5-Star Hotels in Oita Prefecture, Japan

The closest hotel to Harmonyland which allows you to take taxi to and from the theme park at a reasonable price. The hotel basically provides everything from snacks, drinks and meals all day including dinner and breakfast, everything was excellent. I was aware that Mercure is an international hotel chain thus the vibes of the hotel itself can’t truly be entirely Japanese. However, I was still very satisfied with my stay overall. I was so lucky to see some cherry blossom trees still in their peak at the hotel parking lot while the peak of most other trees in different areas had already passed. The hotel also offers free shuttle from and to Beppu Station which we found to be very helpful.

I’m glad that we chose Amane Gahama for our family vacation because it’s spacious and the private hot spring was awesome with both in and out door options. It’s a little inconvenient that breakfast was located in the sister hotel next door, but the hotel had arranged buggy for transport which the kids are happy about it.

Love this place! Our glamping experience was absolutely wonderful! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by how well everything was set up. The tent was spacious, cozy, and beautifully furnished, with all the comforts of a hotel room but surrounded by nature. The location was perfect—nestled in nature with stunning views and just the right amount of seclusion for a peaceful escape. We were thrilled to find a campfire pit for cozy evenings, even though the rain meant we couldn’t use it. The sound of raindrops on the tent was surprisingly relaxing, though!

This hotel was truly the highlight of my trip to Japan. Nestled on the hillside, the views from the window are breathtaking, especially from the infinity pool where you can overlook most of Beppu. It gives you a sense of serene detachment from the urban clamor, as if you're uniquely clear-headed amidst a busy world. During our stay, there were occasional showers, and after the rain, the mountains would often become shrouded in mist, making the landscape incredibly dynamic – sometimes clear and picturesque, other times beautifully hazy and ethereal. The hotel's hot springs (onsen) are another major feature. The male and female baths are separate, ensuring privacy, and each has its own outdoor bath. What's more, the male and female sections switch over daily, so if you stay two nights, you get to experience both unique bath areas. The hotel also provides guests with traditional Japanese yukata robes and geta (wooden clogs). Regarding transportation, since the hotel is on a hillside, they offer a shuttle bus. However, it's small with limited seating, so reservations are essential. What's fantastic is that if you can't reserve a spot, the hotel *provides a taxi free of charge*. Let me emphasize that: free, free, free! So, the only potential inconvenience of staying here is perfectly addressed. While the standard breakfast selection is decent, they also have a 'hidden menu' – definitely ask for it!

I will come to this hotel again: Located halfway up a mountain near Hita City, more than 6,000 plum trees will bloom when winter turns to spring. The hotel is small, with a view at every step. The long corridor, red wooden bridge, and elegant lobby all allow sunlight to be projected as much as possible, and blend with the warm yellow lights in the house, making people feel warm and comfortable, reflecting the intentions of the hotel builders everywhere. The entire hot spring hotel uses plum blossoms as design elements. Qizhe, Orihime, Nangao, Yingjuku, and Ryukyō are five varieties of plums in Japan, which have become the names of beautiful different room types. The hotel's room keys, tables and chairs, window shapes, and room decorations are all inspired by plum blossoms. Nangao and Yingjuku rooms both have their own private hot springs. When taking a hot spring bath, the valley in front of you is sometimes misty, sometimes colorful, and sometimes starry. The various beauties of the Hibiki Valley are unforgettable. The breakfast and dinner included in the hotel are all exquisite Kaiseki cuisine, incorporating local plum characteristics. You can try plum wine of various flavors and ages during meals. If you are not satisfied with the drink, you can buy a few bottles of plum wine from the nearby store and take them home as souvenirs. There is also a non-alcoholic plum juice that is also very delicious. The hotel staff are serious, friendly and helpful, and the pick-up service is very thoughtful.

Great hospitality experience from booking until our way back from Yufuin train station. The staff service was 5-star. The hotel is located in the main touristic area but as soon as you step behind the curtain, it is calm and lovely. The room was sparkling clean, with great amenities and comfort. The public/private baths were also great, very clean and no reservation needed. Special mention to the restaurant recommendation, a great dinner spot recommended nearby the hotel. Strongly recommend to anyone willing to stay in Yufuin.