"We had an exceptional stay at Kannawaen and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable ryokan experience.
The highlight of our stay was the in-room open-air bath, which was both relaxing and beautifully designed. It was perfect for unwinding at any time of day. The public baths were equally impressive, with both indoor and outdoor options that were clean, serene, and thoughtfully maintained and the view from the outdoor public bath was awesome. One of the most unique experiences was the full body steam boxes which we hadn’t encountered anywhere else and thoroughly enjoyed.
Dining was outstanding. One evening we had a kaiseki dinner featuring lobster and shabu shabu, and the next night we experienced a teppanyaki dinner with perfectly prepared steak and abalone. Both meals were delicious, high-quality, and beautifully presented.
We also treated ourselves to head and body massages for an additional fee, and they were absolutely worth it. It was a professional, relaxing, and perfect complement to the overall onsen experience.
The staff were attentive, friendly, and always ready to help, making the entire stay feel seamless and welcoming. The location is very convenient for visiting the Hells of Beppu, which are just a short distance away, and having free self-parking made it especially easy to explore the area by car.
Overall, Kannawaen delivered a perfect blend of relaxation, unique experiences, and exceptional service. We would absolutely stay here again."