Happy Neko Beppu
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About
#1 of 7 minshukus in Beppu
Location
4.7
Rooms
4.7
Value
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.8
Sleep Quality
4.5
Comfortable budget accommodation in traditional Japanese house and apartments with tatami rooms in the heart of Kannawa hot springs area. Just a few minutes walk from Beppu Jigokus (Hells) and many onsens and restaurants.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Seating area
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Czech, Japanese
Location
1 Kumi, Kitaju, Beppu 874-0845 Oita Prefecture
Name/address in local language
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 93 out of 100
93
52 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
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Detailed Reviews
We stayed in Beppu for two nights on our tour in Japan.
Happy Neko was great place to stay. We had two Japanese studios for us and our kids which were located in an adjacent building. Parking is no issue and available right in front of the building.
Bibo and family were a very nice host with very fast email communication and he explained us all the things in the area.
The studios are very spacious and real Japanese style with floor mats and futons to sleep on. The furniture and utilities are very basic but all you need (plates, cups, silverware, sink, dish soap, fridge) There is a toilet, but no shower / bath in the room - equipped as described in the booking page. You can go in one of the various Onsen to clean up.
We were in the Hyotan onsen which is only a few min walking distance. It is a very nice onsen that offers private and public onsens. For about 20USD you can rent a very nice private onsen (they have 14 private onsens, indoor and outdoor versions) for 1h. They are up to 3 people, but it was no issue to enter with a family of 4.
There is a supermarket in walking distance and also plenty of restaurants in the area along the main street.
The upper part of the Hells of Beppu are in walking distance (less than 1km from Happy Neko) through some nice walking/small streets. For the lower part you will need some kind of transportation or a good condition. They are about 3km from Happy Neko.
A good tip from Bibo was also to make an evening walk (once the sun was down) through the city area (in the area around Happy Neko) as you can see all the steam outlets through the city and it is a very interesting experience.
Happy Neko was great place to stay. We had two Japanese studios for us and our kids which were located in an adjacent building. Parking is no issue and available right in front of the building.
Bibo and family were a very nice host with very fast email communication and he explained us all the things in the area.
The studios are very spacious and real Japanese style with floor mats and futons to sleep on. The furniture and utilities are very basic but all you need (plates, cups, silverware, sink, dish soap, fridge) There is a toilet, but no shower / bath in the room - equipped as described in the booking page. You can go in one of the various Onsen to clean up.
We were in the Hyotan onsen which is only a few min walking distance. It is a very nice onsen that offers private and public onsens. For about 20USD you can rent a very nice private onsen (they have 14 private onsens, indoor and outdoor versions) for 1h. They are up to 3 people, but it was no issue to enter with a family of 4.
There is a supermarket in walking distance and also plenty of restaurants in the area along the main street.
The upper part of the Hells of Beppu are in walking distance (less than 1km from Happy Neko) through some nice walking/small streets. For the lower part you will need some kind of transportation or a good condition. They are about 3km from Happy Neko.
A good tip from Bibo was also to make an evening walk (once the sun was down) through the city area (in the area around Happy Neko) as you can see all the steam outlets through the city and it is a very interesting experience.
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My partner and I stayed in Beppu for two nights, though upon our arrival at Happy Neko Bibo gave us so much information about things to do nearby that we really wished we'd budgeted more time! Happy Neko is a lovely and inexpensive place to stay; our room was comfortable and spacious and had everything we could have needed, and Bibo was a very friendly and helpful host. The location is great, and you certainly don't miss in-room bathing facilities when you're barely five minutes walk from Hyotan Onsen. The Beppu jigoku are also right nearby, and it's also fun to explore the surrounding spa district (especially, as Bibo recommended, at night). There's also a supermarket nearby that makes self catering very easy. We didn't take up the generous offer to pick us up from the station (as we were unsure of our arrival time) but Happy Neko is a straightforward bus trip from Beppu JR station (just follow the instructions on the website and you'll be fine). Bibo drove us to the ferry terminal on the morning of our departure, which made our lives a lot easier! All in all, highly recommended. (and yes, we did sight a couple of happy cats!)
