Shin-an Ryokan Beppu Review: Michelin-Starred Private Onsen Experience in Kyushu

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Shin-an Ryokan Beppu Review: Private Onsen Experience in Kyushu Shin-an Ryokan Beppu Review: Private Onsen Experience in Kyushu

Private Onsen Bliss at Shin-an Ryokan in Beppu!

A Malaysian trio reviews the 'Bun' room at Michelin-starred Shin-an Ryokan - complete with private indoor & outdoor hot springs!
★★★★★ 5/5

Ryokan Information

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Location: Beppu city center, Kyushu
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Room: Bun (Maisonette w/ Private Onsen)
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Occupancy: 3 Malaysian girls road-tripping Kyushu

Key Features

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Onsen: Private indoor & outdoor hot springs
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Size: Spacious 77.83㎡ maisonette
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Amenities: Dyson hair dryer, luxury toiletries
Special: Michelin-starred authenticity

Discovering Shin-an

When planning our Beppu stay, I initially had my heart set on KAI Beppu by Hoshino Resorts. But with our late arrival after driving from Kokura, we realized we wouldn't maximize a luxury stay. That's how I discovered Shin-an - a charming Michelin-starred ryokan that turned out to be our hidden gem!
Road Trip Tip: When traveling between Kyushu cities, always account for jet lag and travel fatigue! Opting for Shin-an's central location meant we could maximize our limited time.
As three Malaysian girls road-tripping through Kyushu, we appreciated Shin-an's perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Booking the 'Bun' room directly through their Japanese website (they're also on Agoda) was smooth despite the language barrier - my Japanese skills came in handy!

The Bun Room: Our Traditional Sanctuary

Shin-an Bun room entrance
The entrance to our private sanctuary

For a post with even more details on the ryokan, or if you'd like to check out our self-drive itinerary in Beppu, consider reading here.

Steps into Tranquility

Walking into our 'Bun' room felt like stepping into a tranquil Japanese dream. The 77.83m² maisonette-style space features:
  • A serene downstairs living area with tatami mats
  • Upstairs bedroom with heavenly futons (I'm obsessed!)
  • Traditional shoji sliding doors creating peaceful ambiance
  • Modern amenities like a 50-inch TV and kitchenette
The scent of hinoki cypress from the indoor bath filled the air as we entered - instant relaxation! As Malaysians unaccustomed to such traditional spaces, we were fascinated by every detail.

Futon Happiness

Upstairs, the bedroom had us squealing with delight! The futon setup was perfection - I proudly arranged my pink futon myself. The space was so serene, with minimalist decor that made us feel worlds away from Beppu's city center just outside. Downstairs became our communal hangout spot where we planned our adventures while enjoying the indoor onsen view. The unique layout felt like having our own traditional Japanese house - a luxury we don't experience back in Malaysia!
Shin-an Bun bedroom with added futon
Pure futon happiness upstairs

Onsen Heaven: Private Hot Spring Perfection

Indoor onsen at Shin-an
Soothing indoor rock bath
Outdoor rotenburo at Shin-an
Shin-An's Rotenburo

Bathing in Bliss

The real showstopper? Our private indoor and outdoor hot springs! After exploring Beppu all day, we couldn't wait to try them. Indoor Bath: The hinoki-scented rock bath was perfect for my friends who prefer privacy. The stone tub with steaming mineral water created a spa-like atmosphere. After a day of traveling from Kokura, soaking in 40-60°C therapeutic waters melted our fatigue away. Outdoor Rotenburo: This was MY happy place! The open-air bath under the autumn sky was magical. Though compact, all three of us fit comfortably. Adjusting the temperature to 60°C, I lingered long after my friends retreated, listening to rustling leaves while sipping drinks - pure ambivert heaven!

Luxury Touches & Amenities

Premium Toiletries

From Dr. Ci:Labo skincare sets to yukatas and geta sandals, every detail felt luxurious. The Dyson hair dryer was an unexpected luxury that had us all trying it immediately after our baths!

Thoughtful Extras

We were welcomed with a bottle of wine and enjoyed the service drinks (mineral water, coffee, tea). The fully equipped kitchenette with tableware made snack times convenient.

Perfect Location

Centrally located with excellent restaurant recommendations. We saved money by dining out instead of paying for kaiseki meals, which funded our next ryokan stay in Takachiho!

What We Loved

  • Private indoor AND outdoor onsen in our room
  • Authentic tatami/futon experience we Malaysians adored
  • Michelin-starred quality at reasonable prices
  • Spacious 77.83㎡ layout perfect for groups
  • Central location near Beppu attractions
  • Luxury touches (Dyson dryer, premium toiletries)
  • Serene atmosphere despite city center location
  • Helpful staff with excellent local recommendations

Minor Considerations

  • No in-house restaurant (but surrounded by great options, and cuts down the price so it's technically a big win for us)
  • Japanese website might challenge non-speakers
  • Outdoor bath is compact for 3 people simultaneously
  • Futon setup requires some effort (but it's part of the experience!)

Experience Shin-an Yourself!

Ready for your own onsen retreat in Beppu?

Book the Bun Room Directly (JP Site)
(They're also available on Agoda)
Book via Agoda if you'd prefer an English site

Final Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

Shin-an's Bun room provided the perfect blend of traditional ryokan experience and private luxury for our Malaysian trio. The private onsen, authentic futon sleeping, and thoughtful amenities made this a highlight of our Kyushu road trip.

Perfect for

Groups/families wanting private onsen
Travelers seeking authentic Japanese experience
Those who value space and location

Consider elsewhere if

You prefer western beds
Need English-speaking staff at all times

Group Travel Tip: For road trippers like us, Shin-an's location near Beppu's main attractions means less driving after check-in. Arrive early to maximize your onsen time! The private baths are perfect for relaxing after a long drive.

Have you experienced Shin-an or other Beppu ryokans? Share your stories below!

© 2025 Jin Travels Japan

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