Unbelievable Beppu Getaway: Uminohotel Hajime's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Unbelievable Beppu Getaway: Uminohotel Hajime's Hidden Gem Revealed! (…Or, My Deep Dive into Onsen Bliss and Questionable Karaoke)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just returned from the most surreal and utterly delightful mini-vacay at Uminohotel Hajime in Beppu, and I need to tell you about it. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the real deal - a messy, imperfect, and utterly charming experience that'll leave you wanting more… specifically, more onsen.
Let's be clear: Uminohotel Hajime calls itself a "Hidden Gem." And, yeah, it kinda is. Not necessarily hidden hidden (it’s right there, on the coast!), but a gem in the sense that it’s got a soul. It's not your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel chain. It's got character and… quirks. (More on those later.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (and My Near-Disaster with the Elevator)
Okay, the first thing you see is the view. Holy. Moly. The ocean stretches out forever, and the sunrises… well, let's just say I almost forgot the sheer panic I felt when I got stuck in the elevator for a terrifying two minutes. Yes, you read that right. The elevator is a slightly… aging… machine. Thankfully, they've got a 24-hour front desk and the staff were fantastic. Seriously, they were apologetic, offered me free coffee, even checked my blood pressure! (I swear I’m not that dramatic.)
Now, for the accessibility part. They say they have "Facilities for disabled guests," and while I didn't thoroughly test every nook and cranny, I saw an elevator, which is a win! Plus, you're relatively close to the main entrance and the lobby is wide and easy to navigate. The staff were super helpful and responsive, so I will give them top marks in this field.
Living the Dream: Rooms & Amenities (And That Incredible Onsen…Seriously.)
My room? Oh, it was lovely. Not perfectly pristine, mind you. (Think of it as a slightly lived-in embrace.) The "Air conditioning" worked like a dream, thank God, because Beppu can be humid. I appreciated the "Blackout curtains" for sleeping in, and the "Free Wi-Fi" was a lifesaver (especially after my elevator ordeal!). The "Complimentary tea" was a nice touch, and the "Mini bar" was stocked with all the basics (and some very necessary water). Bonus points for the "Bathtub" – perfect for soaking after a long day. And, for the truly pampered, the "Bathrobes" are heavenly.
The real star of the show, however, is the Onsen! Oh, the onsen. Multiple "Spa" areas with different types of "Sauna," "Steamroom," and the pièce de résistance: an "Outdoor" "Swimming pool" with a view! Okay, it’s not technically a swimming pool, it's a soaking pool filled with the naturally heated onsen water, but you get to soak while looking out at the sea. It was… transcendent. I spent hours there. Seriously. Hours. I'm pretty sure I turned into a prune. The "Foot bath" was also a treat, especially after a long day of exploring.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Karaoke Fiasco)
The food situation? Pretty damn good. They offer "Breakfast [buffet]" with a decent spread of "Asian breakfast" and "Western breakfast" options. "Restaurants" offer both "International cuisine" and "Asian cuisine." I tried the "A la carte in restaurant" one night, and it was solid. They also had a "Poolside bar" for cocktails, and a "Coffee shop" if you need a caffeine hit. "Room service [24-hour]" is a godsend. Trust me.
But here's where we get to the quirks. One night, fueled by delicious sake and the confidence of a thousand suns, I cornered some unsuspecting colleagues and demanded we hit the karaoke bar. Now, I'm not a good singer. I'm not even a mediocre singer. I'm the kind of singer that makes cats run for the hills. Long story short, my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was… well, let's just say the bar staff quickly diverted us to a private room. But hey, the memories! (Shudders)
Safety, Cleanliness & COVID-19 Protocols (Because, You Know, Still Important)
Okay, on to the practicalities. They seem to take cleanliness seriously. They have "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays." They also have "Hand sanitizer" readily available and "Staff trained in safety protocol." They follow "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," and have "Safe dining setup". They offer all the necessary precautions and it was good to see they are taking hygiene seriously. I felt safe, even during my karaoke-induced panic.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Actually Mostly Good)
- The Good: The Onsen. The views. The staff (seriously, they're lovely). The comfy beds. The surprisingly effective air conditioning. The overall relaxed vibe.