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Date of stay: November 2013Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was very positively impressed even before our arrival: the owner promptly responded to all my e-mail queries and provided many helpful suggestions. The location is great for experiencing the traditional side of Beppu - within 10 minute walking distance you have many onsens ranging from small places used mainly by locals to larger and more luxurious facilities as well as six of the Hells, a place where you can try steam cooking, or a well-stocked supermarket. The area is perfect for taking a leisure stroll in the evening through magically lit narrow streets with steam emanating virtually from everywhere.
The rooms are spotlessly clean and spacious, equipped with a hot water pot, microwave, washing machine and fast wi-fi. You get a very helpful information packet in your room including discount coupons and a detailed map of the neighbourhood with insider tips on restaurants, onsens and attractions. After our arrival the owner took time to explain everything to us and he patiently kept answering our curious questions about Beppu and living in Japan in general. My friends and I appreciated this special opportunity to learn so much new apart from what is written in guidebooks. He drove us from the station and back in spite of the very ungodly hour in the morning and he even kindly mailed a forgotten item to our next hotel. Many thanks!
The rooms are spotlessly clean and spacious, equipped with a hot water pot, microwave, washing machine and fast wi-fi. You get a very helpful information packet in your room including discount coupons and a detailed map of the neighbourhood with insider tips on restaurants, onsens and attractions. After our arrival the owner took time to explain everything to us and he patiently kept answering our curious questions about Beppu and living in Japan in general. My friends and I appreciated this special opportunity to learn so much new apart from what is written in guidebooks. He drove us from the station and back in spite of the very ungodly hour in the morning and he even kindly mailed a forgotten item to our next hotel. Many thanks!
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Date of stay: November 2013Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy Neko is run by the lovely Mr. Bibo who's dedication to excellent service is rarely seen.
I and a friend stayed in one of the apartments on-site. It was simple but clean and perfect for our needs. Though there was no shower in the apartment, being in Beppu AKA hot spring capital of the world, means finding somewhere to bathe is hardly a feat.
The place is walking distance to the hells but quite far from the downtown area. If you're going to Beppu without your own transport, it might be best to book something closer to the JR station. If you have wheels and want more of a peaceful and local feel, stay at Happy Neko.
I and a friend stayed in one of the apartments on-site. It was simple but clean and perfect for our needs. Though there was no shower in the apartment, being in Beppu AKA hot spring capital of the world, means finding somewhere to bathe is hardly a feat.
The place is walking distance to the hells but quite far from the downtown area. If you're going to Beppu without your own transport, it might be best to book something closer to the JR station. If you have wheels and want more of a peaceful and local feel, stay at Happy Neko.
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Date of stay: March 2013Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were happy in general with Happy Neko's accommodation and services. The owner was really nice and helpful to provide a lot of good information, especially info of steam cooking method at local Tourism Office. Thank you.
We stayed in the japanese house with nice garden, very roomy and clean, we loved it. It really presented japanese house style. The location is very good too. In few minute walk, we could be at very nice onsen (our main purpose for visiting Beppu), local restaurants, tourism office and the hells. The house is far from main road so it's quiet and peaceful.
However, the accommodation does not have shower (mentioned in HappyNeko website) and we were fine with that, but if the toilet has eletronic bidet seat (japanese standard) it will be much better, particular for women. Also it could be nice if some drinking water (hot/cold) was available when we arrived. We did not know if tabwater there is qualified for a direct drink since local water sources are hot spring with sulphur.
We have no hesitate to recommend this accommodation to friends and would stay there again if having a chance. Thank you.
We stayed in the japanese house with nice garden, very roomy and clean, we loved it. It really presented japanese house style. The location is very good too. In few minute walk, we could be at very nice onsen (our main purpose for visiting Beppu), local restaurants, tourism office and the hells. The house is far from main road so it's quiet and peaceful.
However, the accommodation does not have shower (mentioned in HappyNeko website) and we were fine with that, but if the toilet has eletronic bidet seat (japanese standard) it will be much better, particular for women. Also it could be nice if some drinking water (hot/cold) was available when we arrived. We did not know if tabwater there is qualified for a direct drink since local water sources are hot spring with sulphur.
