InterContinental to open first onsen resort in Beppu

InterContinental Hotels will open its first onsen resort in the Japanese city of Beppu in 2019.

The city of Beppu, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, has long been a favourite with locals as an onsen retreat.

The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ first onsen resort will feature a unique experience including a public onsen bath, spa and pool, as well as a fitness centre, restaurants & bars and Club InterContinental lounge.

Each of the 89 luxury guest rooms will also feature both common and private onsen supplied with water from a local hot spring.

Scheduled to open in 2019, this will be Oita’s first international luxury branded hotel and is expected to be a key attraction for both Japanese and overseas visitors, catering to the burgeoning luxury traveller segment.

The resort – which is situated on 82,000 square meter of land overlooking the city and bay – will be developed by Tokyo Century Corporation, with the support of Oita prefecture and Beppu City.

CEO of IHG ANA, Hans Heijligers said: “InterContinental is a world-renowned, truly international luxury hotel brand, located in most of the world’s key cities and many resort destinations. We are delighted to be launching in Beppu, a scenic area of natural beauty, blessed with rich cuisine and fine hot springs.

“As InterContinental’s first onsen resort, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa will be a globally unique luxury resort, and I am confident it will be a highly sought-after destination for both domestic and international travellers. This ANA and InterContinental co-branded hotel will attract both international and domestic travellers,” Heijligers said.

Oita Prefecture has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination in recent years, especially for visitors from South Korea, Taiwan and South East Asia, and that is expected to grow as Oita City prepares to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Top image features the city of Beppu in Oita Prefecture. Image provided by InterContinental Hotels Group.