- The Slightly… Odd: The elevator (blessing in disguise for fitness, right?). The karaoke situation (my fault, not theirs).
- The Ugly: Okay, nothing was ugly. Just, you know, some areas that could use a tiny bit of updating. But, hey, that's part of the charm, right?
Things to Do (Besides Soaking in Onsen and Avoiding Karaoke)
Beppu is a treasure trove of things to do! Here are some of the highlights:
- Explore the Jigoku Meguri (Hells of Beppu): These are a series of hot springs, each with a unique appearance (like pools of boiling mud and vibrant colors). Absolutely fascinating.
- Visit Takasakiyama Natural Zoo: Get up close and personal with wild monkeys! (Keep your distance, though, those little guys can be cheeky).
- Hike Mount Takasaki: It's a fun day hike with stunning views.
- Hit the Beach: Beppu’s got a lovely coastline to explore.
- Try Local Cuisine: Beppu is famous for its seafood. Indulge!
- Spa/Sauna, things to do, and ways to relax: There are ample opportunities to relax and enjoy your vacation.
- For the kids: There are Kids facilities and Babysitting service.
Final Verdict: Book It! (Especially if You Need an Escape!)
Uminohotel Hajime isn't perfect. But that's precisely what makes it so good. It's a place of genuine charm, a true escape from the ordinary. If you're looking for a luxurious, sterile experience, this might not be the place for you. But if you crave genuine relaxation, breathtaking views, and the ultimate onsen experience, book this getaway now. You won't regret it. (Just… maybe avoid the karaoke.)
SEO-Optimized Call to Action: Your Unforgettable Beppu Getaway Awaits!
Ready for Relaxation? Book Your Unbelievable Beppu Getaway at Uminohotel Hajime TODAY!
- We offer unforgettable onsen experiences with stunning ocean views.
- Enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms, and delicious dining options.
- Relax in our spa/sauna and swimming pool (outdoor), or explore the wonders of Beppu.
- With exceptional service and a commitment to safety and hygiene, Uminohotel Hajime is your perfect escape! Book your stay now for a truly unique and unforgettable experience! Don’t wait. Book your escape today!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary isn't going to be your perfectly-manicured travel Instagram feed. This is the real deal – a chaotic, gloriously messy, probably-going-to-be-late-for-stuff kind of trip to Uminohotel Hajime (formerly Umikaoruyado Hotel Newmatsumi) in Beppu, Japan. Get ready for onsen-induced existential crises, questionable food choices, and a whole lotta "oops, I did it again."
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Onsen Debacle (aka, Where's My Towel?)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Oita Airport. Okay, first hiccup – the luggage carousel is playing hide-and-seek. Spent a solid 20 minutes staring blankly, clutching my travel pillow, before finally spotting my slightly-battered suitcase. Phew. Now, the real adventure begins.
- 1:45 PM: Pre-booked the airport bus to Beppu station. Felt super organized! (Pat myself on the back). The bus ride is scenic. The moment I looked at the sea, I realized how overwhelmed I was.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at Beppu Station. Taxi to Uminohotel Hajime. Everything is so clean and organized. Immediately felt my "organized traveler" facade crack. Spent five minutes wandering in circles, convinced I'd missed the hotel. Found it!
- 3:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby is all sleek lines and Zen vibes. I felt my inner chaos resisting. Receptionists are impeccably polite, and the room has a view to die for (literally. If I fell off the balcony).
- 4:00 PM: Dive into the onsen (hot spring). This is what I came for! Got into the female onsen, and realized, I'd forgotten my towel. Cue mental breakdown, a desperate scramble for a flimsy hand towel, and a whole lot of awkward giggling. The onsen itself, however, was pure bliss. The water was hot, the steam made my hair frizzy, and I felt like all my worries were melting away.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to get ready for dinner (which I hope has a proper dining room) - I still haven't figured out the Japanese aircon and am sweating as I type.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. (Hopefully, my attempt at ordering in Japanese doesn't end with me eating a plate of raw octopus eyeballs. I'm still traumatized from that street food incident in Osaka.)
