I usually review public bathhouses (Sento), but I found a wonderful hotel with hotspring (Onsen) . This report is all about my stay.
This time, I’m focusing on the “Suginoi Hotel,” one of the largest scale resort in Japan, glittering resort in the Beppu hotspring region of Oita Prefecture. Its name is famous throughout Japan as a top destination for families with children. In January 2025, the hotel unveiled its highly anticipated new wing, the “Hoshikan” (Star Wing). My family and I stayed for three days and two nights during the summer vacation in 2025 to experience this ever-evolving hotel. Here is my full stay report and review.
Note: We stayed here right after our visit to “THE ACONCAGUA RESORTS” in Minamiaso, Kumamoto.
To put it simply, our experience was “So much fun, we ran out of time! This is the ultimate solution for a family trip.”
In this article, I’ll provide a passionate and more detailed review, focusing on our stay in the beautiful new Hoshikan wing. I’ll cover the incredible buffet that Suginoi Hotel is famous for, the “Aqua Garden” pool where kids can play endlessly, and the unique charm of Beppu’s hotspring culture. This is the ultimate, must-save guide for anyone wondering, “What’s Suginoi Hotel really like?”, “Is it fun for kids?”, or “Which wing is best to stay in?” I highly recommend it for your next Japan sightseeing adventure.
From Fukuoka, it’s about 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Dazaifu IC on the Oita Expressway to the Beppu IC. The hotel is about 5 minutes from the Beppu IC.
From Oita Airport: About a 40-minute drive via Route 10. There’s also a convenient direct airport bus to the hotel.
Parking: A large, free parking lot is available for guests. The property is huge, so I recommend parking near your accommodation wing. Be aware that the designated parking area differs depending on which wing you’re in (Hoshikan, Sorakan, Nijikan) Hoshi=star, Sora=sky, Niji=rainbow in Japanese.
From JR Beppu Station:
Free Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle runs from the West Exit of JR Beppu Station to the hotel every 15 minutes. This is the most convenient and economical option, even with large luggage.
Taxi: About a 10-minute ride, costing around 1,500 JPY.
“An absolute paradise for children! You could easily spend three days just enjoying the pool and the buffet. The new ‘Hoshikan’ wing was modern and fantastic. A definite recommendation for anyone traveling with kids.”
“The quality of the buffet was beyond anything I had imagined. The all-you-can-eat steak, in particular, was on another level. I can’t wait to go back.”
“The view from the ‘Tanayu’ hotspring is simply breathtaking. From the morning sunrise to the evening city lights, the scenery was spectacular—it was the quintessential Beppu Onsen experience.”
“The fountain show at the Aqua Garden is a must-see. The interplay of music, lights, and water was so magical that both the kids and the adults were completely captivated.”
“We stayed in the ‘Hoshikan’ wing. The room was spacious with a superb view from the window. Being brand new, the bathroom and facilities were pristine, making for a very comfortable stay.”
“The property is so vast that getting around can be a bit of a challenge. However, the shuttle buses run frequently, so if you time it right, it’s not a problem.”
“The ‘Aqua Beat’ pool was packed like sardines during the summer holidays, but the kids had an absolute blast, so it was all worth it in the end. The water slides were great fun.”
“We had our meals at Ceada Palace. The space is surrounded by massive aquariums, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that turned our dinner into a form of entertainment itself.”
“For those who want a deep, authentic hotspring experience, it might feel a little lacking. My impression is that it’s more of a hotspring resort with a strong focus on entertainment.”
“The service from the staff was outstanding. Whenever we looked like we needed help with our kids, someone was there instantly to assist us, which made our stay feel very safe and relaxing.”
“The souvenir shop is huge and has an incredible selection. You can find almost any famous local product from Oita or Kyushu there. I’d recommend stopping by at the end of your sightseeing.”
“The value for money is just incredible. For facilities and food of this quality, the price is astonishing. It’s a real lifesaver for family travel budgets.”
“With a bowling alley and a game center on-site, it’s great that you can have a full day of fun inside the hotel, even on a rainy day.”
“Check-in and check-out can get quite congested. It’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of extra time.”
“The atmosphere of the night pool was amazing. It was a very romantic space that I would recommend for couples as well.”
“The ‘Sorayu’ panoramic open-air bath in the ‘Hoshikan’ wing had a calm and tranquil vibe. It offered a different kind of charm compared to ‘Tanayu’.”
“The buffet hall is large, so it’s a bit of a walk to get to all the food stations. But the upside is that there are many live-cooking kitchens, so you can always enjoy freshly prepared dishes.”
“I was moved by how beautiful the illuminations were—much more impressive than I expected. I especially recommend visiting during the winter season.”