We have no hesitate to recommend this accommodation to friends and would stay there again if having a chance. Thank you.
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Date of stay: May 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kanako W, Owner at Happy Neko Beppu
Responded Jun 7, 2012
I'd like to thank you for the tips how to improve our services - we will definitely consider them! Anyway, I'm very happy that you enjoyed your stay at HAPPY NEKO.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
central location to restaurants and places of interest. it was quiet. nice neighbourhood, surrounded by onsens, nearby supermarket. Bibo is very quick to respond and helpful with explaining 'things to do' .. thank you Bibo !
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
we have stayed at Happy Neko for 2 nites .The small flat is clean & tidy . Most applicators are available,even washing mechine .Bibo picked us them in the train station He introduced us the nearby sightseeing sites , restaurants & spa places ........Just like live in home .
We went to the super market to buy food for breakfast which is about 10 min walking distance . Along the main road . there were some sushi restaurants . one of them , which is near the '' Best'' electric applicators shop, offered cheap prices of Japanese food .
Neko is near the Hells such as sea hells & hill hell.Just walking about 30 minutes .
There were many onsens , we book a natural & looked like a hut onsen for family SPA .which was about JPY 1200.per hour .
Anyway, Happy Neko ,was out of our expectation , 100% recommended
...
We went to the super market to buy food for breakfast which is about 10 min walking distance . Along the main road . there were some sushi restaurants . one of them , which is near the '' Best'' electric applicators shop, offered cheap prices of Japanese food .
Neko is near the Hells such as sea hells & hill hell.Just walking about 30 minutes .
There were many onsens , we book a natural & looked like a hut onsen for family SPA .which was about JPY 1200.per hour .
Anyway, Happy Neko ,was out of our expectation , 100% recommended
...
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Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Traveled with family
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived in Beppu at around 7.00am on the ferry from Osaka. It was still dark when we docked, but Bibo was waiting to pick us up as was arranged in advance. He took us back to Happy Neko and told us that the Tatami suite we had booked for our daughters was ready and we could put luggage there while awaiting for the other apartment for my husband and me. We had booked a hire car with pick up in Oita so Bibo was kind enough to offer to drive us to the nearest railway station so we could take the train to Oita, when we had settled and were ready to go. He was extremely kind and helpful with brochures in the room and information on the closest onsens. Both apartments were clean and had sufficient bedding and heating and tea and coffee making facilities. Our apartment also had a washing machine which came in handy as there were five of us travellingand a microwave as well as the fridge . The supermarket and onsens are all within walking distance, as well as the bakery shop which was a great place to pick up breakfast as it is opened early in the morning and the food was very tasty. A vending machine just a few metres up the street sold hot coffee which was needed every morning as we were driving off for our daily adventure. We enjoyed our stay at Happy Neko very much.
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Date of stay: February 2013Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In terms of affordability, cleanliness, location, space, and information provided by the host, Happy Neko gets a big thumbs up. The host picked us up from the station as soon as we called, and dropped us back, for ¥300 each trip, much cheaper than a taxi, less hassle than a bus. The area was explained to us thoroughly by the host, which we found quite useful. The points you might not read about elsewhere: It is likely that instead of being provided with pillows, that you will be given a small buckwheat pillow, hard and grainy..This is common for a very traditional Japanese Ryokan, and not meant to be an offensive gesture, but if you are used to sleeping on a pillow, perhaps ask if you can have one arranged beforehand. We requested a regular pillow, or an extra blanket to use instead, but we were told there was none available. This in turn effected our quality of sleep during our time at Happy Neko. Beppu as a whole, we rate the onsen very highly, but in our experience Beppu is difficult to navigate as the public transport system is confusing, majority of restaurants don't have english menus (we have found most tourist friendly places in Japan do). Overall we found Beppu a bit uninspiring, and felt our time could have been spent better elsewhere. However, this is only our opinion.
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Date of stay: September 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kanako W, Owner at Happy Neko Beppu
Responded Oct 14, 2012
Thank you very much for your feedback and I'm terribly sorry that you couldn't sleep well because of the buckwheat pillows. We will make sure to have some bigger and softer pillows for our guests available as well.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were three persons who stayed in the Tatami Suite during April. This was without doubt the highlight of our trip in Japan, and we loved it! Our admiration goes to Bibo, the owner, for his outmost kind service and warm personality who made our stay memorable. Thank you so much!