- 8:30 PM: Dinner! Oh my god, the food. It was a multi-course affair, and I have no idea what half the stuff was, but it was all delicious. Possibly the best meal of my life. I stuffed myself. I probably made some questionable noises of enjoyment. The service was impeccable. I'm pretty sure I saw a glimpse of my future self, happily sprawled in a futon, contemplating life and the meaning of miso soup.
- 9:30 PM: After dinner, I did the one thing I avoid on trips, I went outside to smoke. I didn't even realize how much I missed the sea breeze.
- 10:30 PM: Sleep!
Day 2: Jigoku Meguri and the Quest for the Perfect Tempura
- 9:00 AM: Woke up. Breakfast was a delightful mix of Japanese staples and something I now knew was a mysterious green bean. I think I liked it.
- 10:00 AM: Decide to explore the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour). "Hell" is apparently made up of beautiful, colorful hot springs. This is tourism at its finest. I wonder if the name is a marketing ploy.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at the "Hell" tour. First up, the "Sea Hell" – a stunning turquoise pool. The steam rising off it makes it even more striking and spooky. I took a million photos. I am a cliche.
- 11:30 AM: Next up - "Blood Pond Hell". It really does look like blood. A little unsettling. A lot fascinating. My inner drama queen approved.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! I had a vague idea of where I wanted to go, but completely lost my way. Ended up wandering around Beppu, getting increasingly hangry.
- 1:00 PM: Found a small local restaurant with a line out the door. "Sign of good food!" I thought, ignoring the fact that I didn't speak a word of Japanese. Managed to order tempura with enthusiastic pointing and a lot of "oishii!" (At least I think that's what I said). It was the best tempura of my life. The batter was light, the vegetables were crispy, and the dipping sauce was perfect. I could have wept.
- 2:00 PM: Return to the hotel to check the sea view again. I can't believe it!
- 3:00 PM: Dip into the onsen again. After a morning of sightseeing, another soak was exactly what I needed. This time, no towel-related crisis. I'm learning!
- 7:00 PM: I considered trying to find a cooking class, but my feet hurt and I'm feeling lazy. I think I prefer to order and eat.
- 8:00 PM: Last dinner at the hotel. I ordered a platter of seafood. I spent half of it trying to figure out what things were. By the end, I wasn't sure.
- 9:00 PM: Spent the night relaxing in the room.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath of Bliss
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast at the hotel. Attempted to eat everything. Failed.
- 9:00 AM: A last, lingering look at the view from the balcony. Sigh. I don't want to leave!
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Managed to say "arigato gozaimasu" without sounding like a complete idiot. Progress!
- 11:00 AM: The bus to Oita Airport.
- 12:00 PM: Sitting at the airport, eating a convenience store onigiri and reflecting. I'm exhausted, sunburnt and slightly overwhelmed. But also, profoundly happy. Beppu, you beautiful, chaotic, delicious place. I'll be back. (Probably with a larger suitcase for all the souvenirs.) I am leaving my towel in the hotel.
This itinerary will go to hell, I know it. I will probably miss connections, eat something I regret, and spend the whole time lost in translation. But that's the point, right? It's not about perfection. It's about the messy, wonderful, human experience of travelling, finding joy in the unexpected, and maybe, just maybe, learning a few new words in Japanese along the way. And most importantly… finding the perfect onsen.
Uncover Onsen Heaven: Beppu's Onsenkaku Awaits!
Unbelievable Beppu Getaway: Uminohotel Hajime's Hidden Gem Revealed! (Seriously, Prepare to Be Amazed... and Maybe Annoyed)
Okay, so, what's this "Uminohotel Hajime" thing all about? Is it *actually* a hidden gem? Because let's be real, "hidden gem" is overused, right?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets interesting. YES. It IS a hidden gem, and I say that after spending a weekend there, which involved a LOT of onsen-ing (more on that later, oh my goodness). Uminohotel Hajime is in Beppu, that famous hot spring town in Japan. Think dramatic coastline, volcanic activity, and a general sense of "wow, nature is showing off!". It's not some massive, impersonal resort – it's smaller, more intimate. And yes, it *felt* hidden, even though it's right there on the coast. Finding the place was an adventure in itself – I'd swear the directions weren't designed for someone who's directionally challenged like myself. I'm pretty sure I circled the block three times before finally seeing the understated sign. Seriously, it was *that* well-hidden.