“There were many international tourists, giving it a lively, cosmopolitan feel. It was vibrant and fun.”
“We visited as a three-generation family. With facilities that everyone from the kids to the grandparents could enjoy, we all were completely satisfied. It became a wonderful memory for us all.”
Review Summary: Score 4.75 / 5.00
“The pinnacle of entertainment resorts, where the whole family leaves smiling!”
Overall Score: 4.75 / 5.0
Memorable & Unique Experience: 4.5 / 5.0
Abundance of Activities: 5.0 / 5.0
Onsen / Hotspring Baths: 4.0 / 5.0
Facilities & Amenities: 5.0 / 5.0
Dining / Food: 5.0 / 5.0
Comments
While I love quiet, hideaway-style resorts like “THE ACONCAGUA RESORTS” where I stayed just before this, I also have a soft spot for the vibrant energy of a large-scale resort like Suginoi Hotel. From that perspective, I can say this hotel is near-perfect for a family trip with children.
First and foremost, the range of on-site activities is truly top-class in Japan (personally, I think it might be the best), guaranteeing a high level of satisfaction. The outdoor pool “Aqua Garden,” indoor pool “Aqua Beat,” hotspring baths, bowling alley, game center, illuminations… it’s all right there on the property. We stayed for two nights, and it still wasn’t enough time to do everything. The fear of “what if the kids get bored?” is completely non-existent at this hotel.
What’s also amazing is that the hotel is constantly evolving through renewals. The new Hoshikan wing, where we stayed, just opened in January 2025 and was impeccably clean and comfortable. The modern facilities and sophisticated design significantly elevated our stay.
And of course, you can’t talk about Suginoi Hotel without mentioning the magnificent buffet! It was truly delicious. Live kitchens serving steak and sushi, local Oita cuisine, all-you-can-eat, and all-you-can-drink alcohol. For me, the pudding supervised by Chef Suzuki of Wa-Dining Hoshi was unforgettably good. I would honestly visit again just for that buffet experience.
Naturally, this is Beppu, Japan’s number one hotspring destination. For pure onsen fans who prioritize water quality, the entertainment-focused hotspring at Suginoi might feel a bit lacking. However, the sense of openness at the “Tanayu” panoramic open-air bath overlooking Beppu Bay is one-of-a-kind, and the sulfur-scented private pot baths and sauna are plenty authentic. As a hotspring experience for the whole family to enjoy, the quality is undeniable.
If you are planning a family sightseeing trip to Oita or Beppu, I can say without a doubt that Suginoi Hotel is one of the best choices you can make. I highly recommend it
(Like my previous stay, I booked through Yahoo! Travel. It seems to have the best prices right now.)
Memorable & Unique Experience (Rating: 4.5)
An Introduction to Beppu: The Special Atmosphere of Japan’s No. 1 Hotspring Town
Beppu City in Oita Prefecture, where Suginoi Hotel is located, is the town that best embodies the word “hotspring” in all of Japan.
Steam Rising Through the City: As you drive through Beppu, you’ll see clouds of white steam rising from the ground and between buildings everywhere. The view of the city from the elevated Kankaiji area, where Suginoi Hotel stands, is a fantastic sight with this steam woven into the landscape. The faint scent of sulfur that greets you upon arrival instantly makes you feel, “Ah, I’ve arrived in a hotspring town.”
Japan’s Onsen Capital: Beppu boasts the highest number of hotspring sources and the largest volume of water output in the country. With approximately 2,300 sources discharging over 87,000 kiloliters of water daily, it accounts for about one-tenth of Japan‘s total onsen output.
（Yahoo Travelより）
Ocean View! Enjoy It from the Infinity Pool and the Hotsprings
One of Suginoi Hotel’s greatest assets is its breathtaking panoramic view. Perched on a hill, many spots within the hotel offer a grand vista of Beppu Bay and the city. The scenery from the open-air bath “Tanayu” and the outdoor hotspringpool “Aqua Garden” is particularly spectacular.
Daytime: The sparkling blue Beppu Bay and the cityscape with its rising steam stretch out before you. Soaking in a hotspring while surrounded by the seamless blue of the sky and sea is an indescribably refreshing experience.
Evening: The sky transforms from orange to purple, and the city lights begin to twinkle. This is the most romantic time of day.
Night: A brilliant nightscape spreads out below. At the Aqua Garden, a dynamic fountain show with lights and music is held against this backdrop, creating a magical atmosphere.
This heavenly view is a special experience unique to Suginoi Hotel. Being able to enjoy it from both the pool and the hotspring left a strong impression of being somewhere truly out of the ordinary.
