It is the local professionals who know best the highlights of a destination. For this issue, we asked Mari Takara, general manager of the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa, about the attractions in and around Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.
–What made you come to work at this hotel?
Mr. Takara: It has been 13 years since I started my career with IHG Hotels & Resorts. After the opening in 2019, I have been involved in improving customer satisfaction and overseeing the entire hotel operation. Since August last year, I have been making daily efforts to create a resort loved by customers and to contribute to the further development of Oita and Beppu.
–What kind of hotel is it?
Mr. Takara: The ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa opened in 2019 in Beppu, which boasts the largest amount of hot spring water in Japan. The resort hotel is located on a hilltop overlooking the magnificent nature and the emotional and spectacular view of the hot spring resort with its steamy atmosphere. We welcome you with our world-class service and hospitality that is tailored to each and every one of our guests so that you can fully enjoy the charms of Beppu, our hometown.
–What is the unique experience of this hotel?
Mr. Takara: We offer a variety of InterContinental lifestyle options to meet the needs of both the discerning traveler and the first-time luxury stay guest, as well as an unprecedented resort experience that combines the charms of Beppu, a historic hot spring resort town. We offer a new way to experience resort life through spa treatments that provide the ultimate in healing, gastronomic experiences prepared with ingredients from the bountiful region of Oita and its surrounding areas, and original local activities.
–please let me know if you have any personal favorites tourist spots or restaurants in the vicinity of the hotel.
Takara: Among Beppu’s many hot springs and various natural attractions, I often visit Beppu Park. In addition to the flower garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and the open lawn area, my favorite spot for yoga is the bamboo grove area. There is nothing better than doing yoga in a bamboo grove with a fresh breeze and soft sunlight shining through. With this in mind, we also offer yoga as an outdoor activity for our guests.
–What restaurant menu do you recommend?
Takara: Our signature restaurant, Atelier, offers a unique gastronomic experience along with a variety of seasonal delicacies. We recommend the chef’s creative course meals that lavishly incorporate the natural bounty of Oita and other parts of Kyushu, such as Oita wagyu beef and Gamoe lobsters.
Jigoku-mushi, a cooking method used in Kannawa Onsen since the Edo period, is another unique Beppu experience. The “Jigoku-Mushi Pork Buns” from Kannawa Pork Buns Honpo, located in this area, is a specialty made by the locals. It is an essential part of a stroll around Kannawa.
–What souvenirs do you recommend?
Mr. Takara: The yukata that we offer as an amenity in our guest rooms was created in collaboration with Ota Hatten, which was founded in Oita Prefecture in 1867. The design features motifs of Oita’s representative ingredients from the sea and mountains as well as traditional bamboo crafts, and many of our guests purchase them as souvenirs and memories of their stay.
Myoban Yu no Sato, located in Myoban Onsen, offers a popular cosmetic series using “medicinal yunohana” made by a manufacturing technique designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset by the Japanese government. These original cosmetics, including soap and lotion, allow you to experience the effects of hot spring water on your glowing skin.
–Thank you very much.
Location: 499-18 Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.