The photos look AMAZING! Is it all just Instagram trickery? Tell me the REAL tea on the rooms.
Okay, the photos. They're pretty accurate, actually. I'm not gonna lie. My room? Ocean views. Real, actual, breathtaking ocean views. And the best part? You could sit there in your fluffy robe (provided, thank GOD) and just... *breathe*. Now, they're not HUGE luxury suites, but the rooms are comfortable, clean, and cleverly designed to maximize that view. But here's the truth: the first room I got? The aircon was a bit wonky. I'm talking, *sticky* kind of wonky. I'm no expert, but I know uncomfortable humid air. Took one call to the front desk (very polite, very apologetic staff, by the way), and they *immediately* moved me. See? Perfection is impossible. Things happen. But their responsiveness? Stellar. Oh! And the bathroom? A good, standard size, so much better than some shoebox bathrooms I've known in my life! A little weird the toilet was so close to the shower, but that's just me, I assume.
Hot Springs! In Beppu?! Give me the onsen lowdown! What were the pools like? And the *experience*?
THIS. This is where Uminohotel Hajime truly shines. The onsen (hot springs) situation is... well, it's life-altering. Seriously. They had a few different pools, indoor and outdoor. The outdoor one, overlooking the ocean? Forget about it. Absolutely divine. Imagine soaking in steaming, mineral-rich water while the waves crash below. The air is crisp, the steam is thick, your muscles melt... It's the ultimate relaxation. Getting naked in front of everyone initially was a bit nerve-wracking (cultural differences, eh?), but the atmosphere is so zen, so respectful, it just melts away. Plus, I think I was mostly too busy focusing on the bliss to care. I think I made a friend in the onsen, we had a small chat with a woman who has spent all her life in Japan! The best part? No one really talks. It's all about appreciating the moment. Just be prepared: you will emerge looking like a boiled potato. But a gloriously relaxed one. And I swear, my skin felt *amazing* afterward.
The food! I'm a big foodie. What's the dining situation?
Okay, let's talk food. Breakfast was included, and it was a traditional Japanese affair. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of natto (fermented soybeans – think... acquired taste!). But, I bravely sampled a little. And I'm still here to talk about it! It was a good effort, but my stomach, not so much. There were other options, plenty of, delicious options. Fresh fish, miso soup, rice, pickles, etc. Dinner? They offer a multi-course kaiseki meal. It was *beautiful* – tiny, artfully presented dishes, each one bursting with flavor. I'm still dreaming of the sashimi. Seriously, some of the best I've ever had. It's not cheap, but it's an experience. Expect a small splurge. And they had some awesome local sake, too! Just, pace yourself. The servers are VERY attentive, constantly refilling your drinks. I might have had a *little* too much sake that night. (But hey, I was on vacation!).
Sounds amazing! But really, what about the *bad* parts? Gotta be some downsides, right?
Okay, the not-so-glamorous truth. Getting there isn't the easiest, especially if you're relying on public transport. It's a bit out of the main Beppu city center. So, you're either walking (which is fine, but tiring in the heat and all the hills), taking a taxi (which can add up), or the hotel shuttle. The shuttle? Good, but not very frequent. So, plan ahead. Oh! And I mentioned the aircon, right? And really, that was a small thing. There's also the fact that you're pretty much stuck at the hotel at night unless you're willing to schlep all the way into town. The wifi wasn't always the strongest. Seriously, I had a *real* Twitter moment on the second day because there was barely enough signal to update my status and complain. (See, I'm honest!). Also, if you're not comfortable being naked around strangers, the onsen can be a hurdle. But honestly, the positives far outweighed the negatives. By a mile.
Would you REALLY recommend it? Or are you just trying to be 'influencer-y'?
Look, I’m not being paid to say this (trust me, I wish!). Would I recommend Uminohotel Hajime? Absolutely. Absolutely. It's not perfect, but the atmosphere, the onsen, the views, the food… all worth it. It’s a place to unplug, to relax, to disconnect from the craziness of everyday life. And hey, if you're anything like me, you'll come away feeling refreshed and maybe a little bit… pickled. But in the best possible way. Just go! And tell them Sarah sent you. They probably won't remember me, but you never know. 😉 Happy traveling!