Activities (Score 5.0)
“Two nights is not enough!” is my honest feeling. Suginoi Hotel is a treasure trove of activities that can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the weather. Here’s a look at the amazing variety that allows you to have a complete vacation without ever leaving the hotel grounds.
All-Weather Indoor Pool: Aqua Beat
Open during the summer season, “Aqua Beat” is an indoor wave pool complex. With a lazy river, a wave pool, and thrilling water slides, it feels like you’ve been transported to a tropical beach resort. There are also plenty of shallow areas for younger children, making it a safe and fun place for the whole family. It’s much more than just an indoor pool; there’s even a water-jungle-gym-like park outside!
A few things to note:
It gets incredibly crowded, find below photos! (Our visit was during peak of summer vacation period.).
The lines for the water slides are very long, so you need some serious determination (I gave up).
The snack corner simple (the Donbei cup noodles was an easy choice rather than fancier options).
Regardless, the kids were absolutely enjoyed!
All-Weather Outdoor Pool ②: The Aqua Garden (Year-Round)
The “Aqua Garden” is the iconic facility of Suginoi Hotel—an outdoor hotspring pool complex you enjoy in your swimwear.
A Pool with a Superb View: This open-air pool offers a panoramic view of Beppu Bay. It uses hotspring water, making it comfortable all year long. Floats are allowed, and kids are guaranteed to have a blast.
Magical Fountain Show: At night, a powerful fountain show called “The Aqua” combines music, lights, and the city’s night view. The 10-minute show is incredibly high-quality and moving. You absolutely must see it.
Night Pool: After the show, the lights dim, transforming the area into a romantic night pool. It’s a perfect time for couples to relax.
Enjoy the view by day, and the show and ambiance by night. This is the ultimate pool experience where you’ll never get bored.
It might have been because it was raining, but it was much less crowded than Aqua Beat. The pool is so vast that you have enough space to play games like tag or hide-and-seek.
The night show is a truly special event that you don’t get to see every day. I highly recommend you check it out at least once during your stay.
There is a hotspring zone, which means your rash guard and swimsuit will get thoroughly soaked in the scent of sulfur! Be warned: the sulfur smell was still on my swimsuit even after I returned to Tokyo.
It is NOT connected to Aqua Beat! To get from one to the other, you have to cross a road, which means you need to change out of your swimwear first. However, it is connected to the “Tanayu” bath, so the typical flow is to play at the Aqua Garden and then go warm up in Tanayu.
SUGINOI BOWL & PARK (Bowling, Table Tennis, Darts, Arcade, etc.)
On the floor below Tanayu and Aqua Garden, there is a large entertainment facility similar to a “Round1” complex in Japan.
Suginoi Bowl: That’s right, there’s a full-fledged bowling alley right inside the hotel. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. You can play single games, and they have settings for gutter guards (no-gutter mode) for the kids.
Game Corner: A massive arcade with everything from the latest video games to crane games. With Mario Kart, air hockey, basketball hoops, and more, you can have a ton of fun here. You and your kids or friends are sure to have a blast!
Kids Land: An indoor play area for younger children. With features like a ball pool, it’s a great place for them to burn off energy, even on a rainy day.
Table Tennis & Darts: You can also enjoy table tennis, a classic activity at any hotspring inn in Japan.
Sightseeing: The Beppu “Jigoku Meguri” (Hell Tour)
While the hotel experience is fantastic, you’ll likely want to enjoy some Beppu sightseeing as well. Suginoi Hotel offers excellent access to the highlight of Beppu tourism: the “Jigoku Meguri” or “Hell Tour.”
After a full day of fun at the hotel, I highly recommend taking a short trip the next day to experience the “Hells,” where you can feel the raw energy of the earth up close. The mystical sights created by nature are sure to become a cherished memory of your Japan trip.
Hot Spring & Baths (Score: 4)
As a hotel in Japan’s top hotspring destination, the bathing facilities are, of course, unique and appealing.
Features of Suginoi hotspring: Kankaiji Onsen of the Beppu Hatto
The hotspring at Suginoi Hotel belongs to “Kankaiji Onsen,” one of the eight major hotspring areas in Beppu known as the “Beppu Hatto.”
Benefits: Said to be effective for nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, poor circulation, and general health promotion.
Type: Sodium – Chloride Spring
Characteristics: The water is clear and soft on the skin. Chloride springs are known as “warming waters” because the salt content creates a thin veil on the skin, preventing moisture from evaporating and keeping you warm long after you exit the bath. It’s also known for its moisturizing effects, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.
Tanayu: The 5-Tiered Panoramic Open-Air Bath
“Tanayu” is the signature grand observatory open-air bath of Suginoi Hotel. As its name (Terraced Bath) suggests, the five tiers of baths spread out like rice terraces, offering an incredible sense of openness. The view is slightly different from each level.
