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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Name: Shin-an Ryokan
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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
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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
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.
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
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!
Pure futon happiness upstairs
Onsen Heaven: Private Hot Spring Perfection
Soothing indoor rock bath
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.
