MURE Beppu

Oita Prefecture is renowned for its hot springs. Beppu Onsen, a particular favorite that lets off steam throughout the city, boasts the largest number of hot spring sources and the highest output in the country. This hot spring resort area attracts numerous visitors from around the world.

From the east exit of Beppu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line, head straight toward Beppu Bay for about one kilometer. MURE Beppu, located along National Route 10, is a truly one-of-a-kind hotel where modern concrete architecture blends seamlessly with timber reclaimed from a century-old traditional house, creating an ambiance that feels like a work of art. The old house that provided the wood once stood in Tonami City, Toyama Prefecture, a region of heavy-snowfall where winter snow can pile more than three meters high. Toyama Prefecture lies between Ishikawa and Niigata Prefectures, facing the Sea of Japan and embracing Toyama Bay. Through a fortunate connection, the hotel acquired a traditional house that had been slated for demolition and transported its pillars, beams, timber, fixtures, and furnishings—by land and sea— all the way to Oita Prefecture over 1,000 kilometers away. These reclaimed materials have been incorporated throughout the hotel, filling the interior with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The most striking example of this can be seen in the magnificent wooden beams gracing the ceilings of the lobby, guest rooms, and private open-air baths. Other historical features and furnishings that can be seen throughout the hotel were also acquired from the old house, such as the ranma (transoms) at the top of the guest room walls, sections of woodwork, the installed sliding doors, and the tables and stools composed of assembled pieces of wood.

The hotel has 14 guest rooms, each equipped with a bath supplied with 100% natural hot spring water from the hotel’s own source. Two private open-air baths are also available on the rooftop terrace. The private open-air baths require a reservation, so be sure request a time at check-in. In addition, footbaths are available in both the first-floor lobby and on the rooftop terrace for guests to enjoy to their heart’s content. The footbaths and rooftop terrace are also open to non-staying guests. However, the hotel kindly asks that you purchase some Japanese sweets or drinks from the lobby café SHU when making use of these facilities. Café SHU serves rice dumplings freshly topped to order, silky-smooth Warabi mochi (bracken starch dumplings), as well as coffee, lattes, Japanese tea, and more.

Meals are not included with your stay. However, numerous restaurants can be found near the hotel, encouraging you to enjoy Oita Prefecture’s local cuisine and Beppu’s culinary specialties while sightseeing. Ask the hotel staff, and they will be happy to recommend some hidden gems. Don’t miss Beppu’s signature cooking style, Jigoku Mushi (Hell Steaming)—an unforgettable dining experience.

Beppu offers a wide variety of hot springs with differing mineral qualities, all concentrated within a compact area, making it the perfect place to enjoy hot spring-hopping. When staying in Beppu, be sure to make a reservation at MURE Beppu, conveniently located close to the station.

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