Ryotei Matsubaya

9.2
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.2/10, based on 458 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 10:00 AM
Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Valley Scenery Hot Spring Bath Open-Air Bath Private Onsen
Staff 9,5/10
Facilities 9,2/10
Cleanliness 9,2/10
Comfort 9,1/10
Value for money 8,8/10
Location 8,8/10

Ryokan highlights

A small traditional Beppu hillside ryokan known for clear hot springs, private baths, and strong kaiseki dining.

Kankaiji Hillside SettingQuiet Kankaiji Onsen location with elevated views over Beppu city and Beppu Bay.
Clear Beppu OnsenHot spring water is noted locally for unusual clarity and transparency in Beppu.
Private Bath VarietySeveral reservable baths include a spacious monolith rock tub for relaxed private soaking.
Standout Kaiseki MealsKyoto-trained chef prepares carefully presented seasonal dishes using local fish and beef.
Small Traditional FeelJust 18 rooms across two buildings create a calm, intimate ryokan atmosphere.
Easy Beppu AccessAround eight minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, balancing seclusion and convenience.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsScenery and onsen are the main draw here, so one night covers check-in, multiple baths, kaiseki dinner, breakfast, and a relaxed Beppu stop; two nights works if you want a slower Beppu and ropeway rhythm without changing hotels.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a quiet Beppu onsen retreat for 1–2 nights, not as a highly walkable city base.

Know before booking

Hillside locationKankaiji is above central Beppu, so station transfers usually need a taxi, bus planning, or a car.
Limited walk-out diningThis is a quiet onsen area rather than a restaurant district, so dinner-in plans suit the property better.
Do not over-baseGood for a short Beppu stay, but weaker for long regional basing than more transit-friendly hubs.

Food & drinks

Verified as the Beppu Kankaiji ryokan; dining centers on seasonal Japanese set meals with Oita specialties, plus useful nearby options.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Seasonal Japanese breakfast and dinner for staying guests.

  • Kaiseki-style dinnerfoodSeasonal Japanese course meal.
  • SashimifoodRaw fish, varies by season.
  • SukiyakifoodHot pot style beef dish.
  • RyukyuspecialtyOita marinated fish specialty.
  • Chicken tempuraspecialtyLocal Oita favorite at meals.
Terrace & Dining Sora (nearby)
nearby11 min walk

Large nearby buffet dining with bay views at Suginoi area.

  • Buffet dishesfoodWide self-serve selection.
  • Breakfast buffetfoodUseful nearby morning option.
  • DessertsfoodSweets in buffet lineup.
  • Soft drinksdrinkStandard nonalcoholic drinks.
Shunkouen Beppu Honten (nearby)
nearby13 min walk

Long-running yakiniku restaurant with grilled meat and drinks.

  • YakinikufoodJapanese grilled meat.
  • Seafood grillfoodGrilled seafood items available.
  • Rice and noodlesfoodHearty side and meal dishes.
  • Beer and highballsdrinkClassic drinks for barbecue.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Kankaiji hillside area of Beppu, making taxi access from Beppu Station or the airport bus corridor the most practical for most travelers.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A strong pick for travelers who want a quieter, more refined Beppu ryokan stay with character, private bath options, and a hillside setting. It is less ideal if you want walkable nightlife, a large resort feel, or the most convenient base near the station.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Peaceful hillside atmosphereThis ryokan sits in Beppu's Kankaiji area on higher ground, giving it a calmer feel than the busy station and seafront zones. It suits travelers who want to soak in a quieter setting after sightseeing.
  • Two distinct stay stylesThe property offers both a more traditional Japanese-style wing and a more modern wing, so you can match the stay to your travel style. That flexibility is useful for couples or mixed-preference travelers.
  • Varied onsen experienceYou get more than a single bath setup here, with several hot spring baths including private-use options and a larger public bath. This makes the onsen experience feel more layered than at smaller ryokans with only one bath area.
  • Good fit for special occasionsThe ryokan leans into a refined ryotei-style experience with seasonal meals and a more intimate, celebratory tone. It works especially well for couples, anniversaries, or a one-night splurge in Beppu.
  • Extras beyond the roomGuest lounges with complimentary drinks and snacks add value and make downtime more pleasant between baths and meals. That small hospitality touch can make the stay feel more generous and polished.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not the most walkable baseBecause it is in the Kankaiji hillside area, getting around is less effortless than staying near Beppu Station or central downtown. You may rely more on taxis, buses, or a car, especially at night.
  • Less suited to travelers who want city buzzIf you want to step outside into restaurants, bars, and shopping streets, this location can feel a bit removed. The appeal here is retreat-like calm rather than urban energy.
  • Room style may vary a lotThe experience can differ noticeably depending on whether you book the more classic or more modern side of the property. If you book without checking the exact room type, the stay may feel different from what you imagined.
  • Traditional luxury comes with limitsThis is a ryokan-style stay, so travelers wanting big-hotel facilities like expansive entertainment areas or extensive resort amenities may find it relatively understated. It is more about atmosphere, baths, and meals than all-day activities.
  • Best value depends on using the full experienceThe property makes the most sense if you plan to enjoy the baths, lounge spaces, and meal-focused rhythm of a ryokan stay. If you will mostly be out all day and only sleep there, it may feel expensive for what you use.

Ranking around this ryokan in Oita

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Current position: 30th out of 129 ryokans in Oita.

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