In a nutshell, the suite is spacious, clean and a splendid experience for visitors who look forward to staying in an traditional japanese-style ryokan. I can only concur with all of the fellow reviewers who highlights every aspect of the suite more vividly and detailed.
Speaking of the location, the Kannawa-area in which Happy Neko is situated in is in my opinion the most pleasant location to stay at when in Beppu. Just minutes away by foot are myriads of Onsens, a couple of Izakayas, small convenience-stores, various shops and a fishmonger (from where you may steam-cook the freshest fish and seafood at the nearby Tourist Office) that certainly will satisfy your everyday needs. We very much enjoyed a family-run Izakaya just next door to the fishmonger, who served us the most delicious home made meals ranging from Beppu-style fried chicken, sashimi and cyampon soup to name a few delicacies. The company of the kindhearted owners is even better over a glass of local shochu or sake and some appetizers!
The Onsens range from small, inexpensive and cosy family-run baths (that I highly recommend) to larger resorts where you may rent a private bath for a specific time. They all open from early in the morning, but close at different times at night. However, for the late bather, a larger resort just a minute away is open until 2 o'clock in the night.
For visitors who are intending to travel around Beppu and beyond, a main bus-stop is conveniently situated nearby from which one may travel to Beppu-station or any other destination within the city.
In conclusion, we long to stay at Happy Neko anytime when we'll visit Japan again, and we are certain that you will feel the same way.
In a nutshell, the suite is spacious, clean and a splendid experience for visitors who look forward to staying in an traditional japanese-style ryokan. I can only concur with all of the fellow reviewers who highlights every aspect of the suite more vividly and detailed.
Speaking of the location, the Kannawa-area in which Happy Neko is situated in is in my opinion the most pleasant location to stay at when in Beppu. Just minutes away by foot are myriads of Onsens, a couple of Izakayas, small convenience-stores, various shops and a fishmonger (from where you may steam-cook the freshest fish and seafood at the nearby Tourist Office) that certainly will satisfy your everyday needs. We very much enjoyed a family-run Izakaya just next door to the fishmonger, who served us the most delicious home made meals ranging from Beppu-style fried chicken, sashimi and cyampon soup to name a few delicacies. The company of the kindhearted owners is even better over a glass of local shochu or sake and some appetizers!
The Onsens range from small, inexpensive and cosy family-run baths (that I highly recommend) to larger resorts where you may rent a private bath for a specific time. They all open from early in the morning, but close at different times at night. However, for the late bather, a larger resort just a minute away is open until 2 o'clock in the night.
For visitors who are intending to travel around Beppu and beyond, a main bus-stop is conveniently situated nearby from which one may travel to Beppu-station or any other destination within the city.
In conclusion, we long to stay at Happy Neko anytime when we'll visit Japan again, and we are certain that you will feel the same way.
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Date of stay: April 2012Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You have to get off at Beppu Daigaku station (10 minutes by a city bus from HAPPY NEKO). or Beppu station (20 minutes by a city bus from HAPPY NEKO).
Please visit our web pages for detail information.
"enjoy onsens as much as you can and respect the japanese tradition. this is an unique experience"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$33 - $39 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
JapanKyushuOita PrefectureBeppu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Neko Beppu
Which popular attractions are close to Happy Neko Beppu?
Nearby attractions include Jigokumushikobo Kannawa (0.1 miles), Sato no Eki Kannawa (0.09 miles), and Shiraike Jigoku (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Happy Neko Beppu?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and laundry service.
Which room amenities are available at Happy Neko Beppu?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
What are some restaurants close to Happy Neko Beppu?
Conveniently located restaurants include Restaurant Mitsuboshi, Otto E Sette Oita, and Kokochi Cafe Musubino.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Happy Neko Beppu?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Czech.
Are there any historical sites close to Happy Neko Beppu?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Yunohana Goya (1.5 miles), Hiji Castle Ruin (4.8 miles), and Kimon Yagura (4.8 miles).