you," goes a long way. I tried, and it helped. Mostly. I did some basic language courses on the train to the Airport, but it wasn't enough. I managed to embarrass myself in front of the waiter regarding ordering a breakfast. It was pretty bad, so brush up your Japanese. It'll make things infinitely smoother. You don't want to be that person, you know? The one who accidentally orders a side of live squid for breakfast. (Shudders).
Is there any type of 'catch' apart from the price? What is the one thing you hated?
Okay, so, the catch... yes, there is a catch. There is always a catch. My biggest issue was the lack of information, apart from the food. This is nitpicky maybe, but: I'm a planner. Give me a map, give me a schedule, give me ALL THE THINGS. Koraku Beppu? Not so much. They have guides, but are not fully available. I ended up missing out on a lot of the local attractions because I didn’t fully understand the transport system. Everything is a bit understated. It adds to the mystique, I guess. But I would have loved just a little bit more hand-holding. Especially when I was trying to figure out how to get to the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour), after having almost died from fishbones earlier.
Would you go back to Koraku Beppu? Be honest.
Ugh, would I? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Despite all the little quirks, the near-death experience with the fishbone, the slightly awkward elevator, and the overall "what am I doing with my life?" existential crisis I experienced… yeah. I'd go back. Because the onsen. The food (mostly). The sheer, unadulterated *niceness* of the people, makes it truly unbelievable. Yes, it is expensive, but the experience, those private onsens, are just...wow. Plus, I need redemption from that breakfast incident. And maybe a really, really good massage to work out all the stress. Maybe. Probably. Definitely. I'm already planning it. Don't judge me.