However! It’s important to note that the main Tanayu baths are filled with heated water, not pure hotspring water. Instead, within the same complex, you will find private, single-person “Tsuboyu” pot baths made of Shigaraki ceramic and square-shaped private open-air baths. These are filled with genuine hotspring water, which has a faint sulfur scent. Here, you can savor the authentic Beppu onsen experience in a private space.
Sorayu: Exclusive for Guests of Sorakan and Hoshikan Wings
Located on the top floor of the new Sorakan wing, “Sorayu” is an observatory open-air bath exclusively for guests of that wing (and the Hoshikan wing). Positioned even higher than Tanayu, it offers a feeling of floating in the sky. It’s more luxurious and serene than the large Tanayu complex. It’s often less crowded, making it the perfect space for those who want to quietly enjoy the scenery and the hotspring.
I felt SORAYU is similar with Haneda Airport Spa Izumi.
A Review of the Hoshikan Wing: The Pinnacle of Newness and Comfort
Opened in January 2025, the “Hoshikan” is the new flagship accommodation wing of Suginoi Hotel.
Impeccably New and Clean: Everything is brand new and sparkling. The design is modern and sophisticated, instantly lifting your spirits.
High-Quality Guest Rooms: We stayed in a “Deluxe Room” overlooking Beppu Bay. The large windows let in plenty of light, creating a sense of openness. The beds were large, and the sofa area was spacious enough that our family of four never felt cramped.
Observatory Open-Air Bath “Sorayu”: As mentioned, access to “Sorayu” is a major perk of staying in this wing.
Wa-Dining Hoshi: This is the main buffet restaurant for Hoshikan guests. It’s a new, open space perfect for enjoying your meal.
Moving around the vast property was easy thanks to the shuttle bus that circulates every few minutes. The gift shop, “Suginoi Shoten,” is as large and well-stocked as a department store food hall, offering nearly every famous product from Oita and Kyushu
(walkway between Hoshi Tower to Suginoi Palace and Aqua Garden）
Dining / Food (Rating: 5.0)
The buffet at Suginoi Hotel was a sensational experience that far exceeded our high expectations.
A Wide Variety of Buffet Restaurants!
Suginoi Hotel has several buffet restaurants, each with a different concept.
Wa-Dining Hoshi (Hoshikan): The main restaurant for Hoshikan guests. New, open, with a great live kitchen. This is where I ate.
Ceada Palace (Main Building): Features a fantasy-like atmosphere surrounded by giant water tanks, like an underwater restaurant.
TERRACE & DINING SORA (Sorakan): A casual, family-friendly atmosphere with a full kids’ menu.
When I asked hotel assistant whether I can change my dinner from Wa Dining Hoshi to Ceada Palace, it seems to be OK (Ceadar Palace to Wa Dining Hoshi is not allowded).
My Experience at “TERRACE & DINING SORA” (Hoshikan)
The buffet here was top-tier in taste, atmosphere, and service.
Breakfast Too: The breakfast buffet was also wonderful, offering everything you could possibly want to start your day.
Amazing Live Kitchens: Bungo beef steak grilled to order, freshly fried Oita specialty “Toriten” (chicken tempura), fresh sushi and sashimi—the live kitchen was extensive, and everything was served hot and fresh. Honestly, Sushi is my best recommendation, it satisfies enough!
Local Oita Cuisine: The inclusion of local dishes like Toriten is a great touch for tourists on a sightseeing trip.
Authentic Western & Chinese Food: From pasta to xiao long bao and curry, every dish was of restaurant quality. It was impossible to try everything.
Incredible Dessert Corner: The desserts were a standout. Among the many cakes and fruits, the pudding supervised by the famous Chef Suzuki was the best I have ever had at a buffet. The smooth texture, rich yet elegant egg flavor, and perfectly bitter caramel sauce were divine. I would seriously come back just for this.
All-You-Can-Drink Alcohol: Wine, sake, beer, highballs—everything was included. It was heavenly!
Conclusion
Our stay at the Suginoi Hotel’s “Hoshikan” wing during our Oita-Beppu sightseeing trip was a truly wonderful experience that surpassed all our expectations.
Sympolic infinity pool, the endless activities, and memorable buffet. The new and comfortable rooms of the “Hoshikan” and the celestial “Sorayu” open-air bath. Every element came together to create unforgettable memories for our family.
If you are looking for the ultimate family travel experience in Japan, Suginoi Hotel should be an option you will not regret. What this hotel offers is not just accommodation, but a complete entertainment space designed to create family smiles and lasting memories.
For your next family trip plan, why not add this large scale resort in Japan’s number one hotspring destination to your list? I highly recommend it.
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