Where to Stay in Beppu with Kids: Best Family-Friendly Areas & Hotels
Beppu is one of the most unique destinations in Japan for families. Famous for its hot springs and scenic views, it offers a relaxed pace. It’s a great stop after traveling from Osaka. This is especially true if you arrive by overnight ferry.
If you’re visiting Beppu with kids, choosing the right area to stay can make your trip far more enjoyable. This guide breaks down the best neighborhoods, what families should look for, and how to find the right hotel without overwhelm.
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through them. We only share places and services we personally used or genuinely believe are helpful for families traveling with kids.
Why Beppu Is a Great Destination for Families
Before choosing a hotel, it helps to know what Beppu offers families:
- Unique onsen culture
- Family-friendly attractions like the Beppu Ropeway and hot spring “hells” (Jigoku)
- Easy train access
- Spacious streets compared to big cities
Because many families arrive early in the morning, staying somewhere easy to reach and walkable is key.
Best Areas to Stay in Beppu with Kids
Near Beppu Station (Best Overall for Families)
Why families love this area:
- Easy arrival after the ferry or train
- Walkable restaurants and convenience stores
- Short taxi rides to attractions
- Less uphill walking (important with kids)
This is the most practical base for families visiting Beppu for the first time.
Best for:
- Families with younger kids
- Short stays (1–2 nights)
- Easy logistics and less stress
Kannawa Onsen Area (Traditional Experience)
If your family wants a more traditional hot spring experience, Kannawa is a charming option.
What to know:
- Famous for steaming vents and onsens
- Quiet and scenic
- Ryokan-style accommodations
Things to consider:
- More walking and hills
- Fewer nightlife and dining options
- Better for older kids who enjoy cultural experiences
This area feels slower and more “old Japan,” which many families love.
Coastal Beppu (Ocean Views & Relaxed Vibe)
Hotels closer to the coast often offer:
- Ocean views
- Larger rooms
- Resort-style amenities
This area works well if:
- You’re renting a car
- You want a resort-like stay
- You prefer space over walkability
Taking the kids to the beach Kids at the beach. Beppu tower in the backdrop
What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Hotel in Beppu
Instead of focusing on specific hotels, prioritize these features:
Larger Rooms or Tatami-Style Rooms
Japanese hotel rooms can be small. Tatami rooms allow kids to:
- Sleep comfortably
- Play safely
- Spread out luggage
On-site or Nearby Onsen
Onsens are a big part of Beppu’s appeal. Look for:
- Family-friendly public baths
- Clear rules about children
- Private onsen options if available
Proximity to Transport
Staying near:
- Beppu Station
- Bus stops
- Taxi stands
…makes sightseeing much easier with kids.
Bus stop in Beppu. Aburaya Kumahachi (Father of Beppu Tourism
Where to Stay in Beppu with Kids (Interactive Map)
Beppu has many family-friendly accommodations, and prices can vary widely depending on location and season.
This interactive map lets you:
- Compare hotels by area
- Check prices across booking sites
- Find accommodations close to attractions and transport
Use the interactive map below to explore family-friendly hotels near Beppu Station.
Where to Stay in Beppu — Family-Friendly Hotel & Ryokan Picks
Our review of Ryokan Nogami Honkan— Traditional Comfort with Onsen Culture
If you want a classic Beppu experience, Nogami Honkan is a lovely and authentic choice — and a great launch point for exploring the city’s onsen scene. We stayed here for one night.
It’s just a short 10-minute walk from JR Beppu Station, making it convenient for families who want to sightsee without dragging luggage far. The street to the station is lined with cafes, convenience stores, and restaurants. There is a direct bus from the Beppu ferry station to the hotel street if you are taking the ferry, as we did. We took the round-trip ferry between Osaka and Beppu.
Family-Friendly Highlights about Ryokan Nogomi Honkan
- Like most of the hotels in Japan, this hotel will collect a small amount of tax on arrival, which is not included in the price at the time of booking.
- Choice of room styles: You can book either traditional Japanese-style Tatami mat rooms or rooms with Western beds. We were 3 adults and 4 kids, all younger than 8; and we all slept in one room on Tatami floor, and it was spacious and very comfortable. My sister couldn’t stop talking about how clean and soft the beddings were in Japan.
Hotel room at Ryokan Nogomi Honkan
- Onsen baths: The ryokan has large shared hot spring baths plus the option to reserve a private onsen for your family (for a small fee). This is perfect if you want the full onsen experience together.
- Relaxed common spaces: The lounge area offers free Wi-Fi, internet PCs, and even comics — a nice place to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Laundry on site for a minimal fee- great amenity when traveling with kids.
- Parking lot available with overflow spots for a nightly rate if you are driving in Beppu.
- Delicious breakfast: We booked our rooms with breakfast, and it was a very good decision. The breakfast featured a nice, fancy spread with an individual fish grill. It had charming seats and displays for our smaller kids. If you somehow forgot to add breakfast to your booking, you can buy it at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel
- The historic Takegawara Onsen, Beppu’s oldest bathhouse, is just a short walk from Nogami Honkan Ryokan.
Takegawara Onsen Beppu
- Beppu Ginza shopping street, the oldest covered shopping arcade in Beppu is just next to Takegawara onsen and both walking distance from the Ryokan Nogomi Honkan. When we went, it was closed and empty (photo above).
Staying close to Beppu Station is Best for Families who want a traditional, cultural stay with easy access to Beppu’s top attractions and the signature hot springs.
Family-Friendly Hotel & Resort Picks in Beppu
Below are excellent options for families with kids — ranging from full-on resort fun to comfortable city bases:
Beppu Suginoi Hotel — Ultimate All-Ages Resort
Why it’s great for families
- Suginoi Hotel is a large, family-friendly onsen resort in Beppu with panoramic hillside views.
- Huge resort environment with indoor/outdoor pools, dedicated children’s pool, game areas, and seasonal shows—all ideal for activity-packed family days.
- Multiple dining options, including kid-friendly menus.
- Large hot tubs and family onsen options; very popular with Japanese families.
- Spacious rooms and lots of on-site entertainment mean parents and kids can stay entertained without stepping outside.
- The Tanayu open-air onsen offers stunning city and bay views. Ideal for families seeking a convenient, all-in-one stay with classic Beppu onsen experiences.
Best for: Families who want everything under one roof — especially great if you have younger kids or want resort-style fun. A little on the pricier side.
Photos: Beppu Suginoi Hotel exterior by 大分帰省中, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa — Luxury & Scenic Views
Why it’s great
- Excellent service, spacious rooms, beautiful views over Beppu Bay and the onsen landscape.
- First-class spa and luxurious hot spring facilities (although note there’s no dedicated kids’ play area).
- Highly rated for cleanliness, comfort, and family stays.
Best for: Families seeking a more luxurious, relaxation-focused stay.
Photos: ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa by STA3816, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)1
Mid-Range & Convenient City Hotels
Stylish, contemporary hotel located near Beppu Station, offering great sightseeing opportunities and convenient access to buses and restaurants.
Cozy modern hotel with onsen-style comforts and easy access to local eats.
Credit: Free public travel photos
Hotel Kamenoi / Nishitetsu Resort Inn / SUPERHOTEL BEPPU EKIMAE — Practical, budget-friendly options with comfortable rooms and good locations.
Best for: Families on a tight budget or those seeking an easy base for exploring Beppu and its nearby attractions.
Credit: Photo by iloverjoa, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
Quick Tips for Families Visiting Beppu
- Book private onsen baths (“kazoku-furo”) early, especially in peak seasons — they’re a big hit with kids.
- Resorts with pools and entertainment (like Suginoi) are excellent for rainy days or long stays.
- Staying near Beppu Station makes day trips and transportation smoother if you plan to explore beyond your hotel.
- Be respectful of local culture and be familiar with Japan’s onsen etiquette.
- If you end up staying near Beppu Station, be sure to visit the famous statue of Aburaya Kumahachi (Father of Beppu Tourism). He was a pioneering figure in promoting tourism in Beppu — he helped develop tours like the famous “Hells of Beppu” route, introduced Japan’s first female sightseeing bus guides, and broadly championed Beppu as a hot spring destination.
- This statue not only serves as an iconic first photo spot for travelers arriving in Beppu, but also pays tribute to the spirit of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) that helped shape Beppu’s tourism history.
- Our kids enjoyed the onsen water at the Beppu Station, soaking their hands.
Beppu Station
How Long Should Families Stay in Beppu?
Most families stay:
- 1 night: Relax after ferry arrival, enjoy onsens
- 2 nights: Explore Jigoku, Ropeway, and nearby attractions
Choose accommodation that makes mornings and evenings easy, especially with kids.
Tips for Booking Accommodation in Beppu with Kids
- Book early during weekends and holidays
- Look closely at room size (square meters matter)
- Read reviews mentioning families or children
- Consider luggage storage if arriving early
How This Fits with Your Osaka to Beppu Ferry Trip
If you’re arriving by overnight ferry:
- Staying near Beppu Station minimizes early-morning stress
- Hotels in central Beppu are the easiest to find after disembarkation.
- Buses and taxis are readily available. We used only buses on our Beppu trip with 4 kids, and it was very convenient and doable. Again, we are budget travellers, and we try to do everything more affordably.
- You can often drop off luggage even before check-in at most hotels.
MOL sunflower ferry
Bus stand and Beppu ferry terminal. Walking towards our hotel
A taxi on Beppu Street. Exploring Beppu streets
Final Thoughts: Best Place to Stay in Beppu with Kids
For most families, near Beppu Station offers the best balance of convenience, comfort, and flexibility. Families wanting a more traditional experience may prefer Kannawa, while those seeking space and views may enjoy coastal hotels.
No matter where you stay, Beppu’s relaxed pace and unique hot spring culture make it a rewarding stop for family travel in Japan.
Wishing you a wonderful trip to Japan. Thank you for stopping by. Let us know if this blog was of any help to you. Please feel free to share or ask any questions in the comment section.
You may also like:
- 10 Things to Know Before Taking the Osaka to Beppu Ferry with Kids
- Cat Ba Island With Kids: Is Lan Ha Bay Worth It for Families?
- 25 unforgettable things to do in Japan with kids
Check our YouTube for the ferry experience between Osaka and Beppu